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I hope you had a great week!

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Random Things Happening Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms

What a week it was!

The gardens are making their transition from summer to fall. Leaves are dropping from trees and autumn will be here before you know it.

I spent some time in the gardens this week deadheading, making bouquets, and weeding the beds.

The lawn is starting to brown out in different spots throughout the property. There was drought stress but something more is going on. It’s been a problem for years. I need to take another soil test to drill down on what’s going wrong.

A lush garden with vibrant green foliage features tall sunflowers, white hydrangeas, and pink flowers in bloom. The background is filled with dense, green trees, creating a serene and colorful outdoor setting.

Recent Flower Arrangements

As soon as we got back from Vermont, I got right to work in the gardens deadheading and making arrangements. There are so many great blooms right now so I made several bouquets for friends, family and my home. Here are just a few of this week’s creations!

Aside from the glass vase, the crock and chicken feeder vessels were both found at the vintage flea market in Wilmington, Vermont. I swear, they have the best stuff!!!

A vibrant bouquet in a beige ceramic vase sits atop a white lace-patterned metal table. The arrangement includes sunflowers, dahlias, and various wildflowers, with lush greenery in the background and a blue sky overhead.
A vibrant bouquet of flowers arranged in a clear glass vase sits on a stone ledge. The bouquet features an array of colorful flowers, including pink, red, purple, and white blooms, with green foliage. The background shows lush greenery and sunlight filtering through.

My Older Dog

We’re having a little bit of a sad week here as my older dog Bodie, who’s almost 13 is not doing well. He has really bad arthritis and is having trouble moving around.

Bodie has been in a lot of pain lately and we’ve been trying to manage it but the meds aren’t working so well anymore. We started him on a shot that is suppose to help arthritis in dogs but it takes a few doses to kick in and so far, he’s only had two.

We are in the process of switching meds but I can’t starting giving it to him until today, so I am hopeful that this works. I’ll know more as the week progresses but he seems to have really good days. And really bad days. It’s hard. And it’s not lost on me where we are in his journey.

black lab in zen garden by pond

Stop Throwing Money Away on Dead Plants! My “No-Fail” Houseplant Course is Coming THIS WEEK! 🌱

Remember those beautiful houseplants you brought home, full of hope for a green and vibrant space? But then… droopy leaves. Yellowing stems. The dreaded trash can trip.

It’s not just heartbreaking – it’s a waste of money!

I get it. I used to be that person too. A master in my outdoor flower garden, but a serial killer of anything indoors. I’d buy plants that I wanted to grow and killed every single one of them.

But I’m here to tell you: Anyone can grow healthy houseplants! Even you with the not so green thumb over there.

That’s why I created my new 10-Day Plant Parenting 101: Houseplant Mastery Course. It’s your fast-track to a thriving indoor garden without the frustration and wasted cash.

In just 10 days, you’ll gain the confidence to:

  • Choose plants that actually want to live in your home: No more impulse buys that end in tragedy!
  • Water like a pro: Finally understand how much, how often, and all those little signs your plants are giving you.
  • Become a light detective: Crack the code on what “bright indirect light” actually means for your space.
  • Give your plants the perfect home: Learn the secrets of soil, repotting, and keeping those roots happy.

No more dead plants. No more wasted money. Just a thriving indoor garden that makes you proud.

Stay tuned for enrollment details! Get ready to turn your “black thumb” green and watch your home come alive.

Early birds get the worm (or in this case, the thriving houseplant)! The first few to sign up will get a special bonus, so keep an eye on your inbox!

A wooden dresser with multiple drawers is adorned with various potted plants and a round clock with Roman numerals. Above the dresser hangs a framed piece of textile art featuring a colorful butterfly, flowers, and foliage.

Console Table \\ Butterfly Arched Wall Decor \\ Clock \\ Vase \\ Alocasia Dawn \\ Chinese Evergreen \\ Fiddle Leaf Fig

What I’m Shopping For This Week

It’s been a random week of stuff! I’m starting to look at fall decor for my home and of course, needed a few odds and ends for the garden. Here’s what I’m shopping for this week!

For the Garden

If you are getting ready for fall like I am, here are my fall garden essentials.

As my gardens are showing signs of fall, I want to change up my front porch. So I started shopping around for this year’s look. And this is what I ordered!

Since my houseplants have pretty much taken over the porches I want to go more terracotta neutrals. I love the boho look of my finds! You can see them and more here.

A fall porch decor guide from "Stacy Ling Bricks 'n Blooms" features four items: Boho outdoor pillow covers, an outdoor area rug, a cozy fall blanket, and a neutral pumpkin patch pillow cover. The items are visually represented with arrows connecting them.

For My Home

  • I bought this area rug for my family room that I told you about last week for the family room.
  • And I love scents from Magnolia Hearth and Hand. I bought this candle and it smells incredible!
  • I also bought this vintage gold mushroom decor for my library shelves and two sets of these resin brass looking place holders for my Thanksgiving table (yes I saw them and jumped on them before they sell out).

These are the most popular products on my blog this week!

A serene outdoor garden setup at dusk with string lights hanging overhead, illuminating a cozy seating area with a table and chairs. Lush green foliage and blooming flowers surround the scene, and a vintage bicycle rests against one side of the garden.

solar lanterns // solar string lights // string light poles

What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms

It was a fun week on the blog!

The Lazy Gardener’s Guide to Freezing Tomatoes: No Canning Required

Enjoy fresh garden tomatoes all year long! Learn the simple, no-canning method for freezing tomatoes in this easy guide.

A black woven basket filled with ripe red tomatoes sits on a rustic wooden table outdoors. The background features lush green foliage and a wicker chair, reminiscent of an organic gardening setup. Sunlight casts a natural glow over the scene, highlighting the freshness of growing tomatoes.

Fall 2024 Decor Made Easy: Quick Tips for a Fresh Look

Get your home ready for fall 2024 with these quick & easy decorating tips. Create a fresh, seasonal look without breaking the bank!

A rustic vase filled with a colorful arrangement of flowers, including sunflowers, zinnias, and various grasses, sits on a dark surface beside a reflective, pear-shaped glass ornament. Sunlight streams in through a window, illuminating the scene.

Homemade Flower Food: A Simple Recipe for Beautiful Bouquets

Keep your flowers fresh for days with this easy homemade flower food recipe! Simple DIY solution for long-lasting blooms.

A vibrant bouquet of various flowers, including red, white, pink, and yellow blooms, arranged in a decorative golden vase. The arrangement is set outdoors on a stone surface with a lush, green garden in the background.

Cozy Outdoor Fall Decor Ideas for Your Porch

Cozy up your porch with these creative ideas. Get inspired & create a welcoming autumnal space.

fall porch with swing, throw pillows, area rug, plants and vintage decor

Easy Garden-Fresh Gazpacho: The Best Cold Soup Recipe

Cool down with a refreshing garden-fresh gazpacho recipe bursting with summer flavors. This vibrant soup is made with the season’s best produce, perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.

Two bowls of tomato soup garnished with sliced cherry tomatoes and chopped herbs are placed on a wooden surface. In the background, whole tomatoes and cucumbers can be seen, adding a fresh touch to the cozy setting.

Easy 5-Minute Cucumber Sandwich with Cream Cheese

Whip up this easy cucumber sandwich recipe with cream cheese in just 5 minutes! Perfect for a light lunch, afternoon tea, or party appetizer.

A wooden tray holds several neatly arranged triangular cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese made with white bread. Beside the sandwiches, there are a cluster of green grapes and two ripe strawberries, all set against a rustic tabletop.
Refreshing Cucumber Sandwiches

My Latest Videos

THE BEST Outdoor Flea Market Haul!

Get ready for a treasure-hunting adventure! Join me as I explore the legendary Wilmington, Vermont Flea Market and uncover some incredible finds for my garden and home. 🏡🌳

This outdoor flea market is a must-visit destination in New England, and I’m sharing all the hidden treasures I scored. From vintage garden decor to unique home accents, this haul is packed with inspiration and DIY potential. ✨

Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just love a good bargain, you won’t want to miss this exciting flea market journey! 🤩 Watch the video.

A variety of pottery and ceramic items are displayed on tables at an outdoor flea market. The text reads "THRIFT WITH ME! The Best Outdoor Flea Market Haul!!! New England Edition" with a floral logo at the top.

How to Protest Your Koi Pond From Predators

Tired of losing your precious koi to hungry predators? I was too, until a persistent blue heron turned my backyard pond into its personal buffet!

Join me as I share the hard-learned lessons and effective strategies I used to finally protect my koi. From simple deterrents to clever DIY solutions, you’ll discover how to keep your fish safe and enjoy a thriving pond once again.

Don’t let predators ruin your aquatic paradise – let’s fight back! Watch the video.

A lush koi pond surrounded by rocks and greenery, with water lilies on the surface and a small waterfall. Overlaid text reads, "HOW TO PROTECT YOUR KOI POND FROM PREDATORS - My Epic Battle With a Blue Heron (And How You Can Win Too!)." A "WATCH NOW" button is visible.

Amazing Inspiration from Around the Web

I love finding cool inspiration from around the web and wanted to share some of what I’m loving right now.

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo

The bricks \'n Blooms guide to a beautiful and easy-care flower garden book by stacy ling
The Bricks ‘n Blooms Guide to a Beautiful and Easy Care Flower Garden
  • Have you never met a plant you couldn’t kill?
  • Have you dug around in the dirt with nothing to show for it except a sunburn and a sore back?
  • Do you currently enjoy growing flowers, but are looking for more tips and ideas to level up your gardening game?

Then the Bricks ‘n Blooms Guide is for YOU

Buy Now

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Stacy Ling

Stacy Ling is author of the best selling book, The Bricks 'n Blooms Guide to a Beautiful and Easy-Care Flower Garden, and writes the blog Bricks ’n Blooms from her 1850 farmhouse located in zone 6b northern New Jersey. She is a master gardener who’s been gardening for over 25 years and enjoys sharing her passion to help beginners find their inner green thumb, as well as discover a love for all things plants and flowers. Stacy loves to bring the outdoors inside her home and decorates with a comfy, casual, and cottagecore style. Come grow stuff and create beautiful spaces with her.

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4 Comments

  1. Sending prayers for Brodie. I know how hard it is to see then not feeling well. My brother gives his pug these injections. It has been helping. Sending prayers

    Reply

    1. Thank you Cindy! I’m glad to hear it is working! How long did it take to see signs of improvement? He’s had two so far but I’ve heard it can take 6-12 weeks.

      Reply

  2. We have a Bodie, too! A black boxer that was asleep on my porch one morning about 6 years ago. He raised his head, said good morning, decided he would live here, went back to sleep. We think he’s about 10 or 11 now, and showing signs of arthritis. I keep him on advanced hip & joint supplements and they seem to help him more than anything else. And yes, we know when those times come. Always hard, as they should be.
    It’s 107 here in TX today, no rain for the last 7 weeks or so. Trying to keep everything that’s still alive, alive. I did lose two more hydrangea bushes. I’m only slightly envious of your gardens, praying for signs of fall to come!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Lynne, I truly appreciate your kind words. How fun! I love that you spell it the same way too! If you don’t mind me asking is it cosemine? He’s on those but if there’s something else, I am all ears! And 107 is hot!!! I am looking forward to cooler temperatures too!

      Reply