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I hope you had a great week!

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What a week it was!

Behind the Scenes

Fall gardening is in full swing here! I’ve been pulling zinnias and other plants that are done for the season. And as painful as it was to pull them, it felt good cleaning the clutter!

I also got a GIANT plant delivery from Proven Winners that took an afternoon to unload and a full day to figure out where everyone was going! This weekend, was perfect planting weather, so I’ve been busy in the gardens getting all of them situated. (If you want to see my full plant haul and learn about each, I shared it in my latest YouTube video linked below).

A serene garden setting with a vintage bicycle covered in vines and flowers. A patio area features wicker chairs and a table with a pumpkin centerpiece. A backdrop of trees and glowing string lights adds a tranquil, autumnal atmosphere.

Dahlia Controversy

In one of my Instagram reels this week, I got some blowback from fellow gardeners that disagree with my approach to my dahlias this year. You can see the video here for context.

This year, I’ve decided to treat them as annuals. I used to spend SO MUCH TIME overwintering them that I just don’t want to do it this year. I’m in one 6b, they don’t do well in the ground even with extra mulch here, and I’m not digging them up and storing them this year. While I was doing it last year, I made the decision that I was letting myself off the hook in 2024 because I don’t enjoy the process.

Gardening should be fun and if there is something you don’t love to do and can’t outsource it – I’m here to tell you that it is okay to let it go! Plus…I love to shop for plants! Yes this is more expensive but the time that I save not labeling, digging them up, storing, and checking on them all winter long is worth it to me. We don’t all have to agree.

If you are growing dahlias this year, tell me in the comments below what you’re doing with yours! I’d love to hear your method and any tips you have.

Close-up of a large white dahlia with soft pink and peach hues at the center. It blooms against a backdrop of green leaves, with a blurred terracotta pot in the background and a small red bud nearby.
Dahlia Cafe Au Lait

Some Sad News

In sad news, I discovered one of the kittens passed last Saturday morning before I left for my book signing event at the Farm at Green Village. I didn’t mention this last week because I was really upset about it and couldn’t bring myself to talk about it just yet. The kittens were warming up to us and he was really a love.

When I brought the kittens to the vet for their initial check up a few weeks ago, the dr told me he had a bad heart and could have heart failure at any time. We noticed he was slowing down since we first brought him home but were hoping he was more docile than his brother. I didn’t think it would be this soon, but sadly…it was.

So we only have Harry (the black cat) left. He seems to be adjusting to the loss and has become a little more snugly since. I feel terrible about it all but these things happen when you bring in strays.

A peaceful garden scene with a wicker dining set surrounded by potted grasses and autumn decorations. A bicycle leans against a fence, and pumpkins are scattered around. Tall trees and a sunset sky are in the background.

Fall into Flower Gardening

Fall is the perfect time to both plan and plant, ensuring a vibrant and colorful display come spring. To help you get started, I’ve put together a FREE guide: 10 Essential Tips for Starting a Flower Garden. This handy resource is packed with everything you need to know, from choosing the right plants for your climate to preparing your soil for optimal growth.

Download your free guide today and start planning your dream garden for next spring. Get the guide here!

A garden path surrounded by vibrant autumn flowers, including yellow daisies and pink blooms. A single pumpkin rests on the ground, adding to the seasonal atmosphere. Trees with changing leaves stand in the background under a blue sky.

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!

Remember those plant lights I bought to supplement light for my houseplants that I are being sited away from windows? Well I bought more!!! These are AWESOME!

I highly recommend if you are growing plants and want to ensure they get enough light. You can set it on a timer and stick right in the plant. If you’re plants struggle in the winter months with less light and dry air, this is a great partial fix for that!

Since it was Prime Big Deal Days sales this week, I bought a few items that I have been eyeing for a while!!! Here’s what I bought!

  • This handheld wet vacuum. I have an upright wet vacuum and a steam vacuum, but this one will help get those little spills when you don’t want to break out the big guns. I waited so long to buy it because I don’t really need it, but it is helpful to have something smaller and easier to grab.
  • I group my plants together and set up humidifiers around them so they don’t suffer as badly from the indoor heat. This one was a great deal, so I bought one for my sunroom.
  • With all the traveling that I do these days, I finally broke down and bought this travel toiletry bag.
  • I restocked one of the facial moisturizers that I use to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
  • And I finally broke down and bought a potting scoop! You’d think I would have one by now but no…I used to grab a cup or nursery pot and made a mess everywhere.

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

A lush garden scene featuring wooden planters filled with a variety of vibrant flowers and grasses, including red blooms and tall ornamental grasses. The background shows a leafy green setting with string lights overhead on a stone patio.

It was a fun week on the blog!

Anthurium Care: How to Keep Your Flamingo Plant Happy (And Blooming!)

New to flamingo plant? Fear not! This anthurium care guide unlocks the secrets to vibrant blooms year-round. Master watering, light, & more!

A vibrant red anthurium flower with a glossy texture, surrounded by rich green, heart-shaped leaves, set against a woven basket background.

Forget Monstera! Alocasia Dawn is the New “It” Plant

Alocasia Dawn: The velvet-leaved “it” plant you NEED. Stunning foliage and fun to grow. Learn about alocasia dawn care with these simple tips.

A hand is holding a large, variegated green and white Syngonium plant leaf over an intricately designed metal table. The leaf has a mix of dark green, light green, and cream patches, with similar leaves of the plant visible in the background.

Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Comfort Food Made Simple

Craving lasagna but short on time? This easy lasagna soup recipe is comfort food made simple. Ready in 30 minutes!

Two dark bowls filled with lasagna soup, topped with shredded cheese, a dollop of ricotta, and garnished with chopped parsley. A spoon is placed in each bowl, and fresh basil leaves are visible in the background.

Quick & Easy Homemade Turkey Chili Recipe: Ready in 30 Minutes

Craving comfort food? This quick & easy homemade turkey chili recipe is ready in 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight!

recipe for healthy turkey chili with toppings that include shredded cheddar, sour cream, guacamole, mango salsa, red pepper and buscuits. Turkey chili is served in yellow bowl with toppings.

Sustainable Fall DIY Decor: Craft Ideas for a Greener Home

Craft a greener home this autumn with these sustainable fall DIY decor ideas! 🍂 Simple projects that you can do in less than a day.

A cozy indoor scene featuring a wooden table with a lit candle in an orange holder, a large dried gourd, and green foliage. Behind the table is an armchair with a blanket, a potted plant, and a white door adorned with two wreaths. Soft natural light filters in.

Easy Fall Centerpiece Ideas: Create a Cozy Vibe in Minutes

Transform your table with these easy fall centerpiece ideas! Create a warm and inviting space for your home in minutes.

Easy Fall Centerpiece Idea with warm autumn color palette of orange and blue decor

My Latest Videos

Wait until you see my HUGE plant haul that arrived for fall planting from Proven Winners! I’m unboxing and sharing the details of what’s going in the beds. Watch it here!

A person in denim overalls stands on a garden path surrounded by plants. They have their arms outstretched and are smiling. The scene is lush and colorful with a variety of foliage. Text reads "Huge Plant Haul" and "Zone 6B Gardening.

Join me for an incredible fall foliage tour in Vermont where you’ll see breathtaking views on Lake Harriman. If you’ve never leaf-peeped in Vermont before but have it on your bucket list, you’re going to love today’s adventure!

Plus, we’re heading over to the flea market to score some deals. So come hang out in VT with me! Wait until you see the incredible views! Watch it here!

A person wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap points at text on an image reading "Fall Foliage in Vermont" and "Leaf Peeping Fun." They stand on a dock by a lake with autumn trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

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

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