Bricks 'n Blooms Weekly 201

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Hi there!

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!

In the Garden

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Halloween! It continues to be warm and dry here in New Jersey making it a bit challenging to wrap things up in the gardens. There is so much I wanted to do this fall but scaled things back because I don’t want to baby anything along with zero rain.

So I’ve been busy cutting the last of my flowers, drying them in the she shed, and cleaning up the beds so I can move on to planting bulbs later this week. It’s time. I don’t want to be doing this in late November when the holiday season gets busy.

My drying house is full of flowers right now and looks so cool. The ones that I started months ago look great and I can’t wait to start making some projects with them.

I was visiting the kitty in the cottage the other morning as the sun rose, and the views were spectacular with the fog! I’ll share some photos here so you can see how beautiful it was. Despite the dry weather, the gardens are really putting on a finale!

A serene garden scene with a tall wooden sculpture, autumnal plants, a small patio with a bicycle, and a misty forest background. The garden is enclosed by a green lattice fence, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

The Blue Heron Returns

We had another visit from the blue heron! I was sitting in the family room when my husband came running out to the back zen garden. Would you believe that bird was right there and I didn’t even notice him?

I had the back door wide open too so he could have just walked right in…can you imagine? When we looked at the ring footage, it looks like he was really scoping things out. Luckily, my fish haven’t been out much given the cooler night temps and they are pretty much going into hibernation so there wasn’t much for him to see.

But he was looking! You can watch him in my latest Instagram post here.

A misty garden features a stone path leading to a patio with a table adorned with pumpkins. A vintage bicycle rests to the side, surrounded by flowering plants and fall foliage. String lights are overhead, contributing to the cozy autumn ambiance.

Training a Vine to Climb

I did THE COOLEST thing in my front entry hall with one of my plants. The foliage on my heartleaf philodendron was getting so long, so I was thinking about cutting it back and propagating it. But then I decided to train it to go up my wall around my pictures and mirror. I found these climbing wall hooks for plants and it looks so cool!!!

They are pretty inexpensive and you can’t even see them on the wall with my plant. In fact, it looks like the philodendron foliage. So I might need to do this with more trailing plants!

A lush green hearleaft phildendron plant cascades from a wooden trellis on a white piano, reflecting in a large ornate mirror. A clock with Roman numerals rests on the piano, and a soft ring light illuminates the scene.

A cozy room with a vintage chessboard on a wooden table between two chairs. In the background, a white piano is adorned with plants and a clock, while paintings hang on the walls. Two tall plants flank the scene, and a patterned rug covers the floor.

Let the Holiday Season Begin!

And finally…my curated holiday shop is now open!!!! While shopping for myself, I tagged some items I thought you might love too and pulled them all into one plac. Check out all of my favorite holiday decorating finds here.

What I’m Shopping For This Week

It’s been a random week of stuff! I’m starting to look at Christmas 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!

This systemic insect control for houseplants is a total game changer and lasts 8 weeks! If you are hesititant to grow indoor plants because of bugs, this will help with that. I have so many plants now I needed another bottle.
I found the perfect plaid pillow for my family room’s Christmas decor. It will look so good with my new area rug in there.
These Christmas ornaments are perfect for my neutral Christmas tree
I love these vintage wood spinners.
I ordered this for my dining room.
And I really love these candlestick holders.

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

A lush garden with tomato plants in the foreground and a green fence adorned with pumpkins. Autumn foliage creates a colorful background with trees and shrubs in hues of red, orange, and yellow under a misty sky.

What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms

It was a fun week on the blog!

Conquering Alocasia Plant: How I Finally Cracked the Code (and You Can Too!)

I’ve killed my share of alocasias… until now! Learn from my mistakes and discover the secrets to keeping your alocasia plant alive.

Alocasia plant with large, dark green leaves in a beige pot, placed on a table by a sunlit window. Another plant with heart-shaped leaves is in a yellow pot on the same table. Sunlight highlights the texture and veins of the leaves.

Overwintering Bougainvillea: Yes, You Can Keep It Alive!

Overwintering bougainvillea is easier than you think! Learn to protect this tropical beauty from the cold and enjoy it year after year.

Bright pink bougainvillea flowers with lush green leaves cascade against a stone wall background. The vibrant petals contrast with the textured stone, creating a lively, colorful scene.

Is Your Houseplant Getting Enough Light? Here’s How to Tell.

Is your houseplant struggling? Learn to spot the signs of low light and save your leafy friend! Read this guide for understanding light conditions to help your plants get the light they need.

A potted plant with large green leaves sits on a woven tray on a wooden table. The setting includes a comfy chair with pillows and a large window revealing a garden view outside. The atmosphere is bright and cozy.

Sweet and Savory Butternut Squash Crostini With Caramelized Onions and Sage

Easy butternut squash crostini with caramelized onions and sage is the perfect fall appetizer! Get the recipe here.

A tray of bruschetta topped with roasted butternut squash, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and herbs. Each piece is arranged neatly on a rectangular white plate, set against a soft, blurred background.

Hosting a Stress-Free Thanksgiving 2024: 9 Simple Tips for Success

Stress-free Thanksgiving 2024 hosting is possible! Get my top 9 tips for planning, cooking, and enjoying a memorable Thanksgiving dinner.

friendsgiving table with pumpkin centerpiece and fresh fall flowers under a crystal chandelier on the dining table for Thanksgiving

Christmas Cactus Care: A Guide to Beautiful Year-Round Blooms

Get your Christmas cactus to bloom with this expert guide! Learn about light, watering, soil, and more. Christmas cactus care made easy.

A vibrant Christmas cactus with cascading green leaves and blooming pink flowers in a textured pot on a wicker stand. It is placed beside a sunlit window, creating a serene indoor setting.

My Latest Videos

With the end of the growing season in sight, today I’m making a beautiful fall wreath for my front door using what’s left in the gardens. It’s is a great way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while making free (and gorgeous) DIY home decor that cost me nothing to make. I’m also bringing you on a quick tour of the gardens so you can see how beautiful peak fall is here in New Jersey. Join me in the gardens for some fall fun!

Watch the video here.