Bricks 'n Blooms Weekly 203

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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 Gardens

It’s officially that time of year here in New Jersey. The first frost has kissed the garden, the air is crisp, and all I want to do is curl up with a warm drink and a good book in my sunroom. But before I fully embrace hibernation mode, there’s still plenty to do!

This week was all about finishing up those lingering fall chores and getting a jumpstart on spring. After what felt like the driest autumn on record (and still is), we finally got a little rain (though not nearly enough!). With the ground softened, I seized the opportunity to clean out the last of the raised beds, tucking them in for their winter sleep.

A person in a garden prepares to pour bags of organic soil into raised beds. They're wearing a gray shirt and sunglasses, surrounded by a stone fountain and green plants under a sunny sky.

I am dug up all the dahlias that I said I wasn’t going to do so I could do an overwintering experiment with them. Instead of packing them up so perfectly, I am putting them in shopping bags and storing them in the garage like I do other tender bulbs. It’s not recommended to do it this way, but I wanted them out of the way for my bulbs and figured why not test it out.

This weekend, I added compost and raised garden bed soil so the bulbs have a great start to next year. They got a little low so I filled them to raise them up. It was a lot of work but the weather was really warm so it was a great time to get it done.

But the real excitement this week was happening indoors…

Yellow mesh bags containing tulip bulbs are neatly arranged in rows on dark soil in a garden bed. The setup is framed by green wooden structures, and each bag has a white tag attached. Sunlight creates a warm atmosphere.

A garden bed filled with soil is arranged in a row with planted tulips bulbs. Empty yellow bags from bulbs are scattered around, and green trellises surround the area. Sunlight filters through the surrounding trees.

Redecorating Before the Holidays

Isn’t this so exciting? Yep, we’re finally tackling the living room! It’s been on the to-do list forever, and I’m so ready to say goodbye to the dark faux finish walls and heavy drapes.

I held off painting this space all this time because I knew once we painted over it, that was it. But I’ve been thinking about it all year long and am ready for the change. So here we are.

Get ready for a light and bright space filled with [describe your style – cozy neutrals, vibrant colors, etc.]. I can’t wait to share the final reveal with you! This is what it looked like BEFORE we started painting. I’ll share the reveal next week!

living room with fall decor, vintage floral prints, french country coffee table

Living room in fall 2023 with rustic elegance filled with leather sofas, fall decor, area rug, french country coffee table and end tables with vintage wall art

Fall Plantings Outdoors and In!

Of course, no fall is complete without planting bulbs. This year, I’m dreaming of a spring garden overflowing with [mention the types of bulbs you’re planting]. There’s just something so hopeful about tucking those little promises of spring into the earth.

Something Cool is on the Way!

And speaking of hopeful… keep an eye out for a big giveaway launching later this week! I have something special planned to help you bring some holiday cheer into your home.

A close-up of a variegated Monstera thai constellation leaf with cream and green sections. The leaf has distinctive holes and splits, showcasing its unique tropical pattern. Other Monstera leaves are visible in the background. — Monstera Thai Constellation

Woohoo! My Second Book is Coming – PreOrder It Here!

I’ve got a second book publishing with Harvest House Publishers on March 11, 2025! The Bricks ‘n Blooms Beautiful and Easy Flower Garden Planner is available now for preorder and is a great accompaniment to my first book.

In this planner, you’ll find cheat sheets, mood board ideas, garden designs, and so much more. This planner will help you in six key areas that include:

Understanding your garden
Designing and planning
Planting and growing
Tracking seasonal gardening tasks
Creating a gardening calendar
Reviewing flower and plant performance

A cozy interior features a wooden chess table and chair near a staircase. A vintage cabinet with decorative plants, a framed painting, and a scale sits against the wall. Natural light streams in, highlighting a patterned rug on the floor.

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!

Love these mercury ribbed glass trees!
I’m thinking about getting this full length mirror for my bedroom.
I also bought these for my flocked Christmas tree.
This pillow for my family room. I’m still thinking about this one – love it!

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

What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms

It was a fun week on the blog!

Tradescantia Care: A Beginner’s Guide to Inch Plant

Brighten your home with a vibrant inch plant! This guide makes Tradescantia care simple, from light needs to propagation tips.

A vibrant green and purple Tradescantia plant in a decorative ceramic pot with a floral pattern sits on a wooden surface near a window, with soft, natural light illuminating the leaves.

How to Set a Stunning Thanksgiving Table (Even If You’re Short on Time!)

Short on time but want a showstopping Thanksgiving table? Discover easy decorating hacks and creative ideas for a beautiful and stress-free holiday.

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

Deck the Halls with These Festive Christmas Flowers and Plants

Discover the best Christmas flowers & plants to create a cozy cottagecore holiday home. From poinsettias to Christmas cacti, find festive inspiration here!

A variety of vibrant plants and flowers, including orange and pink blossoms, are displayed alongside poinsettias on a metal table in the greenhouse. Lush greenery surrounds the colorful blooms, creating a lively and fresh atmosphere.

How to Decorate for Fall and Christmas Before Thanksgiving

Decorate for fall AND Christmas before Thanksgiving! This guide shows you how to blend festive décor for both holidays seamlessly. Get tips on colors, themes, and transitions.