Hi there!

I hope you had an amazing week!

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A black dog sleeps on a soft beige blanket on a couch, with a plaid pillow in the background. The dog looks cozy and relaxed.

Still Puppy Potty Training.

We went 5 straight days without one accident and then bam – back to square one. I’ve had a lot of boy puppies throughout my life and he is by far the toughest one to get through this period. Onward and upward.

Spring Garden Clean Up and Pansies!

I spent the last week cutting back perennials, panicle hydrangeas, and cleaning out the beds to prepare for planting season! Yay! My daffodils are all coming up and will hopefully bloom by the end of the month. If yours all coming up too, now is the time to add bulb fertilizer like this (if your ground has thawed).

Yesterday, my daughter and I picked up some pansies to plant around the property. It’s going to be in the 60’s this week here during the day so I know I want to get outside and pretty things up! I am ready for some color.

vibrant purple pansies

New Houseplants to Love

I got the houseplant itch again and decided to buy a few more – here’s what I got!

  • Anthurium Royal Pink Champion
  • Begonia bipinnatifida
  • Philodendron Red Heart
  • Philodendron Jungle Boogie 
  • Hoya compacta variegated ‘Rope’
  • Staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
  • Hoya Krimson Princess
  • Stromanthe Triostar 
  • Philodendron Silver Stripe
  • Peperomia Golden Gate

I am a HUGE fan of hoyas and philodendrons so I really want to grow that collection. They are so easy to grow and I love the foliage. (Total bonus that hoyas bloom).

New to me is the staghorn fern. I have wanted to grow this for the longest time but haven’t come across it in my adventures until now. My interest is peaked! I’d love to mount it on a board and hang it on the wall at some point.

A cozy sunroom features an armchair with a blanket and a striped cushion, surrounded by lush potted plants—perfect indoor gardening ideas. A round leather pouf sits on a woven rug near a wooden side table topped with more plants. Large windows provide a view of an outdoor garden.

Seed Starting Update

Everything that I winter sowed has germinated. So now its just keeping an eye on them, making sure they don’t dry out until they are ready to plant out. Some of which will be ready to go soon!

All of my snapdragons and foxgloves indoors germinated. And I just sowed gomphrena, China asters, and some basil to get them going under the lights next. Once they germinate, I’ll start on my zinnias, strawflowers and celosia.

Bedroom Renovation Has Begun!

I haven’t really shared much of our bedroom here. Mostly because the walls are striped and it feels a bit dark and dingy. But I love the vintage floral wall to wall carpet that is inspiring the redo!

To lighten things up, my painter is coming next week to remove the wallpaper and lighten it all up. Eventually I want to add wainscotting and a much lighter wallpaper above it. But for now, I’ll take lighter and brighter! Can’t wait to share more of this update with you next week! This is the before.

After adding curtain panels to the primary bedroom with oversized tv, vintage floral carpet, striped wallpaper and cozy white chaise lounges from wayfair.

Woohoo My Second Book is Publishing THIS WEEK!!!!

Did you preorder your copy yet? If not, you can snag it here: The Bricks ‘n Blooms Beautiful and Easy Flower Garden Planner. The planner is a great accompaniment to my first book and while they are standalone books, the do pair well together. This planner covers everything you need to dream, plan and grow a low-maintenance flower garden this year.

A person in a denim jacket holds a colorful book titled "Flower Planner" while standing in a sunlit room with various plants. A wooden sign above reads "Fresh Herbs.

🐞 Organic Pest Control: Protect Your Plants Without Harsh Chemicals

As much as we love our gardens, those pesky critters can sometimes make it a battleground! But before you reach for harsh chemicals, let’s explore some effective and safe organic pest control solutions. 🌿

I know how important it is to protect your plants and the environment, so I’ve put together a list of my favorite organic pest control products. These are the solutions I rely on to keep my garden healthy and thriving, without harming beneficial insects or contaminating my soil.

Whether you’re dealing with aphids, slugs, or other garden invaders, you’ll find something here to help. Let’s keep those plants happy and pest-free, the natural way!

Here are my top picks for organic pest control

  • 🌿 Nature’s Shield: This versatile oil-based solution is a game-changer for tackling a wide range of garden pests, naturally.
  • 🧼 Gentle Cleanser: This soap-based spray is your go-to for battling soft-bodied insects without harming your plants.
  • 🛡️ Protective Barrier: A light application of this oil creates a barrier against pests and helps protect plants from harsh conditions.
  • 🌹 Bloom Booster: This organic blend is specially formulated to encourage vibrant blooms and healthy growth in your roses and flowering plants.
  • 🌱 Indoor Vitality: Give your houseplants the perfect nutrient boost with this balanced, organic fertilizer designed for indoor use.
  • 🐛 Indoor Defender: This discreet solution helps protect your indoor plants from common insect invaders, keeping them healthy and happy.
  • 🐌 Slug Stopper: Say goodbye to slimy pests with this effective, organic repellent that keeps your plants safe.
  • 🦌 Wildlife Deterrent: Protect your garden from unwanted visitors with this natural repellent that keeps deer at bay. If you are dealing with other wildlife, like rabbits, groundhogs, voles, try this one instead.
  • 🌷 Bulb Nourisher: This organic blend provides essential nutrients for strong, healthy bulbs and vibrant blooms. Now is the time to apply it!
  • 🌱 Garden Growth Enhancer: This all-purpose organic fertilizer is perfect for boosting the health and vitality of your herb and vegetable garden.

Looking for even more garden watering maintenance ideas? Click here to see more of my top organic gardening picks!ntenance ideas? Click here to see more of my top picks!

purple crocus flowers in early spring garden

It’s been a random week of stuff! Here’s what I’m shopping for this week!

  • I just stocked up on some soaker hoses for my raised garden beds. Last year I used drip irrigation in them, but my water pressure was too low to handle the load so soakers will be easier to use.
  • My good friend Lana Stenner’s charcuterie board recipe book recently published and she is truly a marvel! Get here super creative and yummy recipes here.
  • I’m starting to prepare for container gardening season and just ordered more of my favorite potting mix. I’ve had the most success with this particular brand so they are my go-to.
  • I also needed to order more of this systemic houseplant insect control. With my new plants on the way, I need to protect them from the get go.
  • In addition to potting mix, I also needed more seed starting mix for the next round of seed starting.

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

A list of trending products with images on a pink background. Items include gardening tools, soil moisture meters, beauty products, insect controls, and organic plant nutrition. Each has a 'Read More' button next to it.

It was a fun week on the blog!

Don’t Buy New! Discover the Charm of the Second Hand Flower Vase

Repurpose & upcycle a secondhand vase for unique flower arrangements. Save your money and don’t buy new! Get creative DIY ideas & inspiration.

The Ultimate Guide to Growing Peonies

Growing peonies made easy! Learn the essentials: sun, soil, and care for vibrant blooms and a thriving garden. Extend their bloom time with these simple tips.

A vibrant garden scene featuring a peony bush with bright pink blossoms in full bloom. Surrounding the peonies are various green plants and delicate lavender flowers. The background includes a lush green lawn and tall trees with sunlight filtering through the foliage.

How to Prune Roses With Confidence

Nervous about pruning your roses? Relax! This beginner’s guide teaches you step-by-step how to prune roses with confidence for healthier, more beautiful blooms.

Close-up of two blooming pink roses surrounded by fresh green foliage. The roses have delicate petals with varying shades of pink, and some unopened buds are also visible among the leaves. The background is a lush, vibrant green of rose leaves. Oso Easy double pink roses by proven winners

Best Companion Planting Herbs: Grow a Healthier, Pest-Free Garden

Discover the best companion planting herbs to naturally repel pests, attract pollinators, and create a thriving, healthy garden.

A hand holding a bunch of freshly picked herbs, including sage, rosemary, and parsley, with a garden featuring various plants and trees in the background.

Margaret’s Marvelous Irish Soda Bread Recipe: A Family Favorite

Want to bake an authentic Irish soda bread recipe like a pro? This family favorite recipe from my good friend Margaret is easy, delicious, and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any day!

margaret's marvelous irish soda bread close up

Rose Fertilizer 101: What to Use & When to Apply for Show-Stopping Blooms

Learn the best rose fertilizers & timing for show-stopping blooms. Get expert tips for vibrant, healthy roses today!

A vibrant garden filled with blooming roses, featuring soft pink and peach blossoms in the foreground and bright red ones in the background. The flowers are surrounded by lush green foliage, creating a colorful and lively scene—an ideal example of a well-maintained cut flower garden. Growing roses is a great way to enjoy a fragrant flower garden

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

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4 Comments

  1. Stacy, was Gus a rescue?
    Make sure to check with your vet to rule out any possible issues!
    Good luck
    He’s a keeper!
    Love, Claudia

    1. Hey Claudia! No…he’s not but I think he might be unlearning bad habits – we got him at 12 weeks. We are 3 days in again and so far, no accidents! Fingers crossed!

  2. Your new pup is so sweet. I bet it’s hard to stay mad at that sweet face for too long. Hopefully you can get him fully trained soon! Congrats on your new book…very exciting!

    And thank you for sharing my beef stew recipe. We just made a pot the other day…delish!

    1. You are welcome – thank you Jen! He is too cute – so far we are 3 days accident free again. Let’s go!