Hi there!
I hope you had an amazing week!
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Random Things Happening Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms
In the Garden
This was a big week for planting! I finally got all of my seedlings in the ground and got around to planting elfin thyme around the stone patio in the secret garden. I hope they take because if they do, it will dramatically change the look of that space.
My tulips are still blooming but definitely showing signs they are slowing down their flowering. Tulip ‘Infinity’ and ‘Pink Impression’ were the first to bloom and they are completely done now. Merlot and Janis Joplin are still packing a punch and I have to say, may be the longest flowering tulips I’ve grown!
After growing a serious tulip garden this year, I have to admit – they may be in my top 5 favorite flowers. And if you know me, I have a hard time picking favorites but these were too pretty not to level up to upper echelon status in my book of faves!
Gus Gus Gus
My sweet little boy had a bit of an issue this week where he had an overnight stay at Crown Vet in Lebanon, NJ. I noticed he was playing with some down branches while I was planting some pots in the zen garden but didn’t think to check what he was running around with. Gus doesn’t bother my plants or flowers – which is really good – but he does love to play with sticks and branches.
Anyway, I fed him dinner around 4 and within an hour, he started vomiting it up. In the second round, I discovered small pieces of painters tape he must have found in the yard that blew around after some work we had done on a balcony last week. I thought to myself – could he have a blockage? Maybe!
I called our regular vet and talked it through with them. They suggested if he vomited again, take him to the ER. After that phonecall, Chris and brought him outside after drinking some water and he vomited again! I looked around – saw the branches he was playing with. Inspected them a bit closer and wouldn’t you know?
They were rhododendrons! Which are highly toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant are no bueno. There was no foliage or flowers on the branches for me to know so it took some doing to ID what it was.
Now, I don’t think he ate it per se – but he was mouthing it and having a good time running around the back yard. So we ran him down to the vet. They x-rayed him for any potential blockages, got him on an IV, and we called veterinary poison control to determine where we are with this is in system. They said it would take about 12 hours from when he ate it to move through so we decided it was best to leave him overnight with close monitoring as if he ingested enough it could cause neurological or cardiac issues.
From cleaning what he brought up and watching him play with it while working, I didn’t think he ingested enough for it go that far south but we decided not to take any chances.
Our little Gus was fun and had no further issues. I was able to pick him up the next morning and he’s back to his old self. Luckily, I bought the pet insurance for him knowing we have a lot of potential issues here so I am grateful we have that!!!
And moving forward, I’ll be walking the backyard weekly and particularly after storms to pick up any and all loose branches from the ground.
New Styles Added!
I’m so excited to share that new Get Your Bloom On T-Shirts AND Sweatshirts have been added to my shop! They are both super soft and I have been living in them!!! Check them out here.
What I’m Shopping For This Week
In preparation for planting season, this week has been all about garden shopping! Here’s what I bought this week.
In the Garden
- This trellis netting support for my raised garden beds to keep my dahlias, zinnias, snapdragons, cosmos, and other flowers upright.
- I bought two of these obelisks for my side garden and clematis I am growing.
- I also purchased two of these side tables for my backyard porch to hold a houseplant and beverage.
- These floral frogs to make flower arrangements. I have these for mason jars but want to use these in some large open vessels that I haven’t used yet.
- Love this copper rain chain and bird bath.
Around the House
- These organic chia seeds. I’ve tried a bunch of different brands and these are by far the best ones. I use them in everything from green juice, to smoothies, overnight oats and chia pudding. So we go through it!
- I also ordered more collagen as we needed to restock on that too. Do you use collagen? It’s been really great for joint pain, digestion, skin, and hair health. My family has been using it for years!
- I’m looking at this storage system for our pots and pans. I really need to figure out this kitchen. The storage is seriously lacking.
- I also want a better system for produce storage on the counter. One wood bowl is not cutting it. So I’m considering this one.
Vacation and Summer Looks
- Love love love this dress!!!! It hasn’t arrived yet but I can’t wait until it does.
- This bathing suit is really cute and figure flattering!
- I also purchased this cover up top and adorable shorts that are perfect to go from beach to lunch.
- I bought this bathing suit too!!!! It is very figure flattering and has a cute style.
- This sarong is a great choice too that comes in a bunch of colors. I bought it in pink and tan.
- This dress is PERFECT for date night with Chris.
- And I love this coverup too! I wear them all the time at the beach, lake and our pool so I like having a variety to choose from.
- This romper is everything when paired with some cute wedges. Perfect for a night out!
- I bought this cute summer dress in a few colors! What a good deal and perfect for those crazy hot days.
My Top Trending Gardening Products This Week
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!
15 Easy-to-Find Mosquito Repellent Plants
Do you love summer nights outdoors but don’t love the bug bites that come with it? No need for DEET! Discover 15 easy-to-find mosquito repellent plants and learn how to design your own bite-free haven in this ultimate guide.
Peony Care: How to Keep Blooms Upright (and Off the Ground!)
Stop peony blooms from flopping with my simple peony care guide using grow-through hoops & tomato cages for upright, gorgeous flowers.
How to Grow Cucumbers
Crispy, refreshing cucumbers at your fingertips! Learn how to grow cucumbers in your garden with these expert tips on soil preparation, planting, care, and pest management. Achieve a bountiful harvest with organic methods.
Planting Bearded Irises the Right Way
Tired of struggling with bearded irises? Master the art of planting with this expert guide where I’m covering everything from timing and location to the crucial rhizome placement. Get ready for a breathtaking explosion of color!
The Secret to Perfectly Upright Bearded Iris Flowers (Finally!)
Uncover the key to keeping your magnificent bearded iris flowers standing tall and proud! No more flopping with these easy tips.
Easy Chicken and Spinach Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Wait until you try this quick, easy, and delicious chicken and spinach flatbread pizza recipe that can be ready in under 20 MINUTES! Family-friendly and perfect for those busy nights!
Mother’s Day 2025 Afternoon Tea Party Ideas: A Guide to a Beautiful Brunch
Celebrate Mother’s Day 2025 with charming tea party ideas! Discover easy ways to host a beautiful brunch for Mom & beyond.
Quick Fix for Flopping Flowers
It’s a common problem: gorgeous bearded iris blooms get heavy and start to lean or even fall onto the ground. In this video, I’m showing you a simple and effective way to provide support after your irises start to flop. I’ll walk you through my favorite types of plant supports that are perfect for this situation and demonstrate exactly how I use them.
As a bonus, I’ll also share how these same support ideas can help keep your precious peony blooms upright as they develop! Cause now is the time to add those supports. Watch it here.
🌷 Want a Beautiful Spring Garden? Check Out These Tulips!
Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of my spring tulip garden in full bloom! This video is a visual feast, showcasing the incredible array of colors and the diverse range of tulip varieties I’m currently enjoying. From vibrant pinks and deep purples to sunny yellows and unique bicolors, get ready to see these gorgeous blooms up close.
Plus, I’ll be sharing some of my tulip garden design tips for creating your own spectacular spring display and providing essential advice on fertilizing care to keep your tulips thriving. Watch it here!
🌷 Escape to My Spring Garden: Tulips, Deer Proofing, and After Flowering Care
Welcome to this week’s garden tour! Come stroll with me through the vibrant welcome garden by my front porch and the productive potager garden. Today, we’re highlighting the stunning tulips in full bloom, and I’m sharing my go-to secrets for keeping pesky deer away plus after flowering care. And, if you’ve recently mulched your bearded irises, I’m sharing the essential step to ensure they thrive. Watch it here!
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.
- These tips for decorating on a budget so it looks like you spent a fortune!
- This giant paper tulips DIY
- These tips for organizing a room.
Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
