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I hope you had an amazing week!

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Random Things Happening Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms

In the Garden

I’m still planting! We had a ton of rain this week that seriously hampered my container gardening efforts, but I got alot accomplished nontheless.

This week, I potted up about half of my planters in the zen garden, added a beautiful petunia border in the cottage garden, planted the secret garden and pond with both impatiens and sunpatiens…and the list goes on!

And of course, while I’m busy planting weeds are popping up everywhere so there is that too. I’ve definitely got my work cut out for me, but there’s no place I would rather be this time of year.

This week, my bearded irises and alliums are almost all blooming. My peonies are budding up, which is always exciting. And my houseplants have made the adjustment to outdoor living for the season. I still need to move a few around to get the look that I want, but for now? It’s all good until I’m done planting the beds.

As an aside, purple hues have taken over in the welcome garden and front porch area. I love the serenity of the blooms and foliage, don’t you?

A curved stone walkway borders a lush green lawn and a vibrant garden bed with colorful flowers and tall trees in the background. A large planter with blooming flowers sits in the foreground.

Plants of the Week

Here are some of my favorite plants blooming this week!

Close-up of three round, purple allium flowers in a garden bed, with a yellow house and trees blurred in the background under a cloudy sunset sky.
Globemaster Alliums
A close-up of vibrant purple flowers with green leaves hanging in a basket on a porch, with a blurred background of a grassy yard, trees, and a garden on a clear day.
Scaevola
A close-up of a blooming iris flower with creamy white and lavender-purple petals, growing in a garden with green foliage and blurred plants in the background.
Dream of You Bearded Iris

My Mother’s Day

Last Mother’s Day Weekend, I found some great garden decor and a cute little fox statue at Ziegler’s in Andover, NJ. Chris and I stopped in on Saturday to see what they had. On Sunday, we went out to a beautiful brunch, enjoyed some pool time and thai takeout – my favorite.

Wait Until You Hear Where I’m Going This Week!!!

PINCH ME!!!! Are you ready for this one? I was invited to a Martha Stewart event in NYC this week!!! I can’t wait to share more with you…I’m not sure what to expect but it’s a live podcast and cocktail reception to celebrate her new book. Have you read it yet? Buy it here. The theme is garden party so THIS is what I’m wearing.

Upcoming Book Signing at Chapter One Bookstore in Mendham, NJ

I’m super excited to appear at the Chapter One Bookstore in Mendham, NJ on June 21. Mark this one on your calendar cause I’d love to see you there! More details to follow!

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.

A stone planter with colorful flowers sits beside lush green hosta plants. In the background, a curved path borders a vibrant garden bed with blooming flowers and tall trees.

Save Your Summer Annuals NOW from the Midsummer Slump!

Keeping your summer flowering annuals thriving and looking good in containers and borders shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. But between those hot/dry spells, busy schedules, and thirsty plants, it can be a challenge to stay on top of it all. Am I right?

If you are tired of the constant summer grind, set yourself up for success with these low-maintenance solutions. They’ll save you time and water, and keep your container and border gardens healthy and looking amazing without the hassle.

Click below to explore my favorites!

  • This container garden must-have will keep your potted plants from turning into dust bowls mid-summer. Perfect for keeping those summer annuals happy!
  • For your borders and planters, a good slow-release fertilizer will ensure your annuals get a steady supply of nutrients, promoting continuous blooming and healthy growth all season long.
  • Keep your containers and borders looking their best with my favorite garden snips that are deal for deadheading spent flowers on your annuals and making precise cuts.
  • Make tending to your border annuals more comfortable with this summer garden must-have. Saves your knees while you’re planting, weeding, and pruning.
  • Shade yourself while you work! A portable umbrella will let you create shade where you need it, so you can comfortably care for your annuals, even on the hottest days.
A small yellow house with green shutters and a green picket fence is surrounded by a lush garden filled with blooming flowers and plants. Trees and greenery frame the scene, creating a peaceful, vibrant atmosphere.

Weed with Ease

  • My best hand weeding tool that is great for tackling weeds in tight spaces, planting annuals, getting under embedded rocks and so much more.
  • This stand up weeding tool is ideal for removing weeds in your border gardens without bending over.

Organically Protect Your Precious Plants:

  • This natural solution helps control common pests and diseases on your annuals.
  • ​Insecticidal soap targets a variety of common garden pests that will help you organically control issues that crop up.
  • This organic slug bait is an effective and environmentally conscious way to deal with slugs, which can damage both container and border plants.

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

A charming yellow house with white trim and a large front porch, surrounded by lush green gardens, flowering plants, and a stone-edged walkway leading to the entrance.

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

Around the House

  • This paddleball racket
  • This flowy boho outfit
  • This is the best wet vac for small spills and messes – no wonder it is a top seller this week! Seriously I use it all the time with our puppy!!!
  • I bought this purse and it is my favorite accessory for summer.

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

Purple and white irises and round pink allium flowers bloom in a garden, with a rustic carved wooden sculpture and lush green trees in the background.

What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms

It was a fun week on the blog!

Organic Gardening: How to Naturally Protect Your Vegetable Garden

Discover 10 organic gardening techniques to protect your veggies from pests and diseases naturally.

A vibrant garden bed with leafy green vegetables and blooming yellow and purple flowers, surrounded by lush foliage and wooden edging.

How to Protect Your Koi Pond From Blue Herons

Learn effective ways to protect your koi pond from herons with practical tips & personal experiences to ensure your fish stay safe from these predators!

A blue heron stands gracefully in a shallow stream surrounded by greenery. The bird's reflection shimmers on the still water, while fallen leaves add a hint of autumn to the scene.

A Guide to Second-Hand Shopping in New Jersey and Vermont

Discover the best thrift stores and antique shops in NJ and VT. Get expert thrifting tips and enjoy fun adventures with friends. Perfect for second-hand shopping enthusiasts!

A group of objects from an outdoor flea market in Vermont is displayed on a table, perfectly capturing the charm of second-hand shopping.

Easy Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe in 30 Minutes

Succulent shrimp tossed in a garlicky, buttery sauce and baked to perfection. Learn how to make this easy weeknight meal! Wait until you try this baked shrimp scampi recipe.

A close-up of a baked shrimp dish in a white ceramic baking dish. The shrimp are cooked in a garlic butter sauce and garnished with chopped fresh parsley, creating a vibrant and appetizing presentation.

From Garden to Jar: Making Authentic Genovese Pesto at Home

Capture summer’s flavor! Learn to make vibrant, authentic Genovese pesto at home with fresh ingredients.

A small glass bowl filled with vibrant genovese pesto sauce sits on a wooden surface next to a fresh bunch of basil leaves.
Fresh Basil Pesto Homemade From My Garden

How to Keep Annual Flowers in Pots Blooming All Season Long

Keep annual flowers in pots blooming beautifully! Discover secrets for vibrant, long-lasting displays with this essential guide to soil, light, watering tips & pruning.

Two large decorative planters filled with green grass and purple and pink flowers sit on a paved path in a lush garden with trees and vibrant greenery in the background.

My Latest YouTube Videos

The Truth About Growing Dahlias: Busting Myths to Grow Stunning Blooms

Have you always wanted to grow those gorgeous, show-stopping dahlias? I’m here to help! In this video, I’m sharing the truth about dahlia growing, busting common myths that can hold you back. I’ll walk you through my simple steps for planting, care, and feeding, plus give you a peek at the incredible dahlia varieties I love most. Are you ready to get your bloom on? Let’s grow! Watch it here!

Large, pale peach and yellow dahlias bloom in a lush garden with greenery and flowers in the background. Bold text reads "YOUR BEST DAHLIAS EVER!!!!" next to a cartoon flower.

MY MUST-HAVE SUMMER ANNUALS from Proven Winners! 🌸

Get ready for a summer filled with stunning blooms! In this video, I’m sharing my absolute must-have summer annuals from Proven Winners. These easy-to-grow flowers will transform your garden with beautiful color all season long. I’ll show you my favorite Proven Winners picks for easy summer gardening, perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

From the prettiest petunias to container garden favorites like bacopa and euphorbia, discover the best annual flowers for continuous blooms, low-maintenance gardening, and creating a beautiful, colorful summer garden. Watch it here!

Colorful summer flowers in pots and garden beds decorate a patio area near a porch with a white railing and a small lion statue. Text reads: "NO-FAIL SUMMER FLOWERS" with a pink flower graphic.

Garden to Porch Tour: Spring Blooms, Rare Plants, and Vintage Decor


Welcome to my garden & porch! See stunning spring flowers like alliums and false indigo in bloom outdoors, then step onto my porch for a peek at my houseplant collection, including some special rare finds! Get inspired to blend your indoor jungle with your outdoor garden in this quick tour. Watch it here!

Purple flowers with green stems bloom in front of a white porch railing. The words "RARE PLANTS SPRING FLOWERS" are overlaid in bold white and black text.

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

Buy Now
Stacy Ling

Stacy Ling is author of the best selling book, The Bricks 'n Blooms Guide to a Beautiful and Easy-Care Flower Garden, and writes the blog Bricks ’n Blooms from her 1850 farmhouse located in zone 6b northern New Jersey. She is a master gardener who’s been gardening for over 25 years and enjoys sharing her passion to help beginners find their inner green thumb, as well as discover a love for all things plants and flowers. Stacy loves to bring the outdoors inside her home and decorates with a comfy, casual, and cottagecore style. Come grow stuff and create beautiful spaces with her.

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