Bricks 'n Blooms Weekly 244

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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 Gardens

It has been getting really chilly here at night – dipping into the low 50’s so it was time to bring all the houseplants in. I can see how the nighttime temps are affecting my zinnias as they are starting to get that powdery mildew on them in the cutting garden raised beds. *Sigh* The end of the season is near.

I had SOOOOO many blooms to cut before and after I returned. I almost can’t keep up with it all. But that’s a good problem to have, am I right?

I’ve decided I want to rip out every single black-eyed susan in Flora Lane. I don’t love the yellow there with my hydrangeas and I have so much of it near my front porch. So I am planning to remove it all this week!!! To be honest, I didn’t plant most of it there and allowed it to go to seed so it really spread (way too much) and took over. I don’t love it, so it is going!

Connect and Create Event in Michigan

I spent most of the week in Michigan visiting Walters Gardens, Spring Meadow Nursery, Garden Crossings, and Proven Winners at the Create and Connect event. And let me tell you…what a trip! It was AMAZING to finally meet fellow gardeners from across the country (and Canada) that are crazy talented and are super fun to hang with and geek out over plants to boot.

The first night, we enjoyed a wonderful meal on Windmill Island and toured the gardens. Here are a few pictures from that evening.

A vibrant garden bed filled with red, pink, and white flowers, large green tropical leaves, and lush foliage, set beside a sidewalk under a cloudy blue sky at sunset.

A group of people walk along a brick path through a lush garden with colorful flowers, green plants, and tall trees under a partly cloudy sky.

A vibrant garden with clusters of blooming purple, red, and pink flowers, lush green foliage, and a background of trees and shrubs under a partly cloudy sky.

A traditional Dutch-style windmill with large blades stands in a park at sunset, surrounded by green grass, trees, and a partly cloudy sky with warm, glowing colors.

Three smiling women take a selfie outdoors at sunset, with a traditional windmill and several other people visible in the background. The sky is partly cloudy, adding a warm glow to the scene. — Tracy from Plaids and Poppies, Stacy Ling of Bricks ‘n Blooms, and Steph from Hooked and Rooted

Three people stand smiling on a path with a traditional windmill and dramatic sunset sky in the background. The group is dressed casually, with greenery and trees surrounding them. — Eric and Christopher from Grow for Me Gardening with Stacy Ling of Bricks ‘n Blooms

A traditional windmill stands by a lush green riverbank at sunset, with dramatic clouds and golden sunlight reflected in the calm water.

On Tuesday, we toured Walters Gardens and enjoyed a fabulous dinner in the fields. What a beautiful evening spent with amazing friends. Here are some photos from the day.

A wooden pergola with lattice sides stands among lush green plants and colorful blooming flowers, surrounded by vibrant grass under a clear blue sky.

A wooden pergola with lattice sides stands in a garden surrounded by blooming pink, purple, and yellow flowers, with green trees and sunlight in the background.

A wooden pergola with lattice sides is surrounded by lush green plants and vibrant purple and pink flowers under a clear blue sky in a well-manicured garden.

Lush green plants and shrubs surround a dark ceramic pot in front of a wooden lattice fence, with sunlight highlighting the foliage and a stone path partially visible below.

A lush garden scene featuring a large tree with abundant green leaves, surrounded by vibrant purple flowers, ornamental grasses, and various green plants, all bathed in bright sunlight.

A vibrant garden with clusters of yellow black-eyed Susans, purple phlox flowers, and pink roses. Green trees and a blue sky are visible in the background, with a wooden trellis on the right side.

A vibrant garden with blooming pink and orange flowers, tall green plants, rocks, and dark mulch, all lit by sunlight. Lush green bushes and trees fill the background.

A colorful garden with clusters of vibrant pink and purple flowers, green foliage, and a blue sky with scattered clouds in the background.

A vibrant garden with blooming purple flowers in the foreground, lush green shrubs, and unique shaped trees under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. A path winds through the colorful, sunlit landscape.

A colorful garden features tall evergreens, vibrant purple and pink flowers, green shrubs, and ornamental grasses under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Four people stand closely together, smiling, in a blooming lavender field under a clear blue sky. Trees and greenery line the background. Everyone is wearing casual, coordinated outfits with blue and beige tones. — Eric and Christopher from Grow For Me Gardening, Skye Hamilton from Hamilton House Designs and Stacy Ling from Bricks ‘n Blooms

Two women stand close together smiling in a lavender field at sunset. One wears a plaid jacket and jeans, the other wears a denim jumpsuit, colorful headband, and patterned sleeves. Rows of lavender stretch out behind them. — Heather from Here She Grows with Stacy Ling of Bricks ‘n Blooms

Two women smiling and posing for a selfie in front of a blooming lavender field, with trees and a clear sky in the background. Both are wearing casual clothing and look happy. — Skye Hamilton from Hamilton House Designs with Stacy Ling of Bricks ‘n Blooms

Before departing on Wednesday, I was thrilled to be able to tour spring meadow nursery and let me tell you – if you love hydrangeas like I do you are going to LOVE these pics! What an experience to be there and see all the pretty blooms. I left feeling super inspired to create a similar experience some day in the formal garden here. Wait until you see how gorgeous it is!

A lush garden with vibrant pink, green, and brown hydrangeas and neatly trimmed grass, surrounded by trees and shrubs, with a gray house visible in the background.

A large tree trunk covered in dense green ivy stands in a landscaped garden bed, surrounded by neatly trimmed shrubs and mulch, with a bright, sunny park and road in the background. — Climbing Hydrangea

A lush garden scene featuring a grassy path bordered by blooming pink hydrangeas, green shrubs, and tall trees under a bright blue sky.

A lush bush with vibrant purple and pink hydrangea flowers growing in a sunlit garden, surrounded by green foliage and grass.

Three smiling adults wearing sunglasses pose for a selfie in front of blooming hydrangeas and lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky. — Eric from Grow for Me Gardenind, Stacy Ling of Bricks ‘n Blooms, and Bethany from Chicago Gardener

A row of lush hydrangea bushes with clusters of pink and cream flowers lines a green lawn beside a paved pathway, shaded by leafy trees on a sunny day. — Little Lime Prime Hydrangeas

A lush garden with vibrant pink and purple hydrangea bushes in the foreground, more blooming hydrangeas in the background, green grass, and tall trees under a blue sky.

A vibrant garden with clusters of pink, purple, and pale green hydrangeas in bloom, surrounded by lush green foliage and a few tall coniferous trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Two women smiling outdoors in front of blooming hydrangea bushes; one has long blonde hair and wears a white blouse, the other has dark hair, aviator sunglasses, and a green shirt with a white floral design. — Natalie from Illustrators Garden with Stacy Ling of Bricks ‘n Blooms

Aside from the tours, behind-the-scenes education of the brand, and good times with friends, my travel to and from was on time and easy with it being just a two hour flight. No serious delays and a bump free ride both ways. I truly feel blessed and had the best time of my life!

Labor Day Weekend in Vermont

And now that I’m home? We did a quick trip up to Vermont for the weekend and picked my daughter Shana and her friend up on the way in Poughkipssie. The weather was a bit cooler but still lovely so we did some lake time on the boat, thrifting at the flea market, and of course, dined out! What a great way to round out one of the best weeks ever.

Plants of the Week!

I’m highlighting some favorite garden blooms from the week so you can see the plants and varieties I’m growing. Here are a few that I’m loving this week!

A cluster of light purple asters with yellow centers bloom amidst green foliage and a few other pink flowers in the background, creating a vibrant, colorful fall garden scene. — Asters with blue flowers

Lush garden with large dark green elephant ear plants, variegated spider plants, pink flowers, and other foliage next to a white house and green lattice fence, with a stone path and greenery in the background. — Begonias and Colocasia

Large green leaves and clusters of delicate, pale pink and white flowers are growing in a lush garden setting, surrounded by other green foliage. Some flowers are partially open while others are in full bloom. — Begonia Odorata White

What I’m Shopping For This Week

I needed a replacement base floor for my porch. I love these buffalo check ones that sit underneath a coir mat.
If you’ve not tried these non-alcoholic beverages, I suggest you give them a whirl! This one is my favorite flavor so I restock often.
I needed to restock on my African Violet bloom booster.
And I invested in another package of these fungal gnat traps cause you know they happen!
I bought this weighted vest a few months ago and wear it everyday when I walk my 4 miles (I am super motivated to get rid of my meno-belly and it is totally working!). I’ve gotten used to the eight pound so I’m going to up the weight to the next level.
While I’m repotting houseplants, I bought another bag of these organic earthworm castings.
Although I did not buy this travel backpack this week, I have to give it a serious shoutout! I had so much stuff to bring back from Michigan that I could not believe I was able to fit it all in this bag. And let me tell you how STRONG the seams and zippers are – cause I really stuffed it to the gills and most bags would rip and break. NOT THIS ONE! Fits my laptop, all my gear, clothes, makeup and so much more. If you travel a lot, I strongly suggest this travel backpack or even a bag from this company! Really well made and reasonably priced.

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

A vibrant garden bed with bright pink petunias in the foreground, pale pink hydrangeas behind them, and other green shrubs and flowering plants, all against a backdrop of tall evergreen trees. — Garden Crossings

What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms

It was a fun week on the blog!

Stunning Hydrangea Wreath DIY

Craft a stunning hydrangea wreath for free with this easy DIY tutorial. Learn how to use materials you already have to create a beautiful seasonal decoration.