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Bricks ‘n Blooms Weekly 246

ByStacy Ling Posted on Updated On
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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 was a huge work week in the beds. I received two shipments from Proven Winners filled with perennials and shrubs. It was a lot to unpack, layout and plant, but I got it done.

Almost all of the shrubs were planted in around the newly renovated pool patio. I’m going to start referring to this area as the hydrangea room, inspired by my good friends Eric and Christopher from Grow For Me Gardening. I’ve added quite a few different varieties in the pool gardens so…the hydrangea room it has become!

So far, I’ve planted:

  • Pinky Winky Prime
  • Tuff Stuff Top Fun
  • Let’s Dance Skyview
  • Puffer Fish
  • Powerball Hydrangea (available in 2026)
  • Wee Bit Innocent
  • Invincibelle Storm Proof
  • and I think I’m tucking in a few more from around my property to fill in.
Cardboard boxes and potted plants line a paved pathway in a sunlit, wooded area, suggesting preparations for planting or landscaping.

I also planted a few more rose varieties that include:

  • Flavorette Pear’d
  • Reminiscent Crema
  • Oso Easy Red Stripe

I tucked in other shrubs too that I’ll share more of next week, but my goal is to make this space less work and more flowers for May through October. Because let’s face it…that’s when we are out here.

The other benefit of loading up hydrangeas and rose in this space is they are fenced in so I won’t need to protect them from deer. Yes, they can still jump in if they wanted to, but they haven’t and likely won’t. Of course, I never say never, but it’s pretty low risk given the space and how it’s layed out.

Flora Lane

In addition to the pool garden (which I’ll share in a later post), I’m tweaking Flora Lane as we speak. I’ve spent quite a bit of time digging, dividing, and planting. And I want to tuck some evergreens in this garden to add more visual interest, texture, and year round color. I spent all last week pulling the overgrown black-eyed susans in this garden so I could make room and tone down the wildness. Stay tuned!

But this is what it looks like today!

A bush full of small, purple daisy-like flowers with yellow centers blooms in a garden, surrounded by other pink flowers and greenery, with a dark green fence in the background.
A garden bed along a paved path is filled with blooming flowers in shades of purple, pink, and magenta, bordered by a green fence and surrounded by lush greenery.
A garden bed along a paved path is filled with blooming flowers in shades of purple, pink, and magenta, bordered by a green fence and surrounded by lush greenery.

Garden Planning

While I am working in the beds, I cannot tell you how many mental notes I am making that I will 100% forget if I don’t write them all down. This is a great time to jot things down in my garden planner! Did you get yours yet? If not…I strongly recommend snagging a copy here. Not just because I wrote it but rather because your future 2026 garden will thank you later.

Houseplant Styling for 2025-2026

As I am almost done bringing all of my houseplants indoors (there are a few left but they are pretty tough and can take the cooler nights), I’ve been focusing more on plant-styling my indoor spaces.

If you’ve been following along our journey since moving here, the changes are really epic! I’m going to share some recent photos here with all of my houseplants. And a full before and after bedroom renovation blog is coming!!! I am almost done styling the space and wow what a difference a coat of paint makes.

For now, I’m going to bring you through my formal living room so you can really see how much it’s changed! I love it!!!

A cozy living room with two brown leather sofas, a beige armchair with an ottoman, decorative pillows, green plants, a wooden coffee table, and framed art on the wall. Large windows let in natural light.
Cozy living room with a lit fireplace, armchairs, and a wooden coffee table decorated with plants, books, and baskets. Windows let in natural light and a landscape painting hangs above the mantel with greenery.
A cozy living room with brown leather sofas, patterned pillows, indoor plants, a floral ceramic jar, and books on a wooden coffee table. Sunlight streams in through a window with leafy plants nearby.
Two decorative pillows, one with a beige floral pattern and one cream-colored with stripes, sit on a dark brown leather couch. In the background, a wooden shelf holds potted plants and decorative items.
A leafy vine grows in a circular trellis within a textured copper-colored pot, placed on a book atop a wooden table in a cozy, softly lit living room with a fireplace and sofa in the background.
Hoya Black Margin

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!

Clusters of small, pink and green flowers with broad green leaves fill a garden bed, surrounded by other plants and purple flowers, creating a colorful and lush outdoor scene.
Coraljade Stonecrop Sedum
A vibrant garden bed with blooming pink flowers, dark-leaved plants, and lush green foliage, set against a green wooden fence in the background.
Phlox Luminary Pink Lightening, Chinese Fringe Flower Jazz Hands, and Astilbe Dark Side of the Moon
A vibrant garden bed borders a paved path, featuring blooming pink, purple, and white flowers, lush green foliage, and a green fence in the background, with trees beyond.
Sunpatiens – I love them!

What I’m Shopping For This Week

  • The viral Christmas tree is back in stock and I’m sure will sell out. If you are in the market for a new faux Christmas tree – I would get it now!
  • I also can’t imagine planting without my garden kneeler! Saves my knees and back from those aches and pains. Getting older is no fun!
  • Need more deer repellent. I’m starting to notice a lot of nibbles!
  • I bought another one of these plant stands for my sunroom. They hold 7 plants and save floor space (unless you have like a 100 houseplants like me then maybe they help you manage it more hahaha)
  • Keep those garden edges looking neat and tidy with this incredible garden tool that slices through roots and makes nice clean lines with ease.
  • Level up your watering game with this practical must-have that makes it easier to care for different garden spaces.
  • Learn more about your growing conditions with this handy kit.
  • ​This is a gardener’s secret weapon for dividing plants and slicing through roots.
  • If more than just deer are a problem (rabbits, groundhogs, and voles I’m looking at you!), you’ll want to keep this garden hack handy too.
  • Keep bugs and fungal infections at bay with this organic treatment.
  • Spring clean-up is a breeze with this easy-to-store garden must-have. ​
  • If you are planting bulbs, don’t forget to fertilize them! This is the one that I use.
  • Want to preserve flowers from your garden? This crafty must-have works great to maintain color and form.

Looking for even more garden deals? Click here to see al of my top garden supplies under $25. 

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

A lush garden filled with colorful flowers, leafy plants, and a stone birdbath in the center, surrounded by greenery and string lights hanging overhead. Trees provide shade in the background.

What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms

It was a fun week on the blog!

The Best Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe (Ever!)

Indulge in the ultimate creamy pumpkin soup recipe! This cozy soup delivers rich flavor with simple ingredients. Perfect for cozy fall days.

close up of pumpkin soup in blue Hearth and Hand Bowl with toppings of bacon, sour cream, and chopped parsley
The Best Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Overwintering Geraniums: 4 Easy Methods for Year-Round Blooms

Don’t let your geraniums die! Overwintering geraniums is easy enough where you can enjoy colorful blooms all year long.

pink scented geraniums
Pink scented geranium flowers

How to Turn Your Hydrangeas Into Stunning Bouquets

Transform your garden’s bounty into stunning hydrangea arrangements! Learn expert tips for cutting, conditioning, and creating beautiful displays that last.

A vibrant floral arrangement on a table features hydrangeas in shades of pink, green, and beige, surrounded by ornamental grasses. Two white candles in brass holders flank the bouquet, with autumn leaves, berries, and apples adding seasonal charm—an ideal centerpiece for rustic fall table decor ideas.

Confessions of a Hoya Plant Addict: A Guide to Wax Plant Care

Learn how to care for your Hoya plant with this easy-to-follow guide!

A hand holding a small potted plant with green leaves featuring creamy yellow variegated centers. Other potted plants are visible in the blurred background.
My Hoya Krimson Princess

Refreshing Fall Mocktail Recipes to Spice Up Your Season

Easy to make fall mocktail recipes that are perfect for all ages, and bursting with seasonal flavors.

A collage of four refreshing fall mocktails: Top left is a light yellow drink with an orange slice and rosemary sprig, next to a copper mug with ice. Top right is a dark red drink with a lime slice and striped straw. Bottom left is a martini glass with a peach-colored drink and apple slice garnish. Bottom right shows two red drinks with lime garnishes and striped straws. Flowers and fruit decorations surround the drinks.

Sustainable Fall DIY Decor: Craft Ideas for a Greener Home

Simple fall diy projects that you can do in less than a day.

A vertical collage of four rustic fall diy decor images: Top-left shows hydrangeas, blue pruning shears, and a grapevine wreath on a table; top-right displays an autumn floral arrangement in a white pumpkin; bottom-left has hanging dried flowers; bottom-right features a colorful flower wreath.

Our Pool Patio Is Almost Done! The Massive Transformation Continues!

Watch it here.

A backyard pool renovation in progress, with a worker laying stone tiles beside the pool. Large text says, "IT'S ALMOST DONE! PROGRESS OMG!" The area is surrounded by trees and greenery.

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

An illustration of a pink flower with green leaves on the left, accompanied by the words "Stacy Ling" in an elegant, cursive font to the right—a perfect piece for any garden decor.
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 trained master gardener who’s been gardening for almost 30 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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2 Comments

  1. Could you perhaps list the indoor plants that are a little more hardy, to be brought indoors last?
    Again, many pins and lingering over pictures of your gardens. Kim

    Reply

    1. Yes – for me, these plants can take it a little colder but I am slowly bringing them in now as I don’t want them out in continual low 50s overnight: my monstera deliciosa, spider plant, christmas cactus, boston fern, pilea peperomioides, split leaf philodendron, bird of paradise and a few others. Some of these are my larger plants that will take a little more effort to move indoors (and figure out where they are going! LOL)

      Reply