Bricks 'n Blooms Weekly 268

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Hi there!

I hope you had an amazing week!

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Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms

I hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s weekend!

This week felt full in the best way. I bundled up and spent the better part of a few cold afternoons winter sowing cool-season flowers, vegetables, and herbs. It was chillier than I would’ve preferred, but my bestie and I got it done.

And there’s something satisfying about seeing all those containers lined up and ready. For now, they’re sitting outside my planting garage, but I’m planning to move them down to the potager garden soon.

Several plastic winter sowing containers with vent holes, covered in condensation, sit on the ground outdoors near a snowbank. The containers are taped shut and appear to contain soil or substrate for cultivation.

Plastic containers with ventilation holes and condensation inside, taped at the edges, are placed on a gravel surface. The containers appear to hold soil or a growing medium.

We still have so much snow that is icy, heavy, and hard to move. But we melted a bit yesterday, so I’m hopeful the snow will be easier to clear there so I can pave a little path and keep an eye on everything as the weeks unfold.

A snowy park scene at sunset with leafless trees, wooden geometric sculptures, a fence, and dried plants in the foreground. The sun is low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the winter landscape.

Chris and I have also been trying a few new-to-us restaurants lately, which has been such a fun way to break up the winter routine. We had dinner at Sette last week — a small Italian spot with incredibly personalized service and delicious food (definitely make a reservation early). This weekend we tried Ladd’s Tavern, which was just as wonderful in its own way. And for Valentine’s Day, we enjoyed a really special evening at the Park Avenue Club.

I also learned how to play mahjong with friends this week. It’s not easy — at all — but it’s been so fun to try something completely new. We’re planning to meet weekly and play for a few hours, and I’m already looking forward to it.

Mahjong tiles are arranged on a blue patterned tablecloth, with several tiles displayed on a teal tile rack in the foreground, including jokers and coin tiles. Other tiles are scattered across the table.

Seasonal Essentials

A Few Good Finds

LOVE my new denim skirt – wore it to mahjong this week and got a lot of compliments! It fits true to size, the denim is really soft, and it felt like I was wearing sweatpants.

I bought this phone case a few months ago to replace my loopy case – and love it! I had no idea other styles come with a battery charger.

A woman stands in a cozy, sunlit room taking a mirror selfie. She wears a cream sweater and a long blue denim skirt. The room has a patterned rug, cream furniture, and a white desk near the window.

Also, these green chairs were one of the best finds for my bedroom! They make a cute little seating area, are comfortable to sit in, and are really well priced for two. If you are in the market for accent chairs, but are on a budget – these are great!!!

A cozy, sunlit living room with large windows, beige sofas, green armchairs, decorative pillows, houseplants, and a table centerpiece featuring lush greenery in a shell-shaped planter. Snow is visible outside.

Two green armchairs with patterned pillows sit by large windows in a sunlit room. A knit blanket with pom-poms is draped over one chair. A round side table with a lamp and potted plant sits between the chairs, on a floral rug.

🌱 Seed Starting Gear I Use

Seed Starting Mix — ideal medium for delicate seedlings
Seed Starting Trays with Lids — essentials for sowing with dome lids
LED Grow Lights — reliable light for strong growth
Heat Mat — warm soil for germination
Programmable Timer — setting the perfect schedule
Wire Shelves — organized workspace for trays

A wooden coffee table with carved patterns holds three potted plants, a coil-shaped decor piece, and stacked books about garden flowers. A gray couch with orange and plaid pillows sits behind the table, near large windows.

Coffee Table / Plaid Pillow Covers / Chain Link Table Decor / Boho Turtle Planter / African Violet / Syngonium / String of Turtles

From the Week

Earlier this week I shared why I almost always buy flower vases secondhand — it’s one of my favorite ways to build a collection that feels layered and personal without overspending.

I also wrote about how to decide which plants truly belong in a cottage garden — and how to edit your choices so the space feels intentional instead of overcrowded.

There’s a new post on keeping a rattlesnake calathea happy (without the drama), especially if you’ve struggled with them before.

I shared the zinnia varieties I think every cutting garden needs — the ones that consistently perform and look beautiful in arrangements.

And for something a little different, there’s a cozy bedroom “steal the look” inspired by Anthropologie — but without the price tag.

And over on YouTube, I shared how winter sowing completely changed my relationship with starting seeds — and why I’ll never go back to doing it the old way.

I also put together a video on the easiest flowers to winter sow if you’re just getting started or want reliable results.