Bricks 'n Blooms Weekly 271

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Hi there!

I hope you had an amazing week!

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Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms

With my Mackenzie moving to a new apartment last week, I feel inspired to do some deep spring cleaning. Chris and I pulled some things we need bulk garbage pick-up on this weekend. Plus, we organized some items for Habitat for Humanity to pick up that we do not need.

I LOVE purging things like this!

I want to start cleaning out and organizing my planting garage and the cottage where I store all of my decor and shop items. (Which by the way, I’m running a 50% off all cozy sweathshirts for today, Sunday, March 8 only! Use code COZY50 at checkout.)

A woman in a pink sweatshirt, sunglasses, and a straw hat sits among blooming tulips and daffodils in a sunny garden, smiling at the camera. Lush green trees and blue sky are in the background.

In the Gardens

Another busy week preparing for the growing season has come and gone. I spent most of the week starting snapdragon seeds. I was thinking of getting a jump on my gomphrena and bells of ireland but decided to push them back until next week.

As I was walking around the gardens, I noticed my hellebores have new growth and are starting to bud and flower. This means it is time to get out there and prune them all back. So, I spent some time in the gardens yesterday getting the backyard done. I still need to prune them in the side yard beds, but I like to work in small areas on different days so it never feels overwhelming.

When I wrap them up, I’ll start cutting back my panicle hydrangeas too. It is time! We are looking at near 70s temperatures this week!

A lush green lenten rose plant with clusters of deep purple flowers blooms in a garden bed, surrounded by mulch and additional greenery, with blurred foliage in the background. — Hellebroes

Winter Sowing Update

For those of you following my winter sowing adventures this year on YouTube, I have lots of germination happening in the containers! I was a little concerned about the lids blowing off in that last major snowstorm we had, but they are totally fine and doing great.

I am not opening the lids anytime soon as the magic is still happening. But we are progressing! So far, I see lots of broccoli, kale, cabbage, arugala, cauliflower, yarrow, sweet peas, larkspur, and a few others.

It’s so exciting right? I love to go out there and check on things just to see growth happening.

Indoor Seed Starting Update

We permanently moved my seed starting operation to the basement instead of the sunroom a few weeks ago, I love it far more there than in the sunroom because it is out of the way and closer to a water source.

So far, I’ve started verbena bonariensis which is doing really well. I recently uncovered my foxgloves so some seeds are still germinating but they are getting stronger everyday.

The other day, I sowed the rest of my snapdragon seeds to start them under grow lights too. I can’t wait to see how they do! I forgot how small those seeds are. If you are starting them under grow lights too this year, you don’t need to start them on a heat mat. They prefer cooler temps.

Close-up of a cluster of lenten rose flowers in bloom, displaying light pink petals with green centers. The hellebores are surrounded by lush green foliage, creating a vibrant and natural garden scene.

My 3rd Book!

A quick reminder…my new book, Filling Your Home with Life, is now available for preorder!

This book is all about bridging the gap between the outdoor garden and inside your home — helping you build confidence with houseplants, style them beautifully, and create spaces filled with life. If you’ve ever felt like you can grow anything outdoors but struggle with plants inside, this book is for you.

If you’re planning to get a copy, preordering truly helps. Early orders show publishers and booksellers that readers are excited about the book, which can help it reach more homes and plant lovers when it launches.

You can preorder your copy here — and thank you so much for supporting my work. 🌿

Book cover for "Filling Your Home with Life" by Stacy Ling, showing a cozy porch with a white swing bench, floral cushions, potted plants, and greenery in the background. Subtext: a guide to styling your space with plants.

Seasonal Essentials

A Few Good Finds

This week, I rounded up my favorite garden books that have been go-to resources on my shelf. You can check out my list here. Let me know which ones you already have and if there are any I should add to the list!

choosing a book for book club off the library shelf

Last year, I wanted to jazz up my planters more with round obelisks. I bought these from Amazon and really love them! They are a good price, come in a pack of two (so perfect for flanking your front door) and have stayed out all year round. Here are some pics how I’ve used them in my porch planters.

They are on sale for 10% off – so if you are looking for something similar, grab them here.

As an aside, I also have these from Anthropologie, but they are the same price just for one! So….shhhhh I actually like these better because they are more rounded and lighter on the budget!

A black metal planter with blooming purple, pink, and white flowers sits in front of a yellow house with white trim and a round window. The garden in the background is lush and green.

A black pedestal planter overflows with purple and yellow flowers and tall green leaves, set on a stone patio beside a yellow house with white trim and surrounded by leafy garden plants.

A black urn planter filled with evergreen branches, holly leaves, red berries, yellow sprigs, and a large pinecone sits on a doorstep beside a gold door and a black-and-white striped doormat.

With the snow melting and warmer temperatures this week, it is go time in the gardens. I am stocking up and getting ready with supplies so I can start working in the beds.

🌷 Spring Garden Supplies I’m Stocking Up On

Bulb Fertilizer — gives spring bulbs the nutrients they need for stronger blooms and healthier returns next year
Evergreen Fertilizer — helps evergreens bounce back after winter and supports strong new growth
Rose Fertilizer — encourages vigorous plants and abundant blooms all season long
Slow-Release Fertilizer — an easy way to feed garden beds gradually as plants wake up for the season
PlantSkydd Wildlife Repellent — my go-to organic deterrent for rabbits, deer, and other garden visitors
Deer Out Deer Repellent — a second line of defense when deer pressure ramps up in spring
Wire Cloches — simple protection for tender seedlings, yarrow, and other plants rabbits love to nibble
Raised Bed Soil — rich organic mix that helps raised beds start the season strong
Potting Soil — my favorite organic blend for containers, seed starts, and transplanting
Collapsible Garden Bins — perfect for hauling weeds, garden debris, and cuttings around the yard

A vibrant garden bed filled with blooming tulips in shades of pink, purple, orange, and cream, surrounded by green leaves and fenced with green lattice, with houses and trees visible in the background.

🌱 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

Shelving unit with trays of young green plants under purple grow lights. The plants, in individual pots within the trays, show various stages of early growth—ideal for starting seed indoors. Some white plant markers are visible among the pots. — Starting seeds indoors under grow lights

From the Week

Earlier this week I shared a few companion planting ideas for the garden, including what pairs beautifully with hellebores and peonies to create layered spring beds.

I also wrote about my go-to strategy for thrifting garden finds — one of my favorite ways to add character to the garden without spending a fortune.

With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, I shared a beer and Irish cheddar fondue that pairs perfectly with Margaret’s Irish soda bread recipe.

And if you’ve ever struggled with seeds that just won’t sprout, there’s a new post on why flower seeds fail to germinate and what you can do to fix it.

Over on YouTube, I shared how I start seeds indoors without a greenhouse, along with a look at my simple DIY seed starting setup.