Bricks ‘n Blooms Weekly 273

Hi there!

I hope you had an amazing week!

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Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms

In the Gardens

Happy Spring!!!! It was a bit chillier this week, so not as much happening in the beds but I got a few things started that I’m wrapping up this week.

I am working on updating my front porch decor for spring before planting begins. I ordered new outdoor area rugs and pillow covers – they look so good!!! I can’t wait to show you how it all comes together.

My winter sowing containers are growing leaps and bounds. I started popping the cover open on many that have already germinated and look like they are ready.

Last weekend, I realized I did not order my china asters, so I quickly snagged a few and started them this week. I’m still on time getting them sowed, but on the later end of what is recommended.

I sprayed all of my tulips with deer repellent as I saw a few nibbles and they are popping up everywhere they were planted now. While I was spraying them, I started spraying other plants in my gardens just to send the message that my plants are not very tasty.

Speaking of nibbles, I noticed a lot of rabbit excrement in my welcome garden this week. Ugh. No damage yet, but I started spraying for that too and battened down my wire cloches. I want to plant a border of pansies here like I do every year, but now I’m rethinking it…

On the Home Front

For book club this month, we read the book, The Irish Goodbye. Have you read it? My good friend Margaret hosted an incredible evening with lots of great Irish-inspired dishes (including her Irish soda bread recipe). To stay on theme with our book, I did the Irish goodbye when I left. LOL!

Chris and I enjoyed a fun evening out Friday at one of our favorite local eateries and then made some pizzas in the pizza oven. I swear…that was truly the best investment. Aside from the depths of winter where it was freezing and snow covered, we have made pizzas every single weekend since getting this last summer. Highly recommend! If you’re interested in leveling up your outdoor dining experience, this is where I purchased mine.

My 3rd Book!

A quick reminder that my new book, Filling Your Home with Life, is available for preorder.

It’s all about bringing the outdoors in — helping you grow and style indoor plants with confidence. If you’ve ever struggled with houseplants, this one is for you.

Preorders truly help support the book and get it into more hands when it launches. Thank you for supporting my work!

Seasonal Essentials

A Few Good Finds

While I am updating my porch decor, I also upgraded our adirondack chairs by the front pond. Chris is loving me this weekend as he’s assembling them all but I decided to change them because I wanted the all-weather option. It’s easier and low-maintenance than regular wood. I am going to keep our existing set though to use during the winter months instead of keeping my new set out all four seasons. This winter was a rough reminder how cold and wet it can get.

Last year, I ordered both the large and small of these sculptures, but they large version became unavailable after my small one was received. I was really disappointed but had hoped they’d become available again this year – so when I saw they had the large in stock…I jumped on it. Can’t wait to show you how they BOTH look in the gardens in this year.

I also bought these cute pants to kick around in – aren’t they adorable?

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

From the Week

Earlier this week I shared a few ways to protect your garden from common spring pests, including how to keep deer away from tulips and prevent rabbits from damaging young plants.

I also wrote about why seedlings sometimes germinate but fail to grow — and what you can do to fix it — along with my favorite ways to save money while still creating a beautiful garden.

There’s a post on raised bed gardening for beginners, including what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d do differently, plus a look at some of my favorite philodendrons and how to care for them indoors: Split Leaf, Heartleaf, Pink Princess and the Birkin.

I also shared a cheesy asparagus tart with Gruyère that’s perfect for spring meals and easy entertaining.

And over on YouTube, I shared ten seed starting hacks that will make the process easier, along with why shade gardens sometimes fall flat — and how to fix them so they feel full and layered.

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo