Bricks 'n Blooms Weekly 276

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Hi there!

I hope you had an amazing week!

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Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms

In the Gardens

Spring is well under way here in zone 6b, NJ! The daffodils, hellebores, brunnera and lungwort are all doing their thing…but would you believe I’ve already got tulip flowers? I wasn’t expecting them for at least another week and yet, here we are.

I am about halfway planted up in the backyard gardens. Essentially, I’m tucking in shrubs and moving some perennials around. There were a few dead spaces that I have been wanting to fill in. And so, no better time than the present!

I started planting my winter sown seedlings in the raised beds over the last few days. There is soooo much to plant! I may have to give some of these away.

Indoor seed starting wrapped up this week with my zinnias. I started hardening off my snapdragons, verbena bonariensis, foxgloves and bells of ireland. So they should be ready to plant out by next weekend.

A paved garden path lined with greenery and flowers leads to a bench. A white bicycle is parked to the left, and a tall wooden sculpture stands to the right. Leafless trees fill the background under a dusky sky.

A garden with blooming flowers, a wooden sculpture, string lights, green fencing, a bench, and two bicycles resting on a paved area; tall bare trees fill the background.

On the Homefront

How was your Easter? We had a GREAT time with the family. Everyone stayed for most of the day so it was really wonderful to hang out and catch up.

We also celebrated my daughter Mackenzie’s birthday. Now that she lives in NYC, we don’t see her as often as I’d like so to get the chance to hang out for a little dinner and laughs was special.

My brother in law flew in from Florida for the weekend, so we all got together for lunch on Friday.

A garden with lush green plants and purple flowers in the foreground, a manicured lawn, green fence, and leafless trees in the background. A tall, carved wooden sculpture stands near the trees.

Bring the Outdoors In With My Third 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!

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

🌷 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

Pink tulips with green leaves bloom in a garden bed, with a stone wall, a driveway, and a white house surrounded by trees and a lawn in the background on a clear day.

From the Week

Earlier this week I shared how to decide which plants belong in your cottage garden, along with some of the best plants to use if you want a space that feels full, layered, and easy to maintain.

I also wrote about companion planting for roses and how to properly harden off seedlings after starting them indoors — an important step this time of year.

There’s a post with ten outdoor table setting ideas for al fresco dining, plus a caramelized pear flatbread recipe that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

And over on YouTube, I shared how to choose the right plants for a cottage garden without the extra work, along with how to build a garden that always looks full using easy, low-maintenance plants.

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo