Bricks 'n Blooms Weekly 285

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I hope you had an amazing week!

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Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms

What a week it’s been!

The weather turned hot in a hurry, and I still had plenty of planting left to do. My assistant came by this week, and together we tackled phase one of a much-needed refresh in the formal garden. We planted about 80 shrubs, which sounds impressive until you see how much space still needs attention!

The beds had become filled with ornamental grasses that really weren’t doing much for the overall design anymore. Everything felt a little tired and uninspired, so we started replacing them with shrubs that will bring more color, texture, and interest throughout the season. We added several diervillas, weigelas, sambucas, and more. It’s still very much a work in progress, but I’m excited about the direction it’s heading. I haven’t photographed it yet, but I’ll share more once things start settling in.

A cluster of blooming roses in shades of pink, peach, and white surrounded by lush green leaves on a bush. — Not sure of this rose variety but its gorgeous right now!

Meanwhile, the roses are absolutely putting on a show. At Last Rose in the potager garden is having a serious moment right now, surrounded by borage, lavender, foxgloves, and the first blooms from my calendula. This is one of my favorite times of year in the garden when everything seems to be waking up and finding its stride.

A peach-colored rose in full bloom is bathed in warm sunlight, with green leaves and blurred garden foliage in the background. Sun rays shine from the upper left corner. — At Last Rose

The potager itself is filling in beautifully. My zinnias, snapdragons, China asters, strawflowers, and gomphrena are all getting taller by the day. I’m hoping we’ll start seeing flowers by late June because we can’t be too far away now. The snapdragons, larkspur, and Bells of Ireland should be the first to bloom.

I also noticed my Spencer Ripple sweet peas beginning to flower in one of the raised beds. For whatever reason, sweet peas always seem happier there than they do in the ground. The sweet peas, snapdragons, larkspur, and Bells of Ireland were all winter-sown this year, and they are thriving.

Speaking of winter sowing, my cool-season vegetables have been incredible. The lettuces, cabbage, kale, and Swiss chard are producing more than we can keep up with. A few spinach plants have already started bolting thanks to the recent heat, but overall the harvests have been fantastic. I love walking out to the garden and picking dinner ingredients straight from the beds.

On the home front, Shana came home again this weekend, and we had the best day together. We got pedicures, relaxed by the pool, made pizzas, and simply enjoyed spending time together. I love that she still wants to come home and hang out with us.

Then yesterday, Tori and Clay came by for some pool time and pizza-making with Chris and me. It turned into one of those simple weekends that fills your cup.

Two black dogs relax on a porch surrounded by green plants. One dog wears a colorful collar in the foreground, while the other lays further back near the edge of the porch, both enjoying a peaceful outdoor setting.

I’ve also been taking pickleball lessons and am having so much fun learning the game. I’m wrapping up my beginner session and getting ready to move into advanced beginner classes. It’s been great learning the techniques and figuring out the rules. The game is much different than tennis, and I’m really enjoying the challenge.

And finally, I have some very important news to report: I won my first mahjong game!

I’ve been learning how to play over the last few weeks, and this week I finally got mahjong. I was ridiculously excited and probably far too proud of myself, but after all that learning, it felt like a major accomplishment!

A cluster of vibrant purple clematis flowers with layers of pointed petals and green centers, surrounded by lush green leaves. Some blooms are fully open, while others are partially closed. — Clematis Taiga

Seasonal Essentials

🌷 Spring Garden Supplies I’m Stocking Up On

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
Collapsible Garden Bins — perfect for hauling weeds, garden debris, and cuttings around the yard

A garden with blooming purple flowers surrounds a wooden trellis, set beside a tan house with yellow shutters. Lush green plants and trees fill the background under bright daylight.

From the Week

If your goal is a garden packed with flowers from spring through fall, these posts are filled with practical tips to help you get the most from your plants. Learn when to deadhead, when to cut flowers for bouquets, and how to keep those fresh-picked blooms looking their best indoors.

A smiling person in a pink shirt, straw hat, and sunglasses tends to blooming pink flowers in a sunny garden with green trees and grass in the background. — Deadheading peonies

A smiling woman (stacy ling) wearing sunglasses and an apron kneels in a garden, holding colorful flowers and arranging them in a black bucket, surrounded by blooming plants and lush greenery.

Plants That Practically Take Care of Themselves

Looking for beautiful plants that don’t require constant attention? This week’s gardening guides focus on reliable performers that offer season-long color while standing up to common garden challenges like deer pressure.

Bright pink coneflowers with spiky orange centers bloom in a lush garden. Green leaves surround the flowers, with more coneflowers and greenery visible in the background.

Houseplant Corner

For indoor gardeners, I shared one of my favorite easy-care houseplants and how to keep it thriving year-round.

How to Grow Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

Close-up of lush green and silver variegated leaves of an Aglaonema plant. The leaves exhibit a striking pattern with dark green edges and lighter silver patches, creating a vibrant, natural display.

Summer Entertaining Inspiration

Summer gathering season is officially here. Whether you’re planning a backyard party, family gathering, or casual weekend get-together, these ideas will help make hosting easier.

A picnic table set outdoors with a red and white checkered tablecloth, red glassware, red napkins, and jars of colorful flowers is ready for a festive low country boil, surrounded by wicker chairs and a lush green, leafy background.

On YouTube This Week

This week’s videos take you behind the scenes in two of my favorite garden spaces.

The Pool Garden Makeover: One Year Later (What Worked and What Didn’t)
It’s been one full year since we renovated the gardens around our pool. I’m sharing an honest update on what’s thriving, what surprised me, and a few lessons learned after living with the new design for a full season. Watch it here

Don’t Plant Hostas Alone: These Plants Will Make Them Look Better
Hostas are a shade garden staple, but the right companion plants can make them look even better. In this video, I’m sharing some of my favorite combinations for adding color, texture, and season-long interest to shady garden beds. Watch it here.