Things to Love RIGHT NOW!

Before you know it, summer will be here and gone, as evidenced by store shelves already stocked with back-to-school supplies (shuddering!) There's still time to get your hands on some great summer finds for the home, garden and the beach! Here are a few of my faves this week: 

A new twist on a classic: Swan watering can from Blue Ribbon General Store, which if you take a look around on the site, has some pretty neat stuff. The beak is the handle, the tail is the spout! (It's a heck of a lot classier than the plastic milk jug I've been using as a makeshift watering can.)

Tired of the same old rainbow umbrellas on the beach? Me too. These chair and umbrella sets from World Market are super cute, super affordable and perfect for those who are little more sun-sensitive.

Pentas are annual champs. These were recommended to me by Romence Gardens last year, and will always be a summer annual staple. They've been doing amazing in the scorching heat, even when I forget to water. They are also hummingbird and butterfly friendly! 

Share your summer faves!

Daytripper: Time Well Spent in Douglas/Saugatuck

Those of us who are lucky enough to live in West Michigan are able to take day trips to neighboring Lakeshore communities like South Haven, Holland, Grand Haven and Ludington. On Saturday, my husband and I took a day trip to Douglas and Saugatuck, two little sister cities nestled on Lake Michigan, just about 15 minutes south of Holland. These remarkable little communities are known for their arts, culture, and treasure trove of unique shops and galleries. Saugatuck even has its own film festival.

We had been to Saugatuck before, but this time we incorporated some different experiences. Our day started in Douglas with Running Rivers, who offer kayak trips of varying lengths through the forests and wetlands along the Kalamazoo River. They also offer the now-trendy stand up paddle boards. We went for an hour-long kayak, which ended up at Wades Bayou, and spotted a few blue heron along the way.

Douglas and Saugatuck also have quite the garden club, supporting the communities through  beautification projects and other efforts. Both cities have the most beautiful homes and manicured outdoor spaces, and makes me wish I could join their club!

Both downtowns feature very quaint little shops, especially for home and garden (check out my scores below!) and a variety of restaurants for every taste. We had lunch at Coral Gables, watching the boats come and go in the bay, followed by the BEST (and most expensive) MILKSHAKE EVER at Kilwins.

The last stop for the day was Saugatuck Dunes State Park. To get to the beach, you have to walk about .6 miles through the woods along sandy trails. The beach is worth the hike and the hike is pretty great itself. (And, it was the perfect opportunity to start burning off the shake!) After a late afternoon of frisbee in the water and naps on the shore, it was time to make the trek back. We couldn't have asked for a better day.

Do you have a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport?


The gardens were just gorgeous. I wish I would have been able to take more pics of the homes and gardens. They were just magazine worthy!

Best name for a children's store EVER. (It's from Alice In Wonderland, in case you don't get the reference.)

Secluded, tree-lined beach. You really couldn't ask for a better backdrop. I've been a lot of places and West Michigan truly has some great beaches.

Just looking up!

The oak-lined trail to and fro. I would love to go back and just hike the trails.

Good finds: Iron key from Urban Cottage in Saugatuck, black wood apple and pear (just had to have them!) from Circa in Douglas, and wine rack from Wine Sellers of Saugatuck. I do need to make another trip SOON to visit Amsterdam, a real eclectic mix of antiques, vintage finds, garden treasures, you name it!

The Great Name Game

It's official. Bulbs & Blooms will be changing to a new name!

We'll keep you posted with the details.

In the mean time, we hope you enjoy our fresh look and fresh content.

Change is good!
More info coming soon....

The Rock Garden

So, I like to rock. A lot. At home, at work, in the car (especially in the car). I don't normally wear headphones in the garden, but these songs are typically going through my head anyway.

Counting Crows Children in Bloom
From somewhere in the depths of my subconsciousness, this song has just always meant summer to me.

REM Gardening at Night
I've been known to do container gardening in the dark, with nothing but the driveway sensor light and a bottle of bug repellent (all natural, of course.)

Beastie Boys Root Down
My personal theme song for digging, dividing and planting, especially the tough stuff.

LCD Soundsystem Losing My Edge
I finally dug out my edging this year...it was just a smidgen overgrown...

Talking Heads (Nothing But) Flowers
You got it, you got it...

Guster Backyard
With four sides to focus on, I've probably been spending the most time in the backyard this summer. Oh the plans I have!

Doves Catch the Sun
These longer days are sadly already getting shorter and shorter.

Postal Service Brand New Colony
Too many ants...

What's your summer soundtrack?

Drops of Jupiter

In Ireland, there is this prevalent pinky-red flower that can be seen just about anywhere...growing in fields, out of rocky Burren cliffs, even outside of castle walls. I almost forgot about this flower, until I saw it growing in the MSU Kent County Extension Grand Ideas Garden.

The common name is Jupiter's Beard, but it is often called Red Valerian, or in Ireland, Slán Iomaire. Here's what you need to know:

• Originally from the Mediterranean
• Adaptable to dry or moist soil, some shade or bright sun
• Rosy red long summer bloomer (June through September)
• Drought resistant and can be used in xeric landscapes 
• Self seeding
• Fragrant

Want to know more?

One of my life goals (besides becoming a Master Gardener) is to go back to Ireland to photograph the quaint homes and gardens across the country. All photos below are from my first trip in 2009.