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AUGUST 2017
sizzling hot CONTAINER GARDENS
seven acres of inspiration
gardening
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gardening
sizzling hot CONTAINER GARDENS Nothing says summer like the cool reprieve of a beautiful pool and a stunning view. Add bold potted gardens, and it’s an instant tropical paradise. These dramatic container gardens by Rock City Gardens create standout displays for patios, entryways and pools. Their bright foliage and blooms capture summer in all its glory. The rise in the mercury need not prohibit beautiful potted gardens. Easy to care for during the hot summer months, they are just what our resident “Doc Rock” ordered. 3
gardening
» SOFT SUMMER SHADES Shades of pale apricot with a bright eye create a peaceful oasis, especially when set against cool pool blues and green fairways. WATER REQUIREMENT:
Water only when dry LIGHT REQUIREMENT:
Full to Partial Sun
» TROPICAL DELIGHT This stunning duo gives a fairway pool in Vero Beach a feeling of the tropics with lush, colorful blooms and a bright container worthy of its own accolades.
PERIWINKLE
WATER REQUIREMENT:
Water when slightly dry LIGHT REQUIREMENT:
Full to Partial Sun
When you visit Rock City Gardens, our garden associates will be happy to help you make the right selections for your summer blooms. 4
PENTAS & PERIWINKLES
gardening
« HOT SALSA As zesty as a shot of tequila and lime, this tall, spicy combo heats up entryways and outdoor living spaces alike. WATER REQUIREMENT:
Moderate LIGHT REQUIREMENT:
Partial Sun CORDYLINE & CALADIUMS » FANCY FOLIAGE Looking for less maintenance without sacrificing aesthetic appeal? You’ll love this potted combination, which relies on variegated leaf color rather than blooms for its dramatic charm. WATER REQUIREMENT:
Keep soil evenly moist LIGHT REQUIREMENT:
Partial shade or bright, indirect light
ALCANTAREA ODORATA BROMELIAD & CALADIUMS
« SUNSET GLOW With hues as vibrant as a sunset sky, this summer garden lights up an entryway and welcomes visitors with its cool gray pot and warm foliage. WATER REQUIREMENT:
Keep soil evenly moist LIGHT REQUIREMENT:
Full to Partial Sun CANNA LILIES
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reader quiz
Hey, Gardener!
Wha•da•ya•know?
Brad´s Musings This is one hot summer Everything is starting to sizzle No rain in sight Not a chance for a drizzle All the plants are fried
Root out your genius with these fun trivia questions!
1. What is the fastest-growing woody plant in the world? 2. Where does vanilla flavoring originate? 3. This summer fruit is the only fruit that bears its seeds on the outside.
Looking like burnt ears of corn Well, try the lantana Or maybe a crown of thorn Come see Rock City We have plants that are fun Plants for the heat that also take sun
master - gardener level
Saffron, used as a flavoring in Mediterranean cooking, is harvested from the stigma of what type of crocus? Check our Facebook page this month for the answer.
about the poet
Brad is a long-time Rock City Gardens’ associate.
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Hey, Gardener! Wha•da•ya•know? Answers: 1) bamboo 2) the pod of an orchid 3) strawberries
ASK DOC ROCK
Q: I want to plant new palm trees in my landscape. Which variety do you recommend? A: One of the hardiest and maintenance-free palms is the sabal palm. It’s native to Florida and it’s also our state tree. Unlike other palms, the sabal can be planted at any depth regardless of its height, whereas other varieties must be planted at the same depth at which they have grown. That is an amazing attribute of the sabal palm because all other trees would meet their demise if not planted at the appropriate depth. Sabals are also resistant to salt air and freezing temperatures. (We do, occasionally, experience brief freezing temps!) Although they are only available as field-grown trees, they are relatively inexpensive. For more information about palm tree varieties and their planting requirements, visit Rock City Gardens and ask our knowledgeable growers.
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garden boutique
Cool and Quaint: Rock City’s Garden Boutique It’s a landmark, a reprieve from the typical shopping experience, and it’s always filled with surprises to satisfy even the most discerning. Home and garden décor, from the whimsical to the elegant, have made our Garden Boutique a destination of choice for many years. August is a fun time to visit. Our seasonal goodies are marked down to make room for the fabulous new home and garden décor we ordered during our recent trip to market. Teacher gifts, college dorm furnishings, and new décor for your indoor and outdoor living spaces are just a few of the wonderful reasons to visit now.
indoor gardening
Instant Impact Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, succulents make intriguing gardens. Potted arrangements of fuss-free succulents will also last year-round. Though smaller in size than most container gardens, they pack a dramatic punch. At Rock City Gardens, visitors flock to our unusual varieties available in a wide array of colors, textures and shapes. Here are a few tips to ensure your succulent garden’s long-lasting beauty.
PROVIDE SOME SHADE Contrary to popular belief, most succulents do not thrive in full sun. They appreciate a lot of light, but most need partial shade to perform at their best.
START WITH THE RIGHT SOIL
A LITTLE WATER GOES A LONG WAY
PLANT IN WELL-DRAINED POTS
Use a fast-draining potting soil. If you’re of the organic persuasion, amend a traditional potting soil with coarse perlite, crushed lava or pumice.
Succulents like the soil nearly dry before being watered. Overwatering them will cause the plants to rot. A little water once a week usually does the trick.
Succulent roots don’t like excess water, so plant them in containers that allow ample drainage.
How Does Your Garden Grow? In case you hadn’t noticed, Tom Lowe, co-owner of Rock City Gardens, is also the author of Vero Beach Magazine’s monthly gardening article. Don’t miss his feature in the August issue where he shares his knowledge of the benefits and beauty of nature’s pollinators.
seven acres of inspiration
9080 U.S. Hwy 1 Wabasso, Florida 32970 772.589.5835 RockCityGardens.com
Monday through Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm © 2013-2017 Rock City Gardens