The Early Bloomer :: August 2018 by TAA

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AUGUST 2018

Let the Growing Begin ! seven acres of inspiration

GARDENING

Let the Growing Begin! August is one of the hottest months of the year. The wise gardener will spend more time indoors or in the pool than outdoors tending his or her garden. While most of you are taking shelter from the heat, our horticulture specialists will be busy growing thousands of beautiful flowers from carefully prepared cuttings. Though we grow a wide variety of flowers, our process for growing geraniums is especially noteworthy.

GARDENING Before new growth can begin, careful preparation is critical for success. Two weeks prior to receiving the geranium cuttings, we methodically sterilize our greenhouses. They are pressure washed from top to bottom. Tables are disinfected before trays of potting media are placed on them, which ensures safe and healthy propagation. The trays then stay under the misting system for 2-3 days to make sure the soil is thoroughly moist before planting begins. The greenhouse temperature is also digitally regulated to keep the tender plants as cool as possible. It’s all a labor of love in anticipation of the big arrival. Geraniums start from calloused cuttings that have been harvested, air-dried and delivered directly to our garden gate. Wearing latex gloves and armed with a spray bottle of alcohol, our growers carefully insert each geranium stem into the prepared growing pots. Gloves and alcohol are utilized to avoid cross-pollination. When the baby plants are mature enough to be transplanted, they are gently taken from the tray, buds and yellow leaves are removed, and each is planted into their appropriate pot size filled with our custom fertilized soil. We then place the pots in their respective greenhouses – two of which are reserved for general sales and the third greenhouse is reserved for our “We Grow for You” custom orders. Just as fall arrives, the results of all our preparation spring forth in glorious profusion. Magnificent blooms in vibrant colors and rich greenery are the beginning of what becomes a garden oasis – one that customers and visitors have raved about for 50+ years. 4

GARDENING

Summer Pest Control While normal gardening activities slow to a crawl, do take some time to control the pests that inevitably invade your gardens this time of year. Look out for and be ready to control ants that also make their way into your home. Other outdoor pests like chinch bugs and aphids are intent on feasting on your lawn, trees and ornamentals. For more details, stop by Rock City Gardens and our knowledgeable associates will gladly help you keep those unwanted pests at bay.

Hey, Gardener!

Wha•da•ya•know? Test your gardening knowledge with these fun trivia questions. The more you know, the more you grow! 1. When was the first garden hose invented? 2. When did the first lawns appear? 3. Who invented the first greenhouse? (hint: it was in 1619) 4. Who was the first to popularize, if not invent, the first flower pot? Answers: 1. Around 400BC, and it was made of ox gut; 2. In the 1st Century AD, promoted in Greece by Pliny the Younger; 3. Mathematician, Salomon de Caus. It was a movable wooden structure to shelter orange trees at Heidelberg Castle in Germany; 4. The Egyptian pharaoh Ramses III, about 1230BC

BOUTIQUE NEWS Coming Soon! We recently returned from shopping the markets for our upcoming season, and we have lots of goodies coming your way! Brand new to the Garden Boutique this fall will be a complete line of Country French inspired wire containers and a Zen Garden guaranteed to stimulate a stress-free zone.

G AR D E N BOU TIQU E

A Cool Reprieve Take a break from the heat and visit our Garden Boutique. Our designers created beautiful, live succulent arrangements that fare very well in the heat. For those who fancy maintenance-free arrangements, you’ll love our gorgeous, permanent botanical gardens. FOR A LIMITED TIME,

all pots are on sale 20% to 50% off — a cool reward for being a loyal Rock City Gardens’ customer. Stock up now for fall.

HARDSCAPES

Custom fountains designed and built by Rock City Gardens’ hardscape team. Available now at our Garden Boutique.

Did You Know? Beyond our beautiful flowers and creative container gardens lies an amazing array of pavers, bricks and natural stone from which to choose. Aptly named “hardscape,” this industry term was first used in 1972. “Softscape” is all the living material we grow and provide. Together, they make up a stunning landscape. Our team of hardscape specialists have designed and installed gorgeous outdoor living areas throughout our community, including custom water features, outdoor kitchens, and handsome paved walkways. Stop in and see our newest custom fountains designed and built by our talented team.

ASK DOC ROCK Q: H ow can I prepare

my landscape for approaching storms?

A: With the height of storm season and dog days of summer upon us, it’s wise to take preventive measures with your landscape. While we can’t stop a storm’s destruction, there are things you can do to help minimize damage. Lightly fertilize your plants and flowers as recommended to maintain a strong root system and healthy growth. Water only as needed to maintain evenly moist soil – usually only needed during drought periods. Inspect your trees for necessary pruning. Prune them to remove dead branches, which decreases wind resistance and prevents branches from becoming flying missiles. A healthy landscape will perform much better during strong storms.

For more information on storm preparedness, stop by Rock City Gardens and our knowledgeable associates will gladly assist.

Owners, Tom and Rhonda Lowe with head grower, Shirley Barton at Cultivate18 in Columbus, OH.

How Does Your Garden Grow? Rock City owners, Tom and Rhonda Lowe are actively involved in industry organizations including AmericanHort, the consolidation of the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) and the Association of Horticulture Professionals (OFA). Together with their head grower, Shirley Barton, Tom and Rhonda attended Cultivate18 in Ohio last month. The largest North American horticulture trade show, more than 10,000 people joined together to collaborate and connect to share the latest news and research on the market today. Visit Rock City Gardens soon to reap the benefits of their findings!

seven acres of inspiration

9080 U.S. Hwy 1 Wabasso, Florida 32970 772.589.5835 RockCityGardens.com

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