The Early Bloomer :: August 2019

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AUGUST 2019

Summer Oasis

seven acres of inspiration

Lush Succulent Gardens

Low-maintenance and self-sustaining, lush succulents are a gardener’s dream in the summer. When planted and cared for properly, they can last for years – both indoors and out.

While our regional weather is a bit too humid to expect succulents to last year-round in garden beds, they are perfect for decorative container gardens of all sizes. They also make beautiful and smart under-plantings for trees and shrubs planted in large pots.

Whether planting or maintaining these beauties, remember that succulents thrive in well-drained soil. Add gravel or shells to the bottom of your container to help increase drainage. A fast-draining soil like a cactus mix works well.

If your container doesn’t have a drainage hole, you will need to water your succulents less.

Succulents grow well in containers at least 4 inches deep and with a loose soil that drains freely. Resist the temptation to over-crowd and over-water your succulents – they won’t perform nearly as well!

Our Rock City container garden designers are especially talented at creating succulent garden arrangements. For more information or to schedule a personal consultation, contact Elaine or Kristin at 772.589.5835.

A few of our favorite succulents – available at Rock City Echeverias Rhipsalis Kalanchoe tomentosa Aptenia

Aeoniums Senecios Sempervivum Crassula

Euphorbia tirucalli Peperomia Portulacaria Graptopetalum

Kalanchoe thrysiflora Assorted haworthias and more!

REFRESH & RENEW The secret to summertime container gardens

GET YOUR WATERING SCHEDULE DOWN TO A SCIENCE Potted plants dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground, so it’s important to keep a consistent watering schedule. How often to water potted plants depends on a number of factors: the size of the pot, size of your plants, whether the pot is in sun or shade, and the ambient weather.

As a general rule of thumb, water when the top few inches of soil feel dry — typically about twice a week in summer. The best time to water plants is in the coolest time of day — early in the morning or in the evening as the sun sets — to prevent water loss through evaporation.

ADD DRIP IRRIGATION Hooking up potted plants to a drip irrigation system set on a timer is the easiest way to make sure your plants don’t dry out. Use the smallest drip tubing for containers (one-eighth of an inch), hook up the line to a smart timer on the hose bib,

USE PLANT TRAYS The saucers or trays that go under potted plants do more than just protect your deck or porch from water stains. They also act as a water reservoir for thirsty plants.

Water pooled in the saucer can be soaked up by plants in need of a drink. You can fill planter saucers with water before leaving for vacation to give plants a moisture buffer. But make sure the plants aren’t sitting in water for extended periods of time – there’s truth in having too much of a good thing!

MOVE POTS TO CATCH IRRIGATION SPRAY If you’re leaving for the weekend or an extended time, move your small to medium container gardens to areas where they’ll be watered when the sprinklers come on. If there isn’t a natural spot on the patio or pool deck for this, you can always place the pots in the garden bed to ensure they get sprayed. But avoid moving pots from shade to sunny spots!

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UPDATE CONTAINER COMBINATIONS By late summer, some flowers are really hitting their stride, while others are looking a bit tired. Take a look at your mixed containers and pull out any plants that aren’t looking great. Fill in the empty spots with plants, flowers and herbs that will keep your pots looking fresh until fall.

DEADHEAD YOUR FLOWERS Snip off the blooms of annuals and perennials that are wilted and past their prime to keep containers looking fresh and – most importantly – to encourage them to keep producing flowers. This tip holds true for flowers growing in your garden beds, too.

USE LOW-WATER PLANTS AS LIVING MULCH FOR POTTED TREES Mulch helps keep the soil cool and prevents water loss through evaporation. A more pleasing solution for potted trees or shrubs is to underplant them with other small plants and flowers. Choose plants that require less water so that they don’t compete with the tree for too much moisture. Succulents are a great choice, look far better than bare soil, and help prevent the soil from losing water.

GARDENING

It’s the height of summer in Florida – hot and humid!

Our featured flower of the month is the Angel Wing Begonia and it stands up beautifully against the summer heat.

LANA

LOIS BURKE

LOOKING GLASS

» ANGEL WING BEGONIA The foliage texture and colors of these warm-weather plants are magnificent, and great for the garden or pots in shady but bright locations. Rock City has grown an array of pink, red and white varieties, including: BENIGO PINK BRAZILIAN LADY LANA LOOKING GLASS LOIS BURKE MEDORA PINK CANE SOPHIA MOROCCO MAINTENANCE: Easy, low-water

SOPHIA

LIGHT: Bright, indirect

light

usage!

ASK

Q: What should I do to prepare my landscape for fall?

AUGUST IS A TOUGH MONTH FOR WE GARDENERS. The heat is too intense to spend much time outdoors and our plants take a beating due to the extreme heat and drought periods. But there are things you can do pro-actively to prepare your landscape for the upcoming season. h With the height of storm season drawing nigh, it’s wise to take preventive measures with your landscape.

Inspect your trees for necessary pruning and remove dead branches to prevent them from becoming destructive missiles in a storm. h Re-mulch your garden beds if needed. This naturally helps maintain moisture and protects your plants’ roots from extreme elements. h Take time to control the pests that invade your gardens this time of year. Be ready to control ants that also make their way into your home. Other outdoor pests like chinch bugs in your lawn as well as aphids and mealybugs are intent on feasting on your trees and ornamentals. Rock City’s knowledgeable associates will gladly give you advice on how to keep those pests at bay.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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Have you seen our new “Make it Beautiful” newspaper campaign? Watch for it in the Melbourne Beachsider, Vero Beach 32963, Sebastian News, Vero News and the St Lucie Voice. Rock City’s reach extends from St Lucie County through Brevard County. We’re proud to support our neighbors from the north to the south!

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

Low maintenance doesn’t have to mean lackluster. Whether you want to conserve water, cut down on time spent weeding and mowing, or simply wish to make the most of your outdoor living areas, Rock City’s original hardscape designs are anything but boring! Our clients’ outdoor living spaces are quickly gaining a reputation for being both beautiful and functional. To learn more, contact Rock City Gardens at 772.589.5835.

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 © 2013-2019 Rock City Gardens