The Early Bloomer :: December 2018

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DECEMBER 2018

INSIDE:

Garden Holi-dozen GIFT GUIDE

seven acres of inspiration

garden boutique

Ho! Ho! OH! 12 Days. 12 Deals. 12% off.

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. You can feel excitement in the air with the hustle and bustle of holiday planning, shopping, and the dazzling decking of homes and gardens. Rock City’s Garden Boutique is especially festive. Filling Santa’s bag has never been easier. Our boutique is brimming over with selections of great gifts, unique stocking stuffers, and holiday décor. And new this year is our Garden Holi-dozen Gift Guide.

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DECEMBER 10

Advent Calendars

Garden Holi-dozen GIFT GUIDE

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DECEMBER 11

Kid’s Apron + Cookie-Cutter Set

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DECEMBER 12

Decorayson Trees

DECEMBER 13

Giant Gift Tote Bags

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DECEMBER 14

Nativity Sets + Angels

Let’s Decorate!

Falalalala

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DECEMBER 16

Puzzles + Playing Cards

1 2 D AY S O F D E A L S

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DECEMBER 15

Tree Toppers

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DECEMBER 17

Flatyz Candles

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DECEMBER 18

Something for everyone on your list!

Old World Glass Ornaments

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DECEMBER 19

Shadywood Christmas Cards

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DECEMBER 20

Pottery + Cachepots

DECEMBER 21

Christmas Night Lights

g a r d e n i n g h i s to r y

FOR THE INQUISITIVE GARDENER

A Tale of a Christmas Flower Today’s poinsettia is a symbol of Christmas and the holiday season, but it was once very functional within different cultures. The Aztecs, for example, used the plant to produce red dye and medications.

The plant's association with Christmas began in 16th-century Mexico, where legend tells of a girl, called Pepita, who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday and was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. Crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds and became poinsettias.

From the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Mexico included the plants in their Christmas celebrations. The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and the red color represents the blood sacrifice through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Poinsettas are known around the world, sometimes with different names such as: MEXICO AND GUATEMALA Flor de Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Flower) SPAIN Flor de Pascua (Easter Flower) CHILE AND PERU Crown of the Andes HUNGARIAN Santa Clause’s Flower UNITED STATES Celebrates National Poinsettia Day on December 12th

PlaN Something SpeciaL in 2019

S P E C I A L E VENTS

Rock City Gardens is a destination of choice for exquisite outdoor events. With seven acres of stunning gardens and flower houses, a pond and entertainment deck plus beautiful outdoor living areas complete with fire and water features, it’s ideal for year-round events. Weddings, family reunions, cocktail parties, company gatherings and fundraisers are just a few of the special functions happening each month at the Gardens.

For an event consultation and details about reserving Rock City Gardens for your special event, contact Gaynel Marie McCary at 772.589.5835 or events@rockcitygardens.com

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gardening

Christmas Blooms AT R O C K C I T Y G A R D E N S

POINSETTIAS

HERBS

» POINSETTIAS

» HERBS

A classic Christmas flower. For many, the holidays are not complete without beautiful poinsettias amidst their holiday décor. Our lush poinsettias are especially captivating this season. Choose from red, pink, white marble and unique specialty colors! They make lovely gifts for hostesses, teachers, friends and colleagues.

They can be culinary, ornamental and medicinal. With over 60 versatile varieties from which to choose, they are delicious seasonings to your holiday dinners and as decorative accents in your landscape and containers. Unique custom containers are available for gift-giving.

MAINTENANCE Water

only when soil becomes dry to the touch Indoors, direct sunlight; Outdoors, Partial Sun LIGHT

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MAINTENANCE Water LIGHT

only as needed.

Full to Partial Sun

gardening

December is memorable at Rock City. For the garden and your outside pots, our flower house is full of our fabulous homegrown flowers. The color is amazing!

BROMELIADS

CHRISTMAS CACTUS

Âť BROMELIADS

Âť CHRISTMAS CACTUS

Festive, tropical displays of color any time of year! Whether displayed indoors or planted in your landscape beds, they make dramatic statements. Their love of humid climates make them ideal for those who prefer low-maintenance gardening.

The perfect, colorful holiday plant and its care is quite easy! Its tear-drop foliage and uniquely shaped flower makes it a beautiful decoration and thoughtful gift.

Our cacti collection this Christmas includes colors of white, yellow, salmon, red, lavender, and pink.

MAINTENANCE LIGHT

Easy!

Partial Sun

MAINTENANCE

Keep moist, but not wet.

Fall/Winter: Full Sun. Spring/Summer: Partial Shade LIGHT

Our Garden Elves are standing ready to help you select the best blooms for your holiday merry making!

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ASK

DOC ROCK

What care tips do you recommend for Christmas cacti?

Unlike other cacti, the Christmas cactus prefers a humid environment so it’s important to water it a bit more often that most succulents. This cheerful plant grows nicely in indoor containers, provided it drains well and is placed in bright, indirect light. As soon as the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, soak the soil, discarding water in the tray so your plant doesn’t get root rot. It’s especially important to water well while the cactus is flowering. During the winter months, feed your cactus monthly with a good houseplant fertilizer. With a little year-round care, your Christmas cactus will bloom each winter, heralding another glorious holiday season.

On behalf of our entire staff, we wish you the merriest of Christmas's and a bountiful New Year.

We are most grateful for your continued patronage.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Caring for your poinsettias is easy once you heed a few basic tips for its healthy growth. 1) Place your poinsettia in a bright indoor spot, near a window. Avoid dark corners and rooms. 2) Water once the soil approaches dryness, but don’t let it get completely parched. 3) If you display it in a container, ensure it drains well. Poinsettia roots will rot quickly if it sits in water. 4) If the leaves begin to yellow, it’s likely getting too much water. 5) If a stem breaks, all is not lost. Hold the cut end of the flower over a flame to sear the end and place the bud in a vase of water. This will keep the sap inside the stem and allow it to persist for several days.

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE UNTIL NOON CLOSED CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S DAY

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 © 2013-2018 Rock City Gardens