The Early Bloomer :: December 2019

GIFT GUIDE

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Merry Finds

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DECEMBER 2019

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Early Bloomer

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garden boutique

Christmas A H O M EG R OW N

The colors of Christmas are everywhere this time of year, but they are most magical at Rock City Gardens — as far as the eye can see, in green

wreaths and red flowers, and on holiday trees and Santa-worthy florae. A stroll through our fanciful gardens and Garden Boutique will dazzle the eyes and warm the heart as it conjures warm holiday memories.

Rock City was born more than 50 years ago from a deep love of gardening and a desire to grow healthy, homegrown flowers for all to enjoy. That same passion drives the gardens today – and inspires a spirit of joy during the holidays.

garden boutique

This way to the Merry Finds!

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The More, The Merrier Transforming Rock City Gardens into a Christmas oasis takes thousands of lights, hundreds of ornaments, miles of greenery and flowers, and endless hours of devoted staff. Late into early November nights our garden elves could be found decorating trees in every theme imaginable – from coastal and nature-inspired to traditionally elegant, and even a “pillow talk” theme new to the scene this year. Although decorating the gardens took a few weeks to complete, more inspiration can strike at any time.

The planning started last January when our buyers hit the road in search of unique decorations and special gifts – and our talented growers began cultivating more than 170,000 homegrown flowers last summer in anticipation of this beautiful season. By October, like Santa’s workshop, the behind-the-scenes orchestration for a holiday garden wonderland was in high gear.

If you think that your holiday spirit is nary to be found, a visit to our holiday boutique and gardens will lift your spirits and bring joy this holiday season.

garden boutique

Keep going!

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Merry Finds ! #1 German Hand-painted Eggs Exquisite and perfect for Christmas ornaments or displaying all year long. #2 Decorative Pillows From holiday themes to animal motifs, they make a statement all on their own!

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#3 Poinsettias The holidays aren’t complete until the Poinsettias are displayed. In white, pink, red and marble colors, pick up several for yourself and thoughtful gifts for others.

#4 Christmas Ornaments Rock City’s assortment of ornaments are second to none and you’ll love our Pink Flamingo, Red Cardinals, Sea Turtles and Snowy Owls this year. #5 Hand Towels Not just for the cook on your list. These fun kitchen towels make delightful hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, and great conversation starters.

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9 #6 Christmas Cacti A coastal Christmas calls for at least one tropical Christmas Cactus on your list. Rock City has a beautiful assortment this year. #7 Snow Globes Who says they’re just for kids?

From beautiful to festive, these snow globes will surprise and delight everyone. #8 Scented Candles Fragrant candles warm the heart of those who give and receive them. #9 Decorative Topiary Trees Unique and available in a wide range of colors and sizes.

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GARDEN BOUTIQUE

Forever Green Dare we declare that Santa won’t find you if there’s not a wreath on your door? You can hang a wreath any time of year, but Christmas isn’t complete without the enduring sign of holiday hospitality miraculously found in a simple green circle. Even if no gifts are in sight and no stockings hung with care – the welcoming sign of a holiday wreath upon the door says: Welcome all, and glad tidings to you!

Whether flocked, gilded, fruited or bowed, at Rock City Gardens, we love our faux wreaths both big and small. Our designers stand ready to create the perfect holiday symbol of hospitality just for you.

Custom Faux Wreath designed by Rock City Gardens

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Meet Michelle When someone has a passion for what they do in life, it’s often a passion that was honed at an early age. Michelle Craft, our Garden Center Manager & Plant Buyer, is a perfect example. She grew up in the business, watching and learning the basics alongside her father at their plant nursery in Loxahatchee, Florida. Ironically, she readily admits that as a teenager she never thought she would pursue it as a career.

“I loathed the work that the nursery business required,” Michelle said. “And thought I would never do it for a living. I tried other things for a few years but quickly returned to my lifelong passion for plants and never looked back.”

Prior to joining the Rock City team nearly three years ago, Michelle was a

Michelle Craft GARDEN CENTER MANAGER & PLANT BUYER

horticulturalist for a botanical garden in West Palm Beach where she gained invaluable experience with exotic plants and flowers.

Today, she manages the Garden Boutique and is the buyer for all Rock City Gardens’ landscape and containerscape jobs as well as the garden center. Her favorite part of the job? Helping others pursue their horticulture and gardening passions.

“I love our staff at Rock City and what I do – and that every day presents a new challenge,” Michelle said.

Michelle’s father, Paul Craft, is also the author of two books on growing and caring for palm trees. “He keeps me on my toes,” she said. “If I get something wrong about plant and tree care, I have to answer to him!”

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GARDENING

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

It’s one of the most glorious times of year at Rock City Gardens. Our holiday plants and flowers are singing praises of the season.

» POINSETTIAS A classic Christmas flower and a must-have for many who associate the holidays with displays of colorful poinsettias. Choose from red, pink, marble, and white this season. It’s the perfect gift for hostesses, teachers, friends and colleagues. Don’t forget to pick up a few for your family and friends’ gatherings!

Water only when soil becomes dry to the touch MAINTENANCE

Indoors, direct sunlight; Outdoors, Partial Sun LIGHT

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GARDENING

Âť CHRISTMAS CACTUS 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 Water

only as needed.

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

CHRISTMAS CACTUS Âť AMARYLLIS This gorgeous flower is rivaling the popularity of poinsettias as the plant of choice for the holidays. Its big, bell-shaped flower makes a dramatic table-top display or hostess gift, and it performs beautifully indoors. To enjoy your amaryllis for as long as possible, place it in a spot with filtered light. After the holidays, you can transplant the bulbs in the ground for long-lasting color.

Keep it barely moist, taking care not to wet the bulb that naturally MAINTENANCE

rests just above the soil.

LIGHT

AMARYLLIS

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

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Wrap It Up! Friday, December 13th 5:00pm – 8:00pm

By popular demand, Rock City Gardens will remain open for extended hours, one night only. Finalize your gift buying, decorating plans and sprucing up the gardens before the guests arrive.

And enjoy a peaceful, evening stroll through the gardens.

Check Facebook and Instagram for additional details!

ASK

DOC ROCK

For a quick tutorial on caring for poinsettias, watch our garden associate, Brad Benson here.

How do I keep my poinsettias blooming?

The traditional Christmas flower – the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a brilliant display of these colorful flowers. Caring for them is easy. Keep them in dappled sunlight and watered regularly so the soil is just damp to the touch. As with many tropical plants, too much water can ruin a good thing. They perform beautifully indoors or in outdoor container gardens – and they make for a festive holiday entrance.

With just a little tender loving care, your poinsettias will reward you with colorful blooms long after the holiday season.

Sweet Treats ‘Tis the sweetest season of all, and it naturally calls for partaking of delicious confections. While doing your holiday garden and gift shopping, stop by Rock City’s new Garden Café featuring AKOHO homemade pastries and goodies. Pastries too scrumptious to share with Santa, hot and cold coffee, and other delicious beverages are sure to give you a lift — and plenty of shopping endurance!

Garden Café hours :: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 3pm

OPEN UNTIL NOON: Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve CLOSED: Christmas and New Year's Day 9080 U.S. Hwy 1 Sebastian, Florida PO Box 700808 Wabasso, FL 32970

acres of inspiration

772.589.5835 RockCityGardens.com

Monday through Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm © 2013-2019 Rock City Gardens