The Early Bloomer :: July 2019

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Early Bloomer

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JULY 2019

Red Hot

Garden Goodness

seven acres of inspiration

Revel in Your Garden’s Sweetness We gardeners are an interesting bunch. Some like to stand back and observe the beauty of our creations while simply waiting to see what happens next. Others take time to fully experience the garden we’ve been building by exploring what we might improve. After all, the very nature of gardens is in constant flux.

Part of being a successful gardener is observing the interplay of life that we’re creating. Let’s explore how to become a more proactive gardener. Ask yourself: what plant combinations are living up, or down, to your expectations? Is wildlife interacting with your plants and design elements – if so, how and when?

Take time to observe subtle plant interactions.

Sitting on your deck or patio with a cup of coffee in the morning while admiring your garden is one thing, albeit well deserved.

But get up and take a closer look. Observe the tiny details that will ultimately affect your gardens’ growth. For example, aphids may be trailing up and down the stem of a flower. Small spiders may be casting their webs between flower heads. Look closely at how plants may or may not be attracting beautiful wildlife.

Notice and record how wildlife is using the landscape Take every opportunity to get outside — the plants and the wildlife change every moment, and there are always new displays to find. Note what pollinators are visiting what blooms over the course of the day and realize that this can guide you to provide even more of what they need. Small butterflies will sun themselves on the fence with the last evening light, while larger species will swoop in midday looking for food and water. What flower seeds are birds eating? Which grasses do birds come to gather for nesting?

Follow the day into night and note how your garden’s double life contributes to its success Birds come back in a flourish just before sunset. The afternoon heat has subsided, and they are landing in the fountain or birdbath with desperate joy.

As the wavelengths of light coming from the sun change, some flowers will be on notice to close their petals. This is when you should find a secluded corner and observe. Watch where birds, bees and butterflies pulse and hover — how they interact with open areas compared with plant beds. Listen for birds gathering in nearby trees. Are there places where wildlife need more cover?

Could you add a shrub hedgerow or a small flowering tree? Do you need to turn off the landscape lights so wildlife can find night flowers?

You’ve helped your landscape come alive, just as it has helped you come into a new awareness.

Your garden is a sweet wildlife refuge for all, including yourself.

Let’s face it; tomorrow you’ll have to make a run to the nursery to keep reveling in the sweetness of what you’re creating. Don’t worry, we’ll keep the garden gates open for you!

FIREWORKS IN THE GARDEN

A fun way to start the month of July is to explore plants that have the word “fire” in their name. Fire in the landscape isn't generally something a gardener would wish for, unless it’s of the floral variety. So how do you choose plants that have the word “fire” in their name that are also appropriate for summer gardening in our region? Following are a trio of popular “fiery” plants that thrive in Florida gardens.

FIREBUSH

FIRECRACKER PLANT

FIRESPIKE

Firebush is a native,

Firecracker plant blooms

Firespike produces clusters

perennial shrub that flowers

flowers year-round with a

of upright red tubular

year-round. Beloved by

show of tubular flowers that

flowers. This shrub blooms

birds and butterflies, this

are usually red, although

mostly in the fall and these

plant is heat- and drought-

yellow- and salmon-colored

plants will perform well in

tolerant and can actually be

forms are available. The

partial shade. Glossy green

grown throughout most of

foliage on this tough plant is

leaves add to its visual

Florida. The flowers come

particularly interesting. The

appeal.

in shades of red and orange

cascading wiry stems and

and resemble bursting

tiny leaves add texture to

fireworks. Perfect for your

your landscape.

July garden landscape and container gardens!

HARDSCAPES

functional elegance 6

gardening

If adding a new outdoor kitchen or dining area – or revamping your current setup – is on your landscape makeover wish list, take a look at our fresh designs that serve up ideas for alfresco cooking, dining and special gatherings. These projects make the most of their patio space while creating a cozy setting for friends and family.

GARDEN BOUTIQUE

Brad´s Musings You may see us sweat a little, but you will never see us cry.

Just an average summer day at Rock City in July.

So, come on in and see us.

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Heat tolerant plants that can’t be beat.

about the poet

Cool down with lots of water and take a break from the heat.

Brad is a long-time Rock City Gardens’ associate.

ARTIST-DESIGNED GARDEN ART Inspired by nature itself, our newest garden accessories are genuine works of art. Forged from steel, these striking structures make beautiful statements in your landscape and outdoor areas.

From elegant southern magnolia to the bright tropical heliconia and hot pink coneflower, our new feeders will delight both you and your feathered friends.

Also available is artist-crafted landscape art that offers something for every style, including Sharkskin Agave, and Artichoke Agave. American made and artist designed, don’t miss these beautiful and functional works of art – while supplies last!

GARDEN BOUTIQUE

GARDENING

JULY BLOOMS PENTAS

LANTANA

COLEUS

» LANTANA Watch for crowds of colorful butterflies flocking to your garden when you plant lantana.

This super productive plant puts out a non-stop supply of bright, nectar-rich flowers all summer long.

Lantana loves hot, sunny weather and is tolerant of both drought and humid conditions. Choose from an assortment of fun colors and brand new varieties.

MAINTENANCE: Water LIGHT: Full

Sun

only as needed

» COLEUS This bold jewel-colored plant with multiple, variegated shades of foliage is a gardener’s delight. From sun to shade, they keep their color and flourish beautifully in summertime. Perfect for landscape beds and large container gardens. These handsome beauties grow up to 30” in height.

MAINTENANCE: Water

as top soil starts to dry LIGHT: Sun to Partial Shade

Our friendly garden associates will happily help you select just the right flowers for your summertime garden.

GARDENING

As you gather to celebrate our nation’s birth, prepare your gardens and containers for the festivities with these sizzling plants and flowers from Rock City Gardens!

PENTAS

PURSLANE

» PENTAS These sun-loving flowers add spectacular color to container gardens, hanging baskets and garden beds. Choose from pink, red, rose, white, lavender and violet. Whatever color suits your fancy, it will make a beautiful statement in your summer garden. Grows up to 14” – 16”.

MAINTENANCE: Water LIGHT: Full

Sun

only as needed

» PURSLANE Hot, dry conditions are no match for purslane. Our sweet “cupcake” series come in yummy colors, including Strawberry Banana, Lemon, Orange, Lavender and Raspberry. This vigorous, low-growing flower thrives when the weather heats up and will quickly carpet a bed, border, basket or container with succulent foliage and bright blooms.

A favorite food for butterflies, too!

MAINTENANCE: Easy!

LIGHT: Full

Sun

ASK

How do I create and maintain a raised bed garden?

Gardening in raised beds is becoming more popular as more people try growing their own food. Using raised beds is like growing plants in large containers. The benefits are abundant, including the ability to position the garden close to your kitchen or outdoor grilling area and maintaining it doesn’t take a toll on your knees and back.

HOW TO GET STARTED 1. SELECT A LOCATION that receives at least 6–8 hours of

direct sun and is close to a water source.

2. FIND A LEVEL AREA for the raised bed or one where

minor modification will make it level.

3. DETERMINE THE SIZE It should be no more than 4' wide because most people can only comfortably reach 2' to the center. A common size is 4' wide x 8' long x 16"–24" deep. The height really depends on the level that is most comfortable for you and the investment you want to make in materials.

4. PREPARE FOR PLANTING Mix a fertilizer into the top

6" of the soil. A 6-6-6, 10-10-10, or a balanced, slow-release vegetable fertilizer is suitable. The amount to use is based on the analysis (which can be found on the fertilizer label) and the square feet of the surface area. Now you are ready to plant your yummy vegetables!

5. PLANT IN ROWS Try planting in blocks instead of rows

— space between rows is not needed in raised beds. Over time, the soil in the bed shrinks, so add soil to bring it up to the original planting level.

For lists of vegetables and herbs that are easy to grow and enjoy, visit Rock City Gardens and our knowledgeable associates will help you make the best selections.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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Keep an eye out for Rock City’s new “Make it Beautiful” ads coming your way this summer – including the Melbourne Beachsider, Vero Beach 32963, Sebastian River News and Vero Beach News. Stay in touch with us on Facebook and Instagram!

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

For the Birds: Let them take a cool dip from the summer heat. An outdoor fountain or bird bath placed in a garden bed will draw more birds than one set in a tiled courtyard. The surrounding foliage offers safety and gives birds a quick hiding spot from predators. Keep the water level topped up on hot days when birds need it the most and water evaporates quickly. Tip: keep water level in bird baths at only 2”-3” so birds can safely exit.

We will be closed July 4th but wish you a fine day as we celebrate our nation’s birthday!

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