The Early Bloomer :: June 2019

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Early Bloomer

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JUNE 2019

Alfresco Fêtes

Lady Slipper Orchid container garden designed by Rock City

seven acres of inspiration

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

Whether it’s a leisurely weekend brunch on the patio, a pool party or cocktail hour in the garden, there’s nothing quite like gathering outdoors with good friends and family. Even in early summer, an alfresco fete can be fun for you and your guests.

Get a handle on outdoor entertaining with these smart ideas for staying comfy, toting treats, and lighting the night.

And the best part? You can easily pick up most everything you need for these outdoor-friendly party ideas at Rock City’s Garden Boutique.

A TISKET, A TASKET...

Make things easier on yourself by loading up trays with sturdy handles to carry dishes and food to your outdoor dining area. Fill up a basket or tote bag with linens, placemats, flatware, sunscreen and anything else you need to schlep.

KEEP SEATING DRY If you have the space to store outdoor pillows indoors, do so — especially if there’s a chance of rain soaking everything before your fete! Sitting among fresh, dry pillows will get your outdoor party off on the right note.

THE CONVERSATION ZONE gard ening If you’re expecting a big crowd, getting the conversations started is easier when you have several small seating areas to help your guests feel more comfortable. If you’re short on outdoor seating, you can always bring out a few dining chairs or benches from inside, and supplement with folding chairs, ottomans, and garden stools.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS For an evening gathering, any change in footing in your outdoor area should be well-lit. If you don’t have landscape lighting installed, a simple fix is to position an attractive lantern on each step or uneven area — then just light the candles or turn on flameless versions before your guests arrive.

PARTY CART A bar cart on wheels lets you wheel it anywhere you need it. If you’re using a stationary table, keeping items on trays will help in case you need to bring things indoors in a hurry (hello, afternoon rain). Depending on your party, your cart may include cocktail fixings, refreshing lemon water, extra beach towels and sunscreen, or an assortment of nibbles. And a small, colorful gardening pot makes an impressive vessel for keeping containers of drinks on ice.

SET THE MOOD A quick way to dramatically change the mood of your outdoor space is with lighting. Cafe lights strung overhead, elegant fire bowls installed around a pool, or simple tea lights atop the tables — any of these ideas bring a quaint ambience to your evening gathering.

KEEP THE BUGS AT BAY If coastal breezes aren’t blowing the day of your gathering (mosquitoes stay out of the wind), provide your guests with safe mosquito-repellant lotions like Skin-So-Soft and light citronella candles housed in colorful ceramic containers.

All are available at Rock City!

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DRESS IT UP Nothing adds beauty to an outdoor event like fresh plants and flowers. A few container gardens filled with colorful blooms, small succulent gardens for table tops, or baskets of lush green foliage instantly transform your outdoor living areas for any size gathering.

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GARDENING

June Blooms

PERSIAN SHIELD

FIREBUSH

» PERSIAN SHIELD These heat and drought tolerant plants in iridescent shades of purple, green and silver are perfect for your landscape garden beds and container gardens. Reaching a height of 24”-36,” they perform best in partially shaded areas.

» FIREBUSH This “lime sizzler” beauty does double duty in the garden. It not only adds bright colors to your landscape it attracts charming pollinators. The red and orange blooms against its green and yellow foliage are very fitting for summer.

MAINTENANCE: Easy!

LIGHT: Full

LIGHT: Partial

Shade

MAINTENANCE: Water

Sun

only as needed

GARDENING

Summertime doesn’t mean the end of colorful gardens. These sun-loving plants are just what Doc Rock ordered!

VARIEGATED TAPIOCA » VARIEGATED TAPIOCA This tropical foliage is a perfect background plant for the landscape to add interest and color. We love its shades of white, yellow and green with purple stems.

MAINTENANCE: Easy!

LIGHT: Full

Sun to Partial Shade

PORTERWEED » PORTERWEED Despite the name, these are beautiful plants! Available in peach or blue, it loves the sun and will grow up to 4 feet in height. They do a phenomenal job at attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

MAINTENANCE: Water LIGHT: Full

Sun

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

only as needed

ASK

Q: A:

What advice can you offer for June gardening?

It’s getting hotter by the day as we move into summer, but there are simple things you can do in June to help your garden thrive during the months ahead. Whatever you choose to do in the garden, do it early in the morning or evening when the heat is not as intense.

MAKE YOUR SOIL BETTER: Your garden and landscape

plants will appreciate it if you dress your soil with an inch or two of compost now. As compost breaks down, it improves your soil’s ability to hold nutrients. Rock City has an excellent and affordable one.

REPLENISH MULCH: If the mulch around your planting

beds is becoming thin, add a fresh layer now. It will give your yard a crisp, clean look and does a great job of suppressing weeds.

Visit Rock City Gardens soon for more inspiration to keep your garden and landscape looking healthy and beautiful through summer.

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?

Need a really cool gift idea for Father’s Day? We’ve literally got the World’s Coolest Rain Gauge – ever – at Rock City’s Garden Boutique. He’ll love this twist on a classic gizmo. Based on the Archimedean principle of water displacement, the measurement tube rises from the outer collection flute to show water accumulation. And it’s made in the USA. Watch it work!

Happy Father’s Day to all you cool dads!

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 © 2013-2019 Rock City Gardens