The Early Bloomer - December 2015

The Early Bloomer MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

seven acres of inspiration

DECEMBER 2015

So much more than a garden center in this issue So Much More Than a Garden Center Dear Santa‌ A December Garden Take it Outdoors for the Holidays Mark Your New Year Calendar How Does Your Garden Grow?

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garden center

So Much More Than a Garden Center Long before the dawn of the disruptive “big box” revolution, there was a beautiful little wholesale nursery just off Florida’s southern east coast. Started originally in the early 1960’s by a Miami man named Ralph Ruhl, his dream for a nursery was ahead of his time.

Tom and Rhonda Lowe later discovered the struggling garden in 1980. With a clear vision, gardening passion and business acumen, they grew it into a thriving retail garden center. Not only did they continually grow the gardens into a successful business, they did it by staying true to their roots.

been environmentally friendly and as much a destination as a garden center. Their flower-growing techniques, horticulture maintenance programs, containerscaping design talent, and excellent customer service offer so much more than the common retail environment.

Today, Rock City Gardens is seven acres of pure inspiration.

They defied the trend to import plants and flowers via dark box trucks or build a big warehouse-like store for selling everything under the sun. Instead, Tom and Rhonda created a unique, subtropical paradise that has always

““We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

— Winston Churchill 3

garden center

An oasis amidst the retail chaos, Rock City Gardens offers: • Custom Landscape Design and Implementation • Personal Plant Care programs

• Container Gardens of all shapes and sizes • Hardscape Design and Installation • Retail Garden Boutique featuring unique home and garden décor • Special event venue with beautiful pond and garden trails Visit Rock City soon and discover what has been inspiring so many people for more than 50 years. For a personal consultation, contact us at 772-589-5835 or admin@rockcitygardens.com.

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Visit our new addition to the Garden Boutique

where you can shop even more outdoor living decor or simply sit a spell and enjoy the view.

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garden boutique

Dear Santa…

Christmas in Rock City’s Garden Boutique is especially breathtaking this year. You must see our profusion of home décor & garden accessories. The magnificent trees and unique gifts will amaze everyone on your list. The clock is ticking, so visit soon!

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garden boutique

• Handsome, carved game boards – perfect for the men on your list • Gorgeous indoor/outdoor throw pillows in an array of colors and designs • Living succulent wreaths – ideal for hanging or creating a lush centerpiece • Striking teak benches – for relaxing after the holiday rush • Delicately carved Santas – the likeness is uncanny • Nature-themed ornaments, including real shells, sea life creatures, and forest animals • Sparkling baubles that brighten even the humblest of trees • Beautiful icicle ornaments • Stunning cachepots in a plethora of colors and sizes • Soothing water features • Fresh magnolia wreaths (must be pre-ordered) • Pre-lit Christmas trees, from tabletop sizes to majestic showstoppers

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gardening

A December Garden For those of us who love gardening and watching the fruits of our labor produce beautiful results, holiday joy is finding exquisite plants and flowers. December

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is a month to remember at Rock City Gardens. Our bounty of freshly grown flowers and plants make for a merry and joyful garden this season!

gardening

December’s Featured Flowers Christmas Cacti

Coleus

Amaryllis

Pentas

Poinsettias Orchids

Begonias, including Wax, Baby Wing, Dragon Wing, and Gryphon

Geraniums

Ivy Geraniums

Sunpatiens

Petunias

Bounce Impatiens

Herbs

New Guinea Impatiens

Million Bells

Bromeliads

Argyranthemums

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Outdoor Living Holiday Wish List • Outdoor Fireplace – wood or natural gas •F irepit – perfect for adding nuance and just the right amount of heat •R emodeled or New Outdoor Kitchen •D ecorative Gravel •N atural Mulches •B ulk Potting and Fill Soils •W ater Features – including birdbaths and re-circulating fountains ond-less •P Waterfalls •T eak benches • Water Features

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hardscapes

Take it Outdoors for the Holidays Living in paradise has its advantages – like gathering family and friends in outdoor living rooms during the heart of winter. Let the snow fall where it may. We will gather outdoors and wish our northern neighbors some warm holiday cheer.

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special events

Mark Your New Year Calendar Rock City Gardens is committed to continuing our community seminars that offer thoughtful guidance and horticulture education. This season, we’re bringing two special speakers back by popular demand. Plan to join us for these fun and informative special events.

Constant Color for Your Garden Saturday, January 23rd 10:00 AM

Carol Cloud Bailey

Carol Cloud Bailey (aka Yard Doc) will present everything you want to know about caring for and growing healthy, colorful perennials.

Not all perennials bloom, yet they provide well-balanced color for your landscape. Join us for this free seminar and gain new insight from the Yard Doc, a celebrated columnist and master gardener.

RSVP by January 21st at admin@rockcitygardens.com or 772.589.5835.

Edible Landscaping Saturday, February 27th 12:30 PM

Tom MacCubbin

Tom MacCubbin, best-selling author and radio host of “Better Lawns & Gardens” will present how to grow and maintain a savory, edible landscape. If you joined us last season for Tom’s engaging seminar, you know you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy this dynamic presentation and lunch by Rock City’s beautiful pond. $20 per person includes a delicious lunch.

RSVP by February 24th at admin@rockcitygardens.com or 772.589.5835.

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

Christmas décor tips, Vero Beach style: #1 For a simple and elegant display, try a loose arrangement of assorted native greenery #2 Replace traditional candles with sweet succulents atop brass or silver candlesticks for an edgy yet feminine little display. From all of us at Rock City Gardens, Merry Christmas and Happy Gardening!

closed CHRISTMAS DAy Hours

seven acres of inspiration

9080 U.S. Hwy 1 Wabasso, Florida 32970 772-589-5835 RockCityGardens.com

Monday through Friday Saturday and Sunday

8:00am – 6:00pm 9:00am – 5:00pm

© 2013-2015 Rock City Gardens