The Early Bloomer - February 2016

The Early Bloomer seven acres of inspiration

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

FEBRUARY 2016

Where Love Blooms in this issue Where Love Blooms Love Feast Hey, Cupid!

Be Mine Special Events How Does Your Garden Grow?

gardening

Where Love Blooms It’s no wonder that poets have long drawn romantic inspiration from gardens. Some even created garden retreats from where they would pen their best poetry.

With Rock City’s seven acres of inspiration, there’s something for everyone to love – even the most discerning.

As Valentine’s Day approaches and your thoughts turn to love and romance, planning the ideal celebration need not be complicated. We think it’s the perfect time to practice the KISS theory. (Keep It Simple, Silly!)

So here are some sweet ideas to get those romantic wheels turning: • Long-lasting, colorful blooms planted in a gorgeous container that can easily be transplanted later into garden beds or landscaping • Beautiful and permanent container gardens, from tall to tabletop displays (our associates can help you select the perfect style) • Unique home décor for both indoors and outdoors (our Garden Boutique is like a secret garden) • A romantic stroll through our stunning gardens any day of the week (our gardens are known as a local destination of choice)

2

Brad’s Musing Forget the heart-shaped candy.

Don’t buy that stuffed teddy bear.

Come to Rock City Gardens and Get the gift that says, “I care.”

This Valentine’s Day, be different and Get a gift that’s unique. We have lots for you To choose from in our Garden Center Boutique. a b out the p oe t

Brad is a Rock City Gardens’ associate. To meet Brad is to love Brad. Look for more of his poems coming up in The Early Bloomer.

3

February Flora at Rock City Gardens Warm up with these cold-tolerant beauties: Geraniums Petunias

Heuchera Oxalis

Snapdragons

Flowering kale Lamium

Snapdragons

Geraniums

Flowering kale

Petunias

Lamium

4

Oxalis

Heuchera

Rock City Gardens

GARDEN BOUTIQUE

HARDSCAPING

CONTAINER GARDENING

LANDSCAPING

PLANT CARE

HOMEGROWN FLOWERS

A PLACE TO GROW You’re never too young or too old to visit Rock City’s seven acres of home and garden inspiration.

We’ve cultivated glorious blooms and outdoor living spaces for over 50 years.

9080 U.S. HWY 1 | ROCKCITYGARDENS.COM | 772.589.5835

5

Sweet and edible plants and flowers available at Rock City Gardens

Herbs Marigolds Calendula Hibiscus

6

gardening

Love Feast Get creative with edible gardening As we prepare for the upcoming “Edible Landscaping” seminar featuring Tom MacCubbin, we offer you some food for thought.

• Many vegetables lend themselves beautifully to containers. Colorful lettuces are gorgeous in containers or as a decorative border in your landscaping • Tomato plants are ideal in large pots. They add rich color and are attractive when mixed in with annual flowers such as marigolds • Brighten salads with edible flowers. Grow nasturtiums and toss a few petals in with your lettuce for an appealing salad • Flavorful herbs are delicious and convenient. Our VegTrugs, raised bed container gardens made from sustainable fir, make it easy to grow herbs and other edible plants anywhere Honeysuckle Nasturtium Tomato plants

Edible landscaping offers an attractive alternative to traditional landscaping. Taking your plants from garden to table is also satisfying, sustainable and efficient.

Lettuce

7

garden boutique

Hey, Cupid!

Giving and receiving gifts for Valentine’s New this season!

Day is at the very heart of the holiday.

• Beautiful umbrellas When cupid calls, we always ask: “What with gift box. These can I give that will be appreciated and creative and durable show my love?” At Rock City Gardens, we designs add sunshine frequently hear that our long-lasting, artful to any rainy day. gifts are a welcomed surprise. Our Garden • Handmade teak benches Boutique is full of gorgeous home and and plant stands garden décor.

• Botanical puzzles • Bright colored garden containers – perfect for those long-lasting displays Don your wings and make your way to the Garden Boutique. We’re open seven days a week.

8

9

container garden of the month

Be Mine

One of the most highly coveted of ornamental plants. In ancient Greece, the graceful orchid represents love, luxury, beauty and strength. At Rock City Gardens, they are a favored flower for their tropical beauty and elegance.

What a graceful way to say, “Be My Valentine.�

10

special events

Join Us for Our First Seminars of the Season!

Constant Color in Your Garden Saturday, February 13th 10:00 AM Due to inclement weather last month, this seminar was rescheduled for February 13th. All those who reserved a seat for this very popular seminar will be reconfirmed for the new date.

Carol Cloud Bailey

Carol Cloud Bailey will present everything you want to know about caring for and growing healthy, colorful perennials. Join us for this free seminar and gain new insight from Carol, a celebrated local columnist and Florida Master Naturalist. Seats will fill quickly!

RSVP or reconfirm your original reservation by February 11th at admin@rockcitygardens.com or 772.589.5835.

Edible Landscaping Saturday, February 27th 12:30 PM $20 per person, includes lunch Tom MacCubbin

Back by popular demand, Tom MacCubbin, best-selling author and radio host of Better Lawns & Gardens will share how to create beautiful and edible landscapes. Join us for an inspiring demonstration and lunch.

RSVP by February 25th at admin@rockcitygardens.com or 772.589.5835.

11

How Does Your Garden Grow?

“We’ve got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it’s going to get on by itself. You’ve got to keep watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.”

— John Lennon

New Year, New 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 – 5:00pm 9:00am – 5:00pm

© 2013-2016 Rock City Gardens