The Early Bloomer - July 2015

The Early Bloomer seven acres of inspiration

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

JULY 2015

Flowering Vines

in this issue Flowering Vines Simply Elegant Summer Gardening Classic Americana Outdoor Spaces Command Royal Treatment One Venue. Seven Acres of Inspiration How Does Your Garden Grow?

gardening

Flowering Vines Take your garden to new heights with flowering vines. Whether framing spaces like doorways or climbing an arbor, trellis or pergola, vines add a smashing vertical element to the home landscape.

The flowers sported by vines come in a spectrum of dazzling colors and fascinating structure. Some also fill the air with heady fragrance. Discover the wonderful and romantic world of vines by adding a few to your outdoor spaces.

Revel in their beauty along with the butterflies and other wildlife they attract.

For an in-depth perusal, take a stroll through the vine walk at Rock City.

A few of our favorite flowering vines are: • Rangoon Creeper • Passion Flower • Confederate Jasmine • Thunbergia (Sky Vine) • Mandevilla • Bougainvillea • Dutchman’s Pipe • Stephanotis

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Rangoon Creeper

Mandevilla

Dutchman’s Pipe

Passion Flower

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Thunbergia

Bougainvillea

Confederate Jasmine

container garden of the month

Simply Elegant “Less is More” can often be a good maxim to follow when planting your container gardens. This month’s elegant container boasts Croton “Congo” and Algerian Ivy “Neon.” The variegation of the Croton leaves add just enough color to keep this green garden interesting.

Rock City has a large, diverse collection of containers. When selecting pots for your garden, consider these helpful guidelines: • Plastic pots will deteriorate in direct sunlight. Terra cotta, glazed ceramic and concrete are excellent choices.

• Ensure your pots have adequate drainage.

• Setting containers on bricks or pavers allows free drainage.

• If you choose terra cotta pots, remember they are porous and water will quickly evaporate. You will need to check your plants’ water needs more frequently.

• Use containers that are large enough to allow the plants to grow. Roots can quickly outgrow a pot that is too small.

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gardening

Summer Gardening Gardeners in Florida expect the summer’s hot humid days and know that the most comfortable time to be outdoors is in the early morning or evening. Fortunately, Mother Nature has provided us with many flowering plants that will tolerate the blistering mid-day sun.

Do you want to refresh your containers or plant a bed of color? Are the locations in sun or shade?

Our staff at Rock City Gardens can help you decide which ones will best fit your needs.

July Blooms at Rock City Gardens ANNUALS:

PERENNIALS:

Purslane

Mexican Heather

Periwinkle

Blue Daze

Gaura

Gaillardia

Angelonia

Coreopsis

Pentas

Rudbeckia

Laurentia

Milkweed

Iochroma Anisodontia

Caladiums (sun and shade varieties)

Mona Lavender

Plumbago

Phygelius / Cape Fuchsia

Buddleia Dipladenia Cat’s Whiskers

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garden boutique

Classic Americana The Fourth of July brings out the patriotic spirit in all of us. As Americans, we love to show our pride with classic red, white and blue. Whether you’re looking for fun picnic decor, stylish garden tools or elegant outdoor accessories, you’ll love the summertime surprises at Rock City’s Garden Boutique.

Celebrate your independence and visit us soon. We’ll be open all day Friday, July 3rd and closed Saturday, July 4th. Normal business hours resume on Sunday, July 5th.

Lori Mitchell figurines, perfect for tabletops and themed décor.

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garden boutique

Adorable dog framed prints, now 40% off!

Our stylish Wallaroo hats also provide UV protection. They’re also one of our most popular items.

Foxglove’s colorful gloves add fun fashion to gardening.

Elegant, large Mother of Pearl bowl is stunning and versatile.

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hardscapes

Outdoor Spaces Command Royal Treatment By now, you’ve noticed how outdoor living areas have gained impressive popularity among homeowners and media. For the gardening industry, there are many alluring professional events that attract top horticulturists and landscape artists – and they, too, offer creative ideas for outdoor living spaces. Perhaps the most notable is the Royal Horticulture Society’s Chelsea Flower Show, held each May in London. It commands the who’s who of horticulture

and landscape design. Even Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II makes an appearance at this regal show.

The 2015 RHS show was especially interesting for professionals who design and install outdoor living spaces. Front and center were designs that combined stones with plantings, such as natural ponds and elevated walkways.

We naturally think it’s the perfect time to share a glimpse of these hardscape ideas, and those of our own that are winning accolades from clients.

For a personal consultation, contact Wade Baxley, General Manager at 772.589.5835.

L: This unique sunken living room, featured at the Royal Horticulture Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in London, combines hardscaping with lush foliage to create an inviting setting.

R: Outdoor living room in Vero Beach, designed and installed by Rock City Gardens.

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Beautiful pathway of hardscapes and flowers at the 2015 Royal Horticulture Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in London

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special events

One Venue.

Seven Acres of Inspiration.

Rock City offers creative options for outdoor events. It’s a place where you can let your imagination come out to play.

With over 50 years of expertise, we pride ourselves in creating beautiful settings.

Our exquisite gardens, outdoor rooms, meandering pathways and tranquil pond provide a magical backdrop for any special

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occasion. Weddings, gala dinners, family reunions, and highly successful non-profit fundraisers are just a few of the events we’ve had the pleasure of hosting over the years.

Plan ahead! To reserve Rock City Gardens for your special event, contact us at 772.589.5835.

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

“The greatest service which can be rendered any country is to add a useful plant to its culture.” — Thomas Jefferson, The Quotable Jefferson A bit of Independence Day trivia: Former Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, the last surviving members of the original American revolutionaries, both died within five hours of each other on the 4th of July, 1826.

CLOSED SATURDAY, JULY 4TH 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

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