The Early Bloomer - June 2015

The Early Bloomer seven acres of inspiration

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

JUNE 2015

Butterfly Flutters in this issue Butterfly Flutters Caladiums Galore!

Stand Your Turf Winging It Container Garden of the Month Special Events & Seminars How Does Your Garden Grow?

gardening

Butterfly Flutters Butterfly gardens are man and nature’s sweet way of providing these winged beauties with food while giving us a delightful show of color. With the appropriate use of host and nectar plants, you can attract beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds alike. Florida actually boasts more than 100 species of butterflies, some of which are unique to our state.

Whether confined to patio containers or spread over a large area of land, a butterfly garden can be as simple or as complex as you wish to make it. The same basic care concepts apply, regardless of the size. To create a successful and beautiful butterfly garden, incorporate the following: • Nectar plants – To attract and nourish adult butterflies.

• Host plants – To attract female butterflies and provide a food source for developing larvae.

• Shelter – Use vegetation that provides protection from storms and predators, and creates a spot for resting and sleeping.

• A water source – A bubbling fountain or shallow birdbath placed nearby allows butterflies and birds easy access to drinking water and a cool, invigorating bath.

• Plants of varied heights – establish a horizontal and vertical gardenscape by choosing different heights of plants and flowers. It’s aesthetically pleasing and creates microclimates that appeal to multiple butterfly species, provides shelter, and creates different feeding opportunities.

2

While supplies last, Rock City Gardens has warm-weather plants and flowers conducive to butterfly gardens and stunning summertime gardens.

Purslane Periwinkle Gaura Torenia Angelonia Salvia Pentas Sunpatienstm Zinnias Marigolds Gazania Laurentia Iochroma Anisodontia Asters Mona lavender Phygelius / Cape fuchsia Mexican heather Blue daze Gaillardia Coreopsis Rudbeckia Milkweed Caladiums Plumbago Buddleia Dipladenia Sweet potato vine Cat’s whiskers 3

Candidum

Frieda Hemple

Fancy Leaf White with

Fancy Leaf Red

with Green Veining – sha d e

with Green Margin – sun / p a rt sun

Peppermint

White Dynasty

Fancy Leaf Red and Green with

Strap Leaf White

White Veining – sha d e / p a rt sha d e

with Green Margin – sun / p a rt sun

Moonlight

Miss Muffet

Fancy Leaf White with

Fancy Leaf Green

Green Margin – sha d e / p a rt sha d e

with Red Speckles – sun / p a rt sun

Celebration Fancy Leaf Pink / Green with Red Margin – sha d e / p a rt sha d e Pink Splash

Red-Bellied Tree Frog

Fancy Leaf Light Pink with

Large Fancy Leaf Red

Green Veining – sha d e / p a rt sha d e

with Green Margin – sun / p a rt sun

Party Punch

Poison Dart Frog

Fancy Leaf Hot Pink with

Large Fancy Leaf Green

Green Margin – sha d e / p a rt sha d e

with Red Blotches – sun / p a rt sun

Lemon Blush - New!

Tie-Dyed Tree Frog

Fancy Leaf Lime Green /

Large Fancy Leaf Light Green with

Hot Pink Center – sha d e / p a rt sha d e

Pink / White Spots – sun / p a rt sun

Pink Gem Strap Leaf Hot Pink with Green Margin – sha d e / p a rt sha d e

4

New! Exotic Tree Frog Varieties

gardening

Caladiums Galore!

Lush, colorful and loving the hot weather, caladiums are in their full glory at Rock City Gardens. As you’ll discover upon your visit, all caladiums are not created equal.

These plants are wonderful for garden beds, accents around the base of trees, or as bold container gardens. Their brilliant foliage in a variety of patterns in shades of pink, red, white and green will illuminate your garden. To create a magnificent display, plant your favorite variety in a large mass or as a sweeping border.

How to Plant: Buy potted caladiums ready to plant. Space them approximately 8 to 14 inches apart.

How to Water: Keep the soil slightly moist. Add mulch, to help retain moisture and conserve water. This is especially important when planting in direct sun.

Caladiums have most often been thought to brighten shady spots, but many varieties can tolerate direct sun. Available in 14 different varieties, you’re sure to find just the right size and color to highlight your garden.

Caring for Your Caladiums: Recommended Light: They love filtered sunlight and shade. Some of our newer selections can take full sun.

Best Soil: Well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.

5

hardscapes

Stand Your Turf As pesticides, fertilizers and water conservation continually raise environmental and health concerns, more homeowners are turning to artificial turf for their lawns and courtyards. Although artificial turf can be installed in your entire yard, many of our clients are choosing to install it in small spaces like courtyards and pool areas.

The benefits of artificial grass are impressive, including saving time by

6

eliminating mowing, saving money and thousands of gallons of water, and eliminating the need for fertilizers. It stays consistently lush and green, and it’s soft to the touch. Pet owners love turf – no more muddy paws or digging holes in the yard.

Make your life easier by having Rock City Gardens install artificial turf at your home.

Enjoy compliments from your neighbors and know that you are helping to protect the environment and save precious water.

For more details, contact Rock City Gardens at 772.589.5835.

7

garden boutique

Winging It  Take a break from the heat and visit our Garden Boutique. This month’s features include garden dÊcor, such as benches and stools, perfect for watching butterflies and birds enjoy your garden. Bird baths and fountains give these winged beauties refreshing respite during summer.

Colorful ceramic seats, tucked among the plants, make for pretty accents in the garden and provide a spot to rest from the heat as well.

Shallow bird baths create a refreshing focal point in the garden while providing birds with a cool drink.

Sturdy teak and concrete benches make perfect vantage points.

8

9

container garden of the month

A Grand Entrance Our container garden of the month makes a majestic entrance for a Vero Beach boutique along beautiful Ocean Drive. The colorful display welcomes visitors in a big way.

Planted within the urn: • Regina Iris • Gaura “Whirling Butterfly” • Periwinkle “Cora Cascade Strawberry” • Lobelia In the bed surrounding the urn: • Caladium “Carolyn Wharton” • Cosmos • Pentas “Starcluster Lilac” • Periwinkle “Cora Punch” • Laurentia Isotoma • Dahlberg daisy • Lobularia “Snow Princess”

10

special events & seminars

A successful seminar season Thanks to all who attended Rock City’s seminars during the season. This year’s seminars and events were a tremendous success! We offered topics ranging from vertical gardening and hardscape design tips to unlocking the mysteries of Florida gardening, and advice for creating perfect balance in your garden.

Columnists, renowned horticulturists, an outdoor lighting expert, and a Florida Master Naturalist were among our esteemed speakers. Next season’s presenters promise to be as exciting.

Look for details coming your way soon.

Garden of Love Lush gardens, tranquil waters and romantic pathways await your special day. The perfect beginning to a life-long journey.

seven acres of inspiration 9080 US HWY 1 WABASSO, FLORIDA 772-589-5835 ROCKCITYGARDENS.COM

11

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Keeping your garden healthy and free of unwanted disease can be as simple as giving your plants enough space to reach maturity without overcrowding. They suffer less competition with their neighbors for sun, water, and nutrients. In an overcrowded garden, airflow stagnates just as it does in an overcrowded room. Without free air circulation, foliage dampened by dew, rain, or sprinklers will stay wet longer and be more susceptible to fungus and other diseases. Give your plants room to breathe!

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