The Early Bloomer - June 2016

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Early Bloomer JUNE 2016

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Picturesque Water Gardens Splashy Caladiums Dad’s Wish List How Does Your Garden Grow?

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seven acres of inspiration

gardening

Picturesque Water Gardens Aquatic plants and water gardens have captured the attention of gardeners, artists, and admirers alike for centuries. Water lily and lotus blooms are the most spectacular, as they seem to glide on the water’s surface. They are also beneficial to our ecosystem and ideal for your summer gardening.

One of the most elegant bloomers in the water garden, lotus produces large, exotic flowers throughout the summer. The colorful blooms are a perfect accent to the plant’s gorgeous large, round leaves. A genus of the Nelumbo family, floating lotus originates from southern parts of Asia and Australia, but is cultured throughout the world.

In addition to elegant lotus, no water garden is complete without at least one water lily.

A member of the Nymphaeales family, this aquatic herb thrives in tropical environments.

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Choose from an array of colors – yellow, pink, blue, purple and white. Some varieties are even fragrant. The foliage can be bright green or a beautiful modeled red and green. Water lilies also provide shelter for fish if you choose to add them to your water garden or pond.

Beyond the beauty that aquatic plants provide, they do a great deal to maintain the health of the ponds and water gardens they inhabit. They limit algae growth by blocking excess sunlight and consuming algae-fueling nutrients. The shade they provide keeps the water temperature down during hot summer months – a welcome respite for your fish. They also naturally trap sediment and break down toxic compounds.

You’ll love the water lilies and lotus available at Rock City Gardens this summer. Visit any day of the week and our friendly associates will help you select the perfect plants for your aquatic garden.

Blooming in June at Rock City Gardens Water Lilies Lotus Pentas Tithonia Cigar Plant Agastache Lantana Monarda (Bee Balm) Leonotis leonurus Porterweed Rudbeckia Milkweed Torenia Gaura Purslane Plumbago Heat-tolerant Geraniums Landscape Gerbera Sun-loving Coleus Herbs that can beat the heat

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Ask Doc Rock To reap the benefits of a beautiful garden, knowledge is key. This month, Doc Rock’s helpful insight focuses on keeping your water garden happy and healthy.

Q: How do I keep the water in my water garden clear?

A: The sun’s ultraviolet rays cause algae to grow. Keeping 75% of the surface of your

water garden covered with lily foliage will help immensely. In addition, oxygenating plants that live underwater use the light for photosynthesis and are essential for clear water. Hornwort, our favorite, is available in the garden center.

It simply floats under the surface of the water, diligently doing its job. Keeping the spent flowers and aging yellow leaves removed will also help keep your water crystal clear.

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plant of the month

Splashy Caladiums Caladium (pronounced kә - `lā- dē- ә m) is a genus of the Araceae family. Common names include Elephant Ear, Heart of Jesus or Angel Wings due to the large, heart-shaped leaves.

There are over 1000 cultivars of Caladiums.

Originating in South America, these robust plants thrive in warm weather.

In colder climates, the tubers from which they sprout each spring must be dug and stored for the winter. However, in our area, they can be left in the ground to emerge the following spring. Plant caladiums in an area where they can stay consistently moist, but not soggy.

Good drainage is key! Add organic matter

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such as peat moss or compost to poor, sandy soil.

For a big show of color, select your favorite color combinations of red, pink, rose, white and green patterned leaves. The brilliant foliage of this classic plant has brightened shady spots for years, but now there are new varieties that can tolerate more direct sun.

(More direct sun requires more water.) Use a balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks and you’ll enjoy your caladiums all summer long.

Caladiums are available in multiple patterns of fun colors at Rock City Gardens. Visit soon for the best selection.

Choose any of these beautiful varieties to brighten your summer garden!

Party Punch

Carolyn Whorton

Aaron

Miss Muffet

Peppermint

Lemon Blush

Sweetheart

Moon Light

Candyland

Blushing Bride

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garden boutique

Dad’s Wish List Father’s Day is June 19th and Rock City Gardens has a multitude of fun gifts and ideas to celebrate his special day. Our gift selection also provides one-on-one time with dad any day of the year.

Cool Hats

Museum-quality Puzzles

Keep dad cool while he spends time outdoors.

It’s easy with our Wallaroo hats. These hats do double duty – they’re fashionable and provide 97.5% blockage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Challenge dad to a fun brainteaser. Our 1000-piece, random shaped puzzles make it interesting and challenging – no two pieces are alike. With museum-quality craftsmanship, dad will love the experience. Choose from multiple different themes.

Waterproof, Local Nature Guides Have a field day! Spend the day with dad identifying local species of birds, turtles, fish, shells, snakes, butterflies, dragonflies, wildflowers and spiders with our nature guides. These localized, tri-fold guides store easily in the car for quick reference and contain useful information and clear pictures to identify our friends in nature. Rock City is the perfect place to try them out!

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Garden gloves, fish bowls nestled in teak, and colorful containers are just a few more ideas to impress dad this Father’s Day. Stop by our Garden Boutique and we’ll help you select the perfect gift.

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reader quiz

Hey, Gardener!

Wha•da•ya•know?

Test your aquatic plant knowledge.

These fun trivia questions can take you from simple algae grower to water garden guru!

1. When do tropical lilies bloom?

2. How often should I fertilize my water lily?

3. How far below the surface of the water should water lilies be planted? master - gardener level

Now that your feet are wet, test your master gardener knowledge!

How many kinds of tropical water lilies exist?

Float by Rock City’s Facebook page soon for the answer.

Source: The Pond Digger

Answers: 1. Water temperatures must reach at least 70 degrees, usually in late spring. They continue blooming through late fall. 2. Every 3-4 weeks during summer months using aquatic fertilizer tablets. 3. 24 inches is ideal.

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special events

Brad's Musings

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

He taught you to work hard in life with heart and never slack Someone in your corner who always had your back Making that extra time for you, never feeling like a bother Looking at him like he was ten feet tall, and proud to call him father Never settle for anything less, always rise above If something is worth doing then do it! But with love.

9080 US HWY 1 WABASSO, FLORIDA 772-589-5835 ROCKCITYGARDENS.COM

about the poet

Brad is a long-time Rock City Gardens’ associate.

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

When technology and nature meet, it’s a beautiful thing. A new app for smartphones aims to answer a garden lover’s pressing question: What’s the name of that plant? PlantNet has been around for a while, but its technology has recently improved. The app can now identify a plant from a photo that you’ve captured with your phone. Visit www.plantnet-project.org to download the app, and start snapping and learning!

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 © 2013-2016 Rock City Gardens