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JUNE 2017
SUMMER FORECAST:
Green and Lush
seven acres of inspiration
indoor gardening
SUMMER FORECAST:
Green and Lush Florida gardening can be a challenge whether you're new to the area or a longtime resident. The soil is sandy and in our subtropical climate, plants grow year round. That means gardening chores also run 12 months long. And in the summer, by mid-afternoon, it’s a relief to escape the heat of summer gardens. Although we can’t eliminate all those summer gardening chores, we can recommend more manageable plants and flowers for the season. Summer is the ideal time to focus on indoor plants. Green and lush, indoor plants do more than help you escape the heat. They add natural beauty to your living areas and provide healthy benefits, too. Most of us instinctively know that being close to greenery makes us feel more at ease with our surroundings. That’s because plants help reduce stress and create a feeling of well-being. A visit to Rock City Gardens will uncover a beautiful selection of indoor plants. So take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate this summer by adding lush greenery to your interior spaces.
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indoor gardening
HOW REFRESHING! GREENERY is the official color of the year. It’s a fresh and zesty, yellow-green shade that reminds us of flourishing foliage and the great outdoors. “Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose,” according to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute BENEFITS OF INDOOR PLANTS n Reduce carbon dioxide levels n Reduce levels of many pollutants n Reduce airborne dust levels n Keeps air temperatures down
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reader quiz
Hey, Gardener!
Wha•da•ya•know?
Brad´s Musings Are you wanting to purchase interior plants
1. How many native species of plants can be found in Florida? 2. Who proclaimed Father’s Day an official holiday? 3. Which of our featured flowers of the month also attract butterflies?
but don’t know what will thrive? Well we can help you with this problem House plants that stay alive Whether you are hosting a party for friends or maybe visiting for a while House plants from Rock City are guaranteed to bring a smile.
about the poet
Brad is a long-time Rock City Gardens’ associate.
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master - gardener level
What is a ‘vivarium’? Check our Facebook page this month for the answer.
Hey, Gardener! Wha•da•ya•know? Answers: 1) 2,400 2) President Woodrow Wilson 3) All of them!
ASK DOC ROCK Q: I want to turn my attention to indoor gardening this summer. What do you recommend?
A: Indoor plants are easy to care for and can be just as fun as outdoor gardens. Depending on what you want to achieve with your indoor gardens, there are a host of options. Many indoor plants not only add drama, they also help clean your household environment by filtering toxins that aggravate allergies and create other health-related issues. And if outdoor gardening is not your idea of summertime fun, you’ll love these hardy plants that thrive indoors, are easy to maintain, and are available at Rock City Gardens. Aglaonema
ZZ
Spathiphyllum
White Bird of Paradise
Sansevieria
Rhapis Palm
Bromeliads
Pothos
Neanthebella Palm
Ivy
Ficus lyrata
Chamaedorea Palm
Anthurium
Dracaenas
Kentia Palm
Rock City Gardens’ growers and associates will be happy to assist you with selecting just the right indoor plants for your space.
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gardening
Garden Varieties Tropical gardens seem to conjure images of bold color. And it need not be at the sake of spending long hours in the summer sun working the garden. These top performers at Rock City Gardens offer variety, color, easy maintenance and the promise of butterfly sightings.
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GAURA Three different colors of this wispy ‘butterfly flower’ hold their color all season long. Our showy white and pink, wand-like blooms require only moderate amounts of water. For peak performance, plant in full sun and enjoy the show.
« SALVIA GREGGII
Our sun-loving “Heat Blast” series lives up to its name! Available in two colors, planted in full or part sun, it brightens any garden or container. If butterfly attractors are on your list of favorites, Salvia Greggii is a must-have.
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EVOLVULUS GLOMERATRUS » Also known as “Blue Daze,” this tough plant is extremely heat tolerant. Our ‘Blue My Mind’ cultivar stays more compact with flowers that stay open late into the day. Beautiful in container gardens, hanging baskets, and garden beds, it thrives in sun or semi shade. »
DWARF PORTERWEED With their bright red blooms, butterflies and hummingbirds flock to these nectar-rich flowers. While some plants struggle in the heat of summer, this is one that flourishes in full sun or partial shade. You’ll love how easy it is to maintain these sweet flowers.
When you visit Rock City Gardens, our garden associates will be happy to help you make the right selections for your summer blooms. 7
special events
Let’s Get This Party Started! Rock City Gardens is a destination of choice for exquisite outdoor events. With seven acres of stunning gardens and flower houses, a pond and entertainment deck plus beautiful outdoor living areas, it’s ideal for year-round events. Weddings, family reunions, cocktail parties, company gatherings and fundraisers are just a few of the special functions happening each month at the Gardens.
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For a special event consultation and reservation details, contact Barb Gwilym at 772.589.5835.
garden boutique
Dad Approved! Just in time for Father’s Day on June 18th, our Garden Boutique’s new jigsaw puzzles make great gifts for dads of all ages. Featuring iconic events, music and people from American Pop Culture, these colorful puzzles will get the conversations and stories flowing. Other favorite gifts include handsome men’s hats and hand-carved, wooden sea sculptures. Visit soon, and get prepared to make dad’s day! 9
How Does Your Garden Grow? Remember terrariums in the ‘70’s? They’re back, but with more variety than just closed containers. It’s a fun way to bring greenery from the outdoors inside. For a quick start: 1. Choose any type of container, open top or closed (the type of greenery may dictate which style is best) 2. Layer your media, starting with sand or pebbles for drainage 3. Add potting soil 4. Add plants and accents, such as shells, moss or marbles 5. Set terrarium in indirect sunlight and water as needed.
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 © 2013-2017 Rock City Gardens