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MAY 2017
Room with a view
seven acres of inspiration
outdoor living
Room with a view When the view is as beautiful as that of the John’s Island fairway, it’s worth every opportunity to bring the comfort of indoors to the great outdoors. Outdoor rooms have come a long way to the point they are now literal extensions of our living rooms and kitchens, minus the heating and air conditioning challenges. A beautiful example is Rock City’s recent pool and patio renovation in John’s Island. The new homeowners of this fairway home wanted unobstructed views of the golf course and the water, and an outdoor space that complemented their interior living area’s flooring. We replaced old concrete decking with elegant ivory travertine pavers across the pool deck and the entire multi-level patio, including the living and dining areas. The original pool coping had to be completely modified to allow proper fitting of the new travertine pavers. Pool tiles were also replaced and new landscaping was installed to maximize the stunning view. And those free ocean breezes that provide sweet, cooling relief? Compliments of Mother Nature.
To create your new outdoor living space contact Wade Baxley, General Manager for a personal consultation at 772.589.5835 2
outdoor living
PROJECT CHALLENGE The clients were out of residence for the entire hardscape installation. Visualizing the outcome of each section of the project for them was a challenge. PROJECT SOLUTION We managed the project in increments. With each step of the process we sent lots of pictures to the client so they could begin visualizing the big picture and gain peace of mind that the final results would be stunning.
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outdoor living
BEFORE: New travertine pavers replaced the original concrete decking, which was rough, hot and lacking charm.
To create your new outdoor living space contact Wade Baxley, General Manager for a personal consultation at 772.589.5835 4
outdoor living
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reader quiz
Hey, Gardener!
Wha•da•ya•know?
Brad´s Musings Has life got you down? Feel like you're living in the grey? Well get out of that funk in the hot month of May
1. Which of our featured flowers this month could be included in a salad? 2. The Latin names of certain plants contain the word “vulgaris.” What does it mean? 3. Which category of horticulture do pears and apples belong?
New paths to stroll on and pretty flowers all around so peaceful and stress-free you won´t hear a sound
master - gardener level
Who is considered the father of American landscape architecture? Check our Facebook page this month for the answer.
about the poet
Brad is a long-time Rock City Gardens’ associate.
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Hey, Gardener! Wha•da•ya•know? Answers: 1) purslane 2) common 3) pomes
ASK DOC ROCK Q: I’m struggling with what to plant in my garden areas. How do I know what and where to plant?
A: The foundation of a well producing garden is positioning the right plant in the right location. Problems with soil, nutrition and insects can all be avoided by making good plant choices and placing plants where they are best suited to grow. Think of it like real estate — it’s location, location, location! Before you select specific plants, first look at your yard. Where in the yard do you want to plant? What is the drainage like in this area? Then consider how much sunshine the area in question receives (full sun, shade). If you are planting on the north side of the house, it will be shady. The southern side of the house will receive full sun. Once you have figured out the soil and sunlight situation, you can come up with a profile of plants that will grow in your situation. You can also narrow your plant list by determining what you want the plant to provide — like shade, beauty, flowers or wildlife attraction. Rock City Gardens has an amazing assortment of plants for all growing situations.
Rock City Gardens is known for beautiful landscape creations. Stop by any time and our associates will gladly help you select all the right plants, flowers and amendments for your gardening needs.
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gardening
Flower Play in May As the temperature continually heats up, so do our assortments of beautiful new flower colors. From fancy-leafed caladiums in rich shades of green to a brand new vinca color series, you’ll love the colorful flowers coming out to play in May. When you visit Rock City, our garden associates will be happy to help you make just the right selections for your summer blooms. VINCA Always a hot weather top performer, the new "Soiree" series provides fascinating, unusual forms. Three colors that cascade sport loads of small, charming flowers (only 1/2" across). The upright growing "Soirees" in white, pink and orchid have unique double blooms. Adding these to the many colors of our hardy "Cora" series brings the periwinkle offerings to smorgasbord status! CALADIUMS Whether your garden is sunny or shady, we grow two different types from which to choose. Our strap leaf varieties will tolerate direct sun while fancy leaf varieties require shadier locations. Each of the 19 varieties we have grown has distinct foliage and will provide color all summer long with very little care. Plant in welldrained soil with added organic matter, water regularly and watch them flourish!
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ANGELONIA Our sun-loving "Archangel" series has two new shades this year, bringing the total to six. These vertical growers tout many spikes, making them ideal for garden beds or container gardens. Also available and perfect for hanging baskets and containers are five colors with a spreading growth habit. PURSLANE This succulent-like, drought tolerant, sun loving annual will perform beautifully throughout the summer. Low-growing and spreading, it's perfect for a garden bed, border, hanging basket or container garden. Our new “Colorblast” series comes in fun variegated colors named Mojito, Watermelon Punch and Lemon Twist. Double Scarlet is a showy and vibrant orange-red unlike any other. These are not to be missed!
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special events
Ridley loves plants, trees and flowers. He thrives on their magical powers. In the garden he plays. When he goes there he stays For hours and hours and hours.
Ridley in the Garden MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH – a time to raise awareness for the many Americans who face the challenges of mental illness every day. Rock City Gardens is proud to be a long-standing supporter of the Mental Health Association of Indian River County. MHA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing immediate access with no barriers to mental health care. In 2004, owners Tom and Rhonda Lowe were “Early Hatchers” of the successful “TurtleTrax: Overcoming Hurdles with Turtles” campaign that raised impressive awareness and funds to support mental health programs in Indian River County. 10
More than 50 local business owners and artists stepped up to create a turtle for the event. The Lowes commissioned local artists, Glenda Taylor and Sharon Sexton to design their turtle in loving memory of their son, Read. “Ridley in the Garden” explores the similarities between plant life forms found on land and underwater. His shell is covered with glazed ceramic tile and mirror mosaic. The base depicts a botanical garden that evolves upward to a coral reef. Ridley remains displayed in the gardens as a beautiful reminder that the battle against mental illness is serious and that it’s okay to get help.
We welcome your visit this month to Rock City Gardens, and encourage you to stop by our Ridley in the Garden display.
special event
R O C KC I T YG A R D E N S .C O M
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4/21/17 3:05 PM
Rock City Gardens has been a loyal supporter and sponsor of May Pops since the very first concert 28 years ago. Each year we provide all the beautiful plants, flowers and container gardens for the event. Proceeds from the concert benefit Indian River Medical Center Foundation. We hope to see you at May Pops at the Windsor Polo Field on May 6th for this most-anticipated outdoor party. 11
outdoor living
30% 40% 50% 75% OFF
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GARDEN BOUTIQUE
SPRING DOT SALE Now is the chance to pick up those treasures you've been eyeing all season for a mere pittance. 12
outdoor living
Nowhere else in close proximity can you beat the heat and find one-of-a-kind home and garden dÊcor than in our own Garden Boutique. It’s charming, cool and brimming with colorful seasonal accessories. Drop by soon to see what beautiful new treasures await. 13
Our resident otter showing off in Rock City Gardens' pond
How Does Your Garden Grow? You never know what Mother Nature has in store on any given day inside our garden gates. A stroll through our seven acres of inspiration could uncover resident otters frolicking in the pond or egrets strutting through the Flower House for a view of our new blooms. Come see why we affectionately say that every day is Earth Day at Rock City Gardens.
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 CLOSED MEMORIAL DAY © 2013-2017 Rock City Gardens