The Early Bloomer - April 2014

The Early Bloomer seven acres of inspiration

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

APRIL 2014

The art of being green in this issue The Art of Being Green Get with The Program!

Inspiration for Your April Gardens Special Events Creative Plates How Does Your Garden Grow?

Lagoon photo by Gunner VV, Creative Commons

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gardening

The art of being green In a concerted effort to help protect

fertilizer and avoiding the use of

the Indian River Lagoon, Rock

manure-based fertilizers can produce

City Gardens in collaboration with

better results. Not only is clean

WISEarth hosted a seminar in March

up easier, but non manure-based

about safe and efficient uses of

alternatives prevent harmful E-coli

fertilizers. The “Art of Being Green”

and other pathogens from thriving

provided environmentally safe and

and growing.

efficient ways to care for residential and commercial landscaping and garden areas.

Presented by Lange Sykes of WISEarth, attendees learned about “green” fertilizer practices, including the use of organic materials.

Knowing the secret to lush, green landscaping lies in part to providing sufficient nutrients. The conundrum is knowing how to maintain beautiful landscaping while avoiding chemicals that adversely effect our environment.

Not all organic alternatives are created equal and understanding the differences is critical for implementing sustainable solutions.

We demonstrated how using less

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Indian River County recently passed

and we’re proactive about finding

new regulations for commercial

smart solutions,” said Rhonda Lowe,

and residential use of fertilizers.

co-owner of Rock City Gardens.

The ordinance requires training for commercial applicators, places restrictions on all fertilizer used near the water, and reinforces the city’s prohibition against blowing grass clippings and/or vegetative debris into streets, sidewalks, storm drains, ditches, water bodies and wetlands.

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Fertilizer solutions demonstrated during the “Art of Being Green” seminar meet the organic program standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organics Program (NOP) and meet or exceed Indian River County’s regulations. To learn more about Rock City Garden’s

“We do not claim to be experts

fertilizer alternatives and our

about the new fertilizer and water

complete range of garden services,

ordinances, but we have always been

please contact Rhonda or Shirley at

good stewards of the environment

772.589.5835.

landscaping

Get with the program!

Now is the time to pre-order your

to grow them with tender loving

plants and flowers for next season.

care. Your gardens will be ready

At Rock City Gardens, clients who

to perform throughout the fall and

participate in our “We Grow For

winter seasons.

You” program have the advantage of selecting flower colors, varieties and quantities of their choice. We’ll also plant and maintain your gardens.

To take advantage of this unique growing service, please call Rhonda or Shirley at 772.589.5835. Orders must be placed by April 15th to

Orders for next season must be

guarantee delivery and installment

placed early so we have time to

by early November.

order the seeds and plugs, and

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container garden of the month

Inspiration for Your April Gardens April is a special time of year.

Spring is in full bloom and Easter is just around the corner.

It’s a time of new growth and awakenings. Our lush container garden of the month features vibrant color paired with dramatic design that makes a bold statement in your April garden.

For more inspiration and assistance with your container gardens, please contact Rhonda or Shirley at 772.589.5835.

April Container of the Month Royal Velvet supertunias, crowned with Regina iris, spill from an elegant concrete urn.

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Easter Sunday Why does the date change each year?

The Easter story is at the very heart of the Christian calendar.

Celebrations take place around the world in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter egg hunts, lilies, sunrise services and bunnies are all common associations with the holiday. Easter Sunday falls on April 20th this year. Have you ever wondered why the date for Easter changes each year?

While many festivals are on fixed days, Easter is a movable feast and is usually celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox. Therefore, the date varies between March 22nd and April 25th. Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover by much of its symbolism and by its position in the calendar. In many languages, the words for “Easter” and “Passover” are identical or very similar.

However you may celebrate the holiday, all of us at Rock City wish you a very happy Easter. In observance of the holiday, Rock City

Charming Easter garden décor, including these larger-

Gardens will be closed on Sunday,

than-life, hand-crafted bunnies, are available at the

April 20th.

Rock City Gardens Boutique.

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special events

Special events Jazzy Cocktails in the Garden In early March we hosted “Jazzy Cocktails in the Garden,” an evening of cocktails and hors d’ouevres, live jazz and inspiring garden strolls.

The special event was an opportunity for us to express our gratitude to a few of our friends,

Tom Collins, of Capt. Hiram’s, & Guest

clients and industry colleagues who support Rock City Gardens throughout the year. More than 80 people joined us for a relaxing and fun evening in our beautiful gardens. We will continue to host special events that are simply and sincerely a way for us to express a warm thank-you to our local community.

Dawn Lenfest, The Anti Aging Boutique and Cindy O’Dare, Premier Real Estate Properties

Charles Croom, Croom Construction

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August Schwartz, Landscape Architect, and Scott Layne of Moulton Layne Architects

Mr and Mrs Louis Hoynes

Saxophonist, Ron McCode

Rhonda & Tom Lowe, Owners, Rock City Gardens

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special events

From Consultation to Installation Saturday, April 12th - 10:00 am Join Rock City Gardens on April 12th at 10:00 am as we host a special seminar that will help take the mystery out of landscaping, plant care and hardscape processes. We’ll take you, step-by-step, from the consultation stage to the final installation of plants and materials. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to gain knowledge and inspiration for your landscaping and hardscaping.

Our seminars are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, but we kindly request that you contact Margaret at 772.589.5835 so we are properly prepared.

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garden boutique

Creative Plates These sweet plate finds, decorated with inspiring or humorous quotes are sure to create interest. They certainly did for us! We fell in love with their simplicity and thought-provoking quotes. Often-used decorative plates can be ordinary, but these accessories are fun and versatile with any interior design style. Visit our garden boutique at Rock City for more unique home dĂŠcor ideas. For your shopping convenience, our retail garden center now has extended shopping hours: Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm.

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

When planning a new hardscape feature, which can range from driveways to outdoor kitchens, it’s always a good idea to consult the help of a landscape designer. They can provide you with new ideas and the necessary tips on what you can and can’t do – including what will best suit your particular property and lifestyle. The next important step is to hire the right contractor to complete the job. If you are considering updating or adding new hardscape areas to your home or business, please contact Wade Baxley at 772.589.5835 for a personal consultation.

seven acres of inspiration

9080 U.S.. Hwy 1 Wabasso, Florida 32970 772-589-5835 RockCityGardens.com

Hours Monday through Friday Saturday and Sunday

8:00am – 6:00pm 9:00am – 5:00pm

The Early Bloomer © Rock City Gardens