The Early Bloomer - December 2014

The Early Bloomer MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

seven acres of inspiration

DECEMBER 2014

The Dog Days of Summer

We Grow For You: Budding Giving is Beautifully Twice as Nice in this issue Giving is Twice as Nice Warm Memories and Cozy Outdoor Spaces Dreaming of a White Christmas December’s Favored Flowers Moonstruck: A Spectacular Evening Special Events How Does Your Garden Grow?

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garden boutique

Giving is Twice as Nice Peaceful garden strolls and holiday shopping—only at Rock City Gardens can you enjoy seven acres of inspirational gardens while leisurely looking for those perfect holiday gifts.

And what a collection of home and garden décor you’ll find in our garden boutique this season!

Start the season on a bright note by joining us for a relaxing holiday evening on Friday, December 5th. Enjoy our gardens by moonlight while celebrating with a little holiday cheer. Our newly renovated garden center promises to refresh your holiday spirit. And finding that perfect gift for someone special could make you the best Santa ever.

Our garden elves have been hard at work assembling a fabulous list of special gifts.

The Garden Boutique is open seven days a week for your shopping convenience.

It’s a magical place to let your holiday imagination come out to play.

that convey peace on earth. These colorful works of art are easy to install, made in the USA, and benefit the World Peace Prayer Society.

• Door Knob Sleigh Bells – made by the same company that makes the bells and leather for Anheuser Busch Clydesdale horses.

• C orinthian Bells Windchimes – guaranteed for life!

• C hristmas Lori Mitchell Figures • Exquisite Holiday Owls • Rock City Gardens Gift Cards – perfect for those hard-tobuy-for people on your list or those you know will enjoy a visit to the garden center • “Thought Out Twinkles” necklaces and earrings

Our Festive Favorites • New! Painted Peace Poles – made of maintenance-free PVC, these stunning hand-painted poles bear messages

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garden boutique

Home Décor and Garden Accessories • Throw pillows - indoor/outdoor with beautiful coastal themes • Gorgeous, handmade Santa with deer • Pre-lit Christmas trees in all shapes and sizes

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• Stockings for your favorite furry friends • Fairy Garden Collections • Hand-carved Wooden Birds • Holiday Floral Picks • Fabulous Ornaments, from elegant to whimsical • Stunning Cachepots – available in a wide range of colors and sizes • Beautiful Water Features – indoor and outdoor fountains • Herb Gardens – fragrant, healthy and delicious culinary herbs • Fresh Magnolia wreaths, swags and garland – must be pre-ordered • Permanent Botanicals

garden boutique

Stocking Stuffers • Trapp Candles and Home Fragrances – in all the scents of the season!

• Root Soy Candles – beautiful and clean-burning • Medicinal and Gardener soaps • Olive oil “no bite” soap • “No bite me” ointment – keeps the bugs away!

• Herb scissors – perfect for the cook on your list • Gardener Favorites – tools and gloves • Handcrafted Jewelry

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hardscapes

Warm Memories and Cozy Outdoor Spaces When most people think of outdoor living spaces, everything from pools to patios come to mind. At Rock City Gardens, we believe it’s all about the comfort of bringing your indoor rooms outside and creating a space that is perfect for your lifestyle and family. We recently designed and installed a cozy outdoor living room and beautiful kitchen in Castaway Cove. This particular project had an especially sweet story behind it.

The homeowner had fond memories of the original Old Chicago brick, which she and her late father purchased together for their existing patio. We understood the sentimental value, so we creatively found a way to incorporate those bricks into her newly designed outdoor room. Along with the original Chicago bricks that we used in the new fireplace, we mixed in Bergerac pavers, Dublin pavers and Weston wall block from Belgard to create the patio and garden wall. The bar and kitchen countertops are onyx granite with a leather finish and chiseled edge. With lots of imagination and care, we created a warm and inviting outdoor space for her family, all whom cherish spending time together.

Outdoor Living Holiday Wish List • Outdoor Fireplace – wood or natural gas options • Firepit – perfect for adding nuance and just the right amount of heat • Remodeled or New Outdoor Kitchen 6

• Decorative Gravel • Natural Mulches • Bulk Potting and Fill Soils • Water Features – including bird baths and re-circulating fountains • Pond-less Waterfalls

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container garden of the month

Dreaming of a White Christmas Elegant and unique for the holiday season, white Phalaeonopsis orchids adorn our December container garden of the month. There’s something almost angelic about these beautiful blooms. This dramatic interior arrangement is the perfect size and conversation starter for any holiday gathering.

To order your holiday container garden, please contact Shelly at 772.589.5841.

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gardening

December’s Favored Flowers ‘Tis the season for glorious winter annuals.

Our December flowers are at their peak of perfection and ready for your selection.

When you visit, you’re sure to notice our new shade house and renovated greenhouses that are now home for our pretty plants and flowers.

December Blooms Hydrangeas Christmas Cacti Amaryllis

Poinsettias Orchids Paperwhites

Holiday Trivia Christmas Cacti (Schlumbergera truncata) is a favored subtropical succulent during the holidays. Although its botanical name is derived from Frédéric Schlumberger - the well-known French collector of cacti and other succulents – the plant was neither discovered nor named by him. It received its name from another Frenchman, botanical author Charles Antoine Lemaire. But the Christmas Cactus was actually discovered

by Allan Cunningham, an Englishman who was sent on an expedition to Brazil in 1814

by Sir Joseph Banks, founder of the Royal Horticulture Society.

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special events

Moonstruck Another Spectacular Evening This year marked the 11th consecutive year that Rock City Gardens hosted the annual Indian River Land Trust fundraiser. We make our gardens available, gratis, each year for this important event. It was another beautiful evening under a full moon with dining, dancing, garden strolls, and a celebration of our coastal environment. Each year, the fundraiser gains support and popularity – all for a tremendous cause. More than $130,000 was raised and 450 tickets sold.

Happy 25th anniversary to the Indian River Land Trust! Congratulations to all those in our community who continue to faithfully preserve our Indian River Lagoon and scenic waterfront.

Natural Destination for Special Events Rock City Gardens has become a destination of choice for exquisite outdoor events. With seven acres of gorgeous gardens and flower houses, a pond and entertainment deck as well as an outdoor living area, it is an ideal venue for year-round events. Weddings, family reunions, cocktail parties, company gatherings and fundraisers are just a few of the special functions that have been hosted at Rock City.

For more details about reserving Rock City Gardens for your special event, please contact us at 772.589.5835.

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special events

Join us for these exciting Rock City Gardens events Moonlit Gardens Holiday Open House Friday, Dec. 5th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm It’s a magical time at Rock City Gardens and we want to share it with you. Please join us as we open our garden gates for a special holiday evening. It promises to refresh your holiday spirit! We’ll even make your holiday shopping easy and stress-free by offering 10% off your total purchase throughout the evening.

Thought Out Twinkles Trunk Show Friday, Dec. 5th – Saturday, Dec. 6th We’re thrilled to introduce Thought Out Twinkles, handcrafted jewelry designed by Katie Lowe. You’ll love the funky and bold collection that is as delightful as Katie’s personality. Many of the jewelry pieces feature our favorite coastal themes, and all are one-of-akind statement pieces. Join us the first weekend in December, beginning the evening of our Holiday Open House, for this exclusive holiday trunk show.

Miniature & Fairy Garden Seminar Saturday, Dec. 13th 10:00 am Led by Tanya Goldsmith, Master Gardener and President of Indian River County Master Gardeners Society, this whimsical miniature garden seminar will delight both young and the young-atheart. Learn how to create and maintain mini gardens, and the sweet fairy garden collections that add personality to your work of art. Attendance is free. Reserve your seat at admin@rockcitygardens.com or calling 772.589.5835.

Garden Luncheon Thursday, Jan. 29th 12:00 pm $50 per person Please join us for a pleasant January afternoon in the gardens. Staged around our beautiful pond, you’ll enjoy lunch from Patisserie and a special horticulture presentation. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ladies of the Lagoon, an organization started through the Indian River Land Trust to encourage women to become advocates for the lagoon and to better understand interconnectivity of the land to the water. RSVP by Jan. 25th by contacting Susan@TheAlexisAgency.net or 772.231.5999.

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

We are grateful for the many men and women who admirably serve in the U.S. Armed Services. In honor of their service and sacrifices, Rock City Gardens now offers a 10% discount to active military personnel and veterans for all purchases made at our retail garden center. If you have a special holiday story or tribute about family or friends in the military, please share it with our loyal followers on Facebook. We wish you a Merry Christmas and very Happy New Year!

Hours

seven acres of inspiration

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

Monday through Friday Saturday and Sunday Closed Christmas Day

8:00am – 6:00pm 9:00am – 5:00pm

© 2013-2014 Rock City Gardens