The Early Bloomer - June 2014

The Early Bloomer seven acres of inspiration

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

JUNE 2014

A Soothing Oasis

in this issue A Soothing Oasis Water Wonder Curb Appeal Sun Faces - all Aglow Seminars How Does Your Garden Grow?

gardening

A soothing oasis In the summer season, water gardens

• Marginals, such as papyrus and

are cool and soothing. Water lilies

water iris, add vertical interest and

planted in these gardens are bursting

help filter the water

with color and light. We can certainly understand why French impressionist, Claude Monet chose these aquatic

• Extra features like fountains and fish can be added to your garden • Floating island planters in your

beauties as one of his favored subjects.

container will add another

Water gardens are surprisingly easy

dimension to your garden

to maintain, provided they are set up

• Containers are heavy when water is

correctly. You need not go far to learn

added, so assemble your garden in

more. From a few gallons in a small pot

it s permanent location

to large tubs and fountains, Rock City

• Fertilize your water garden about

can help you create a beautiful oasis.

once a month with pond tabs

If you decide to create your own water

We have all the tools, plants and

wonder, here are a few tips to remember:

containers that you need in Rock City’s

• To keep algae under control,

Garden Center. Our talented horticulture

approximately 75% of the water’s

specialists will assemble your new water

surface should be covered with

garden at your home or office, or they

plants such as water lilies

can help you select all the necessary

• Oxygenating plants, like hornwort

items for you to create it yourself. When

and tape grass, live under the water

you visit Rock City Gardens, you’ll be

surface to absorb the ultra violet

inspired by our original water garden

rays and help keep the water clear

creations, and the many water lilies and aquatic plants we have available!

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Water Lilies are available in multiple colors, including white, yellow, pink, blue and purple. A variety of oxygenating and marginal plants can also be found when you visit Rock City Gardens.

Water Lillies: Daubin Panama Pacific Ellen Randig Marginals: Australian Violets Rush Water Iris Papyrus Pickerel Water Celery Canna Lily Oxygenating Plants: Hornwort Tape Grass

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container garden of the month

Water Wonder Cool, soothing and refreshing, our June container of the month is a floating display of water lily, Australian violet, umbrella plant, horsetail rush, and Lysmachia ‘Goldilocks.’ Using various sizes of hardscape pavers, a small pond liner and several floating islands, we created a focal point perfect for almost any landscape design.

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

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hardscapes

Curb Appeal Our talented hardscape designers have installed beautiful outdoor living spaces throughout the Treasure Coast. The design possibilities are endless, and our clients are always amazed what a difference they make to their homes. Not only do these hardscape designs add that extra curb appeal, the new spaces often provide the perfect gathering spot for family and friends.

We photographed a few of our favorite locations and thought you would enjoy seeing the results of our original works of art in this issue of The Early

Bloomer. For more details or to schedule a personal consultation, please contact General Manager, Wade Baxley at 772.589.5835.

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hardscapes

Retaining walls that double as beautiful entry-way planters, outdoor kitchens that become poolside retreats, and patterned driveways for that extra curb appeal are beautiful samples from our hardscape design and installation portfolio.

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A fresh twist on summertime grilling For a fresh twist on summertime grilling, try cooking with a Himalayan salt block. Salt block cooking techniques are heating up the American cooking scene. The flavor is extraordinary! Grill everything from seafood and chicken to fresh vegetables. Pick up a salt block in Rock City’s Garden Boutique and give it a try. We would love to hear what you think – post your comments on Facebook and feel free to share a recipe with our Rock City Garden followers.

Rosemary Skewered Shrimp 6-8 shrimp per person, peeled and deveined Olive Oil Plenty of fresh, chopped Garlic Fresh Rosemary sprigs (long, and enough to skewer each shrimp) Peppercorns for grinding Preheat your salt block on the grill, on LOW. When the salt plate is warm to the touch, turn up the heat to HIGH. Lightly coat salt plate with olive oil. (Don’t use butter. The high water content will pull too much of the salt flavor and overpower your food).

Strip away the leaves on the lower part of each rosemary sprig, and skewer one sprig through each shrimp. Lay the shrimp on the hot salt block and immediately sprinkle generously with chopped garlic.

Grind a generous amount of peppercorns over each shrimp. These cook quickly so you’ll want to turn them after approximately 2 minutes on each side.

Season the other side of shrimp after turning.

When shrimp turn pink, they are ready to serve.

Place on a bed of micro-greens or serve with warm pasta and multi-grain bread. Enjoy!

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garden boutique

Sun faces - all aglow You’ll fall in love with these radiant sun faces. Their priceless expressions are hand carved out of clay by artisans in Raleigh, North Carolina. Choose your favorite “face” and pair it with the sunray of your choice. Starting at just $36, these American-made sun faces will light up your living space for summer.

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seminars

Seminars Rock City Gardens will host two seminars in June. These will be the final seminars of the season. Mark your calendar and plan to join us in our covered pavilion by the pond. Attendance is free! We simply request your RSVP so we are properly prepared. Please contact Margaret at admin@rockcitygardens.com or 772.589.5835.

Caladium Seminar Saturday, June 7th - 10:00 am Selecting plants for our subtropical environment during the summer season can be challenging. Choosing the right varieties is important to ensure their survival and beauty. Caladiums are a perfect example of what can survive the summer season.

Join Rock City Gardens and Robert Hartman of Classic Caladiums for our upcoming Caladium Seminar. You’ll learn the many varieties available, including some of the newest hybrids—how to care for them, and where these beauties will thrive.

Native Plant Seminar Saturday, June 14th - 10:00 am Join us for our final seminar of the season presented by our resident native plant expert, Tim Harrison. He’ll identify our local native plants and recommend trees, palms, shrubs and flowers that will grow beautifully in your landscaping. After the seminar take advantage of the sale on our #1 size home grown native plants.

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

Every garden needs updating periodically, including Rock City Gardens. So that we can continually provide you with gardening inspiration, we are remodeling our famous flower house. When you visit us this summer, you’ll likely notice the major renovation.

Our horticulture specialists will be available to assist and help you navigate around the construction. Look for dramatic “before” and “after” pictures coming soon!

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