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December Container Gardening Recipe 2024

November 14th, 2024 by earthworksjax Container Garden Recipes, Gardening

December Container Gardening Recipe 2024

Elevate Your Poinsettia with Our Merry & Bright Combo

 

Take your poinsettia game to the next level this holiday season with our December recipe, “Merry & Bright.” Featuring the classic beauty of Poinsettia Ice Crystals paired with complementary plants, this arrangement creates a festive display that goes beyond tradition. These plants create a holiday container garden perfect for sprucing up your porch, entryway, or interior space.

 

1. Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily):

Spathiphyllum is known for its graceful white blooms and lush green foliage, which adds height and elegance to any arrangement. It thrives in low light and humid conditions, making it a versatile thriller for indoor or shaded outdoor displays.

2. Poinsettia Ice Crystals:

This unique poinsettia variety features cream and red marbled bracts, bringing a festive twist to traditional holiday decor. Poinsettias are easy to care for and thrive in bright, indirect light, adding a cheerful focal point to the garden.

3. Aglaonema Siam:

With its striking green and red foliage, Aglaonema Siam provides a colorful filler that complements the poinsettia beautifully. Known for its adaptability and tolerance of low light, it’s a perfect choice for holiday arrangements.

4. Fern Nevada:

This lush, feathery fern is ideal for softening the edges of the container. Fern Nevada thrives in partial to full shade and adds a cascading effect that enhances the festive, layered look of the arrangement.

Create a stunning holiday floral display that’s as elegant as it is festive, showcasing how to do more with poinsettias this season.

December 2024 lowres

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  • Aeration and Top Dressing
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General Services Areas

Jacksonville (Jax), Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Orange Park, St. Johns, Nocatee

Earth Works

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS
(not open to the public)
St. Johns Bluff
1057 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
New Year’s Day • Easter • Memorial Day
July 4th • Labor Day • Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve • Christmas Day

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October 2024

by earthworksjax Monthly Newsletter

Camellias: Bring Year-Round Elegance to Your Garden in N. Florida

October 18th, 2024 by earthworksjax Garden Tips, Landscaping, Lawn Care, News

Camellias: Bring Year-Round Elegance to Your Garden in N. Florida

Camellias, often called the “Queen of Winter Blooms,” are beloved by gardeners for their stunning, rose-like flowers that provide a burst of color during the colder months when most other plants have retreated into dormancy. Native to Asia, particularly China and Japan, Camellias have found a special place in Southern gardens for their elegance and adaptability. If you’re looking to add some beauty to your winter landscape, Camellias are a perfect choice. Here’s a guide to growing and caring for these winter beauties.

Choosing the Right Camellia Variety

The two most common types of Camellias found in gardens are Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua.

Camellia japonica flowers

Camellia japonica

Camellia Japonica produces larger, showier blooms and flowers during late winter to early spring. It grows best in partial shade and makes for a stunning focal point in the garden.

Camellia sasanqua

On the other hand, Camellia sasanqua has smaller flowers but blooms earlier, from late fall into winter. Sasanquas are more sun-tolerant and can be used as hedges or screens due to their compact growth habit.

 

Bright Camellia sasanqua (Paradise Belinda) flowers on a bush. garden flowering plant from Asia. spring floral background

Both varieties are evergreen, meaning they’ll provide lush greenery throughout the year in addition to their lovely blooms.

White camellia flower in bloom during springtime. Beautiful flowers in the garden

Planting Tips

Camellias thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Plant Camellias in an area with dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade, as too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.

When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the plant’s original container. Camellias prefer to be planted slightly above ground level to ensure good drainage. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and keep roots cool.

Camellia Care

What makes Camellias truly special is their ability to brighten up a garden during the dreary winter months. Their large, colorful blooms stand out against their dark green leaves, creating a striking contrast in the landscape. With proper care, Camellias will reward you with years of beautiful blooms, turning your winter garden into a vibrant oasis when you need it most.

Incorporate Camellias into your garden this winter, and enjoy the beauty of these timeless, resilient plants.

woman pruning branches of a camellia without flower

Watering

Once established, Camellias are relatively low-maintenance. They prefer consistent moisture, so water them regularly, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering, as Camellias do not like soggy roots.

Fertilizing

Fertilize your Camellia plants in late winter or early spring after they have finished blooming. Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, and be sure to follow the recommended application rates to avoid burning the roots.

 

Prunning

Pruning is essential to maintain a healthy and attractive plant. Camellias benefit from light pruning after they have finished blooming to remove dead or damaged branches and encourage new growth. You can also lightly shape the plant at this time if needed.

Why Camellias Are Perfect for Winter Gardens

What makes Camellias truly special is their ability to brighten up a garden during the dreary winter months. Their large, colorful blooms stand out against their dark green leaves, creating a striking contrast in the landscape. With proper care, Camellias will reward you with years of beautiful blooms, turning your winter garden into a vibrant oasis when you need it most.

Incorporate Camellias into your garden this winter, and enjoy the beauty of these timeless, resilient plants.

Japonica Sudie Blanchard
Sasanqua October Magic
Japonica Herme
Sasanqua autum spirit

Japonica

Sudie Blanchard

Sasanqua

October Magic Orchid

Japonica

Herme

Sasanqua

Autumn Spirit

 

Camellia Sinensis

Camellia Tea: From Garden to Teacup

Did you know that the tea you drink comes from a type of Camellia? Camellia sinensis is the plant used to make green, black, and oolong teas. While ornamental Camellias like Camellia japonica are prized for their blooms, Camellia sinensis is cultivated for its leaves, which are harvested, dried, and processed into various types of tea. Growing your own tea garden is possible if you have the right climate—Camellia sinensis thrives in warm, humid regions with acidic soil, much like its ornamental cousins. Imagine brewing a cup of homegrown tea straight from your own garden!

Services

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  • Landscape Lighting, Drainage design & Installation,
  • Lawn Care Services, Lawn Maintenance, Lawn Fertilization
  • Lawn Pest Control, Lawn Weed Control
  • Aeration and Top Dressing
  • Water Features, Koi Ponds,
  • Waterfalls, Bubbling Fountains
  • Garden Center & Pond Supply Store

General Services Areas

Jacksonville (Jax), Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Orange Park, St. Johns, Nocatee

Earth Works

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS
(not open to the public)
St. Johns Bluff
1057 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
New Year’s Day • Easter • Memorial Day
July 4th • Labor Day • Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve • Christmas Day

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September 2024

October 17th, 2024 by earthworksjax Monthly Newsletter

September Container Gardening Recipe 2024

by earthworksjax Container Garden Recipes, Gardening

September Container Gardening Recipe 2024

Fall Flair for Your Florida Garden!

Fall officially arrives September 22nd, and even though the temperatures are still high, you can capture the essence of autumn with this container garden recipe, “Rustic Autumn Hues.” This Florida-friendly combination of warm-toned plants brings the cozy, rustic charm of fall into your garden. It features the bold, colorful foliage of Croton Mammy, along with shades of orange, purple, and yellow. Perfect for your porch or patio, “Rustic Autumn Hues” will evoke the spirit of fall, even in the Florida heat.

1. Croton Mammy is known for its striking, multi-colored foliage with shades of red, orange, yellow, and green. This bold thriller is perfect for adding height and vibrant fall colors to your container garden, thriving in full to partial sun.

2. Alternanthera is a versatile plant with deep purple or burgundy foliage, adding a rich and moody contrast to the brighter colors in the arrangement. It thrives in the Florida heat and is perfect for both sun and shade conditions.

3. Cuphea David Verity is a heat-loving plant with fiery orange tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and pollinators. Its long-lasting blooms and fall-inspired color make it a perfect filler for the autumn season.

4. Creeping Jenny adds a soft, cascading element to the container with its small, round, chartreuse leaves. This spiller thrives in partial shade and moist soil, providing a lush, flowing accent that enhances the rustic, fall aesthetic.

5. Marigolds are classic fall bloomers, known for their bright orange and yellow flowers that bring a cheerful touch to any garden. In addition to their beauty, they are hardy, heat-tolerant, and help repel pests, making them a great choice for Florida gardens.

“Rustic Autumn Hues” offers a beautiful way to welcome the season while using hardy plants that can withstand Florida’s warm September weather, ensuring a vibrant and lasting display.

Autumn Blend 2024 Sept

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  • Lawn Pest Control, Lawn Weed Control
  • Aeration and Top Dressing
  • Water Features, Koi Ponds,
  • Waterfalls, Bubbling Fountains
  • Garden Center & Pond Supply Store

General Services Areas

Jacksonville (Jax), Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Orange Park, St. Johns, Nocatee

Earth Works

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS
(not open to the public)
St. Johns Bluff
1057 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
New Year’s Day • Easter • Memorial Day
July 4th • Labor Day • Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve • Christmas Day

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August Container Gardening Recipe 2024

August 22nd, 2024 by earthworksjax Container Garden Recipes, Gardening

August Container Gardening Recipe 2024

Refreshing Burst of Color

for Shady Spots!

As the summer heat sizzles, it’s time to embrace the cooler side of gardening with our August container garden recipe, perfect for shady spots. This month, we’re focusing on creating a cool and vibrant oasis with our combination of shade-loving plants. Featuring the striking Cordyline Red Sister as the thriller, the rich hues of Coleus Heartbreaker and Caladium Party Punch as fillers, and the lush greenery of Hosta and Creeping Jenny flowing over the edges, this arrangement is designed to bring a refreshing burst of color to your garden while helping you stay cool in the shade. Whether you want to brighten up a shaded patio, porch, or garden nook, this container garden will add a lively and serene touch to your outdoor space.

1. Cordyline Red Sister is a stunning plant with vibrant red and burgundy foliage that is the thriller in this shade-loving arrangement. It thrives in partial to full shade and adds a dramatic, tropical flair to any garden.

2. Caladium Party Punch offers bright, party-ready foliage with pink, red, and white splashes. This shade-loving plant is perfect for adding a burst of color to your garden, and its large, heart-shaped leaves bring a tropical feel to the container.

3. Coleus Heartbreaker features heart-shaped leaves in shades of pink, red, and green, making it a colorful and eye-catching filler. Known for its versatility, this plant thrives in shaded areas and adds a bold contrast to the container garden.

4. Hosta is a classic shade plant with lush, broad leaves in various shades of green. Known for its easy care and ability to thrive in low-light conditions, it provides a beautiful, calming backdrop for the more colorful plants.

5. Creeping Jenny is a trailing plant with small, round, lime-green leaves that spill gracefully over the edges of containers. It thrives in the shade and adds a soft, cascading effect that complements the bolder colors in the garden.

 

This August, cool down your outdoor space with our shade-loving container garden recipe, blending vibrant colors and lush foliage to create a serene, refreshing retreat.

SHOP THIS RECIPE

Shade Pot 2024 August

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  • Lawn Pest Control, Lawn Weed Control
  • Aeration and Top Dressing
  • Water Features, Koi Ponds,
  • Waterfalls, Bubbling Fountains
  • Garden Center & Pond Supply Store

General Services Areas

Jacksonville (Jax), Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Orange Park, St. Johns, Nocatee

Earth Works

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS
(not open to the public)
St. Johns Bluff
1057 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
New Year’s Day • Easter • Memorial Day
July 4th • Labor Day • Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve • Christmas Day

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Essential Tips for a Thriving Summer Garden in North Florida

by earthworksjax Garden Tips, Landscaping, Lawn Care, News

Essential Tips for a Thriving Summer Garden in North Florida

Gardening in North Florida during the summer can be challenging due to the intense heat and humidity. However, with the right strategies, you can maintain a thriving summer garden that not only survives but flourishes. In this guide, we’ll explore essential summer garden tips, including the best shade trees for Florida, how to care for St. Augustine grass, the benefits of water features, and effective pest control methods.

Creating Shade with Florida-Friendly Trees

Shade trees are crucial for any North Florida gardening plan, especially during the summer months. The right trees can provide natural cooling, reduce water evaporation, and protect your plants from the harsh sun.

Live Oak

Live Oak

The Live Oak is a classic Southern tree known for its sprawling branches and dense canopy, providing excellent shade for large areas. Its impressive longevity and resilience make it a staple in North Florida landscapes. With its ability to tolerate heat, drought, and strong winds, it is perfectly suited for the region’s challenging climate, adding both beauty and practicality to any shade garden.

Southern Magnolia

The Southern Magnolia is a true icon of the South, known for its large, fragrant white flowers and glossy, evergreen leaves. This tree not only provides ample shade but also adds year-round beauty to any garden. Its deep roots make it drought-resistant, while its dense canopy offers excellent cooling.

Tall magnolia
Florida Flame Maple

 

Florida Flame Maple

Known for its vibrant red foliage in the fall, the Red Maple is a fast-growing tree that provides excellent shade. It thrives in Florida’s climate and can adapt to various soil types, making it a versatile choice for many landscapes.

Bald Cypress

A native to Florida’s wetlands, the Bald Cypress is well-suited to both wet and dry conditions. This deciduous conifer is unique in its ability to thrive in waterlogged soils, making it perfect for areas prone to flooding. Its soft, feathery foliage creates a light, airy shade that cools without overly darkening the landscape.

Bald cypress

By planting shade trees, you can significantly improve your garden’s resilience during the hottest months, making them a key component of your summer garden tips.

Add a Splash of Cool with Water Features

Incorporating water features in your garden is another excellent way to combat the Florida heat. Ponds, fountains, and water gardens not only cool the surrounding air but also add visual interest and attract wildlife.

How To Do A Pond Leak Test

Ponds

Create a stunning centerpiece for your garden with a pond that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also cools the air through natural evaporation. By adding aquatic plants like water lilies and lotus, which are well-suited to Florida’s heat, you can keep the water cooler while also introducing vibrant colors and serene beauty to your landscape.

FOUNTAINS

The sound of water from a fountain adds a soothing element to your garden while also cooling the air.

Bubbbling Fountain
Water Lily

 

WATER GARDENS

Cultivating aquatic plants like water lilies and aquatic grasses around a water feature can create a beautiful, low-maintenance area in your garden.

Water features in the garden are not only functional but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, making them a great addition to your North Florida gardening strategy.

Caring for St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for lawns in Florida, but it requires specific care to thrive during the summer. Proper lawn care in Florida involves understanding the unique needs of this grass type.

lawn care jacksonville fl
Florida Winterizer Fertilization
chinch damage

Watering St. Augustine grass needs deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth, which is essential for surviving the Florida heat.

Mowing Set your mower to a height of 3.5 to 4 inches to keep the grass blades tall, providing natural shade for the soil.

Pest Control Chinch bugs are a common pest in St. Augustine grass. Regular monitoring and appropriate garden pest control measures are essential to prevent infestations.

By following these summer garden tips, you can maintain a healthy and green lawn even in the harshest conditions.

Choosing the Right Shade Garden Plants

Creating a shade garden is a smart way to utilize shaded areas in your North Florida garden. Shade garden plants thrive in lower light conditions and can add lush greenery to your landscape.

By selecting the right shade garden plants, you can create a cool, inviting space that complements the rest of your landscape.

Hosta Plant
caladiums
beacon impatiens
Hydrangea

Hostas

These plants are known for their large, colorful leaves and are ideal for filling in the lower layers of your shade garden.

Caladiums

 With their vibrant, heart-shaped leaves, Caladiums bring a splash of color to any shaded spot in your garden.

Impatiens

 Impatiens are vibrant, low-maintenance flowers that thrive in full to partial shade, offering continuous blooms in a variety of bright colors throughout the growing season.

Hydrangeas

 Hydrangeas thrive in partial shade, producing large, colorful flower clusters in shades of blue, pink, and white. They add lush beauty to shaded areas, blooming beautifully in moist, well-drained soil.

Final Thoughts on North Florida Gardening

Successfully gardening in North Florida during the summer requires a thoughtful approach that includes the right plants, trees, and features to withstand the heat. From planting shade trees for Florida-friendly cooling to incorporating water features in the garden and providing proper lawn care in Florida, these strategies will help you create a thriving summer garden. By following these essential tips, you can enjoy a beautiful, resilient garden all season long.

Services

  • Landscape Design & Installation
  • Paver Patios, Paver Walkways, Paver Driveways
  • Firepits, Retaining Walls , Seat Walls,
  • Landscape Lighting, Drainage design & Installation,
  • Lawn Care Services, Lawn Maintenance, Lawn Fertilization
  • Lawn Pest Control, Lawn Weed Control
  • Aeration and Top Dressing
  • Water Features, Koi Ponds,
  • Waterfalls, Bubbling Fountains
  • Garden Center & Pond Supply Store

General Services Areas

Jacksonville (Jax), Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Orange Park, St. Johns, Nocatee

Earth Works

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS
(not open to the public)
St. Johns Bluff
1057 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
New Year’s Day • Easter • Memorial Day
July 4th • Labor Day • Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve • Christmas Day

Quicklinks

Shop
About us
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Contact Us
Reviews

August 2024

August 16th, 2024 by earthworksjax Monthly Newsletter

April 2024

July 19th, 2024 by earthworksjax Monthly Newsletter

In the world of gardening, the quest for creating a landscape that maintains year-round interest is a common but rewarding challenge. In the temperate climes of Northeast Florida, zones 9-10, this challenge becomes an exciting opportunity to curate a garden that never stops giving. The key to this perpetual display is the strategic use of a diverse plant palette that includes perennials and annuals complemented by plants with vibrant foliage.

May 2024

by earthworksjax Monthly Newsletter

Hummingbirds are among the most enchanting garden visitors with their iridescent feathers and rapid wing beats. These tiny marvels of nature are fascinating to watch and play a crucial role in the ecosystem as efficient pollinators. In this article, we explore the wonders of hummingbirds.

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