Category Archives: Garden Tips
Camellias: Bring Year-Round Elegance to Your Garden in N. Florida
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
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.
Both varieties are evergreen, meaning they’ll provide lush greenery throughout the year in addition to their lovely blooms.
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.
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 Orchid
Japonica
Herme
Sasanqua
Autumn Spirit
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
- 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
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
Essential Tips for a Thriving Summer Garden in North Florida
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Summer Gardening with Kids: Green Thumbs, Healthy Minds
Summer Gardening with Kids: Green Thumbs, Healthy Minds
The Positive Impacts of Gardening on Kids
Gardening is more than just a hobby; it’s a wonderful way to nurture a child’s development in multiple ways. Whether you’re planting flowers, growing vegetables, or maintaining a small garden space, the benefits for children are profound and varied. In today’s digital age, children spend more time indoors than ever. Gardening provides an opportunity for kids to step outside, breathe fresh air, and engage with the natural world, fostering a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the environment. Beyond this connection to nature, gardening offers significant educational opportunities. It teaches children about science and biology, helping them learn about plant life cycles, soil composition, and the importance of water and sunlight. Gardening can also introduce concepts like photosynthesis and the food chain in an engaging way. |
| Gardening also promotes physical activity. Digging, planting, weeding, and watering involve physical exertion, helping to improve motor skills, strength, and overall fitness. Gardening benefits mental well-being as well. Spending time in the garden can reduce stress and anxiety. The rhythmic activities involved in gardening can be soothing and meditative, and seeing the results of their hard work can boost a child’s self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, gardening allows children to express creativity and imagination. They can design their own garden layouts, choose the plants they want to grow, and create garden decorations. This creativity can spill over into other areas of their lives, fostering innovation and exploration.
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Fun Summertime Garden Projects
Gardening is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your family while enjoying the great outdoors. Here are some simple and fun garden projects that everyone can participate in:
Plant a Butterfly Garden
Create a colorful haven for butterflies by planting nectar-rich flowers like milkweed, lantana, and pentas. Kids will love watching these beautiful insects visit your garden.
Build a Fairy Garden
Let your imagination run wild by designing a miniature fairy garden. Use small plants, pebbles, and tiny figurines to create a magical world. This project is perfect for sparking creativity in children.
Start a Vegetable Garden
Teach your kids where food comes from by planting a vegetable garden. Choose easy-to-grow veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. Watching their own food grow will be a rewarding experience for the whole family.
Create a DIY Bird Feeder
Recycle materials like milk cartons or plastic bottles to make bird feeders. Fill them with birdseed and hang them in your garden. It’s a great way to attract local birds and teach kids about wildlife.
Paint Garden Rocks
Collect smooth stones and let your kids paint them with bright colors and fun designs. These decorative rocks can be used to label plants or simply add a splash of color to your garden beds.
Engaging in these garden projects can create lasting memories and instill a love for nature in your children. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to teach important lessons about sustainability and the environment.
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
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
January Lawn and Garden Tips 2023
January Lawn and Garden Tips 2023
The January Lawn and Garden Tips focus on opportunities to improve your landscape after Jacksonville’s six freeze days from Winter Storm Elliott and early winter chores and preparations for Spring.
Landscaping Impacts of Winter Storm Elliott
Ten days into winter 2022, Winter Storm Elliott caused widespread plant damage in Northeast Florida resulting from six days below freezing between December 23 through 28 of 2022, one of the Top 10 coldest 5 days in 151 years of Jacksonville history.
The record low was officially 20F for Jacksonville on Christmas day, 21 degrees below average and the coldest in 12 years. While many residents were traveling over the holidays, their landscapes froze some days for 12 or more hours. Although the low temperatures were within our USDA hardiness zone ranges for 8b at 15-20F and coastal 9a at 20-25F many landscapes include plants with ideal growing conditions found in warmer climates.
Native plants along with many varieties of hardy shrubs, fruit trees, and palms were unaffected by the cold weather. Many property owners will gain a greater appreciation for the relevance of cold hardiness in adjusting their landscape design. Some treat winter dieback as an opportunity to remove and replace damaged plants with those lush tropical plants. Regardless of your position, Earth Works Landscape Design & Gardens has the plant material and design expertise to deliver your vision in 2023.
Winter 2023 Forecast
Meteorologists project our third La Nina Winter with a waning of La Nina as the associated lower-than-average sea surface temperatures are rising. “La Niña is the cool phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (“ENSO” for short) climate pattern,” according to Climate.gov. “La Niña is expected to continue into the Winter, with equal chances of La Niña and ENSO-neutral during January-March 2023. In February-April 2023, there is a 71% chance of ENSO-neutral.”
The better our understanding of our climate and weather conditions, the better we can plan and care for the long-term success of our landscape designs.
Tree Pollen Coming Soon to Northeast Florida
February is the month pollen typically is at its worst in Northeast Florida. However, warm winters bring pollen as early as December. In 2022 Jacksonville ranked 31st worst city for Spring allergies by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. This is the time of year that our stately oak trees shed their leaves and pollen filled catkins and immediately replace the leaves with new.
Pollen allergy symptoms include itchy throat, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and headaches. As of the first week of January, pollen from trees, grass, and ragweed is low, but mold particulates are high. “During peak season for tree pollen, keep your windows and doors closed, especially on windy days,” according to Accuweather.com. Avoid outdoor activities in the early morning, and be sure to shower and change clothes after coming indoors.”
January Plant Pruning In Jacksonville and Northeast Florida
Many of your woody stemmed plants that suffered dieback from the December freezes won’t need pruning. Still, January is the time to prune roses and deciduous plants, including crape myrtles, pears, and plums. Your Double Knock Out roses that bloom every 5-6 weeks from Spring to Frost have likely stopped blooming and are ready now through early Spring for annual pruning. Evergreens, in general, can be pruned any time of year.
Prune your azaleas after they bloom, which can vary widely depending on the variety. “Bloom times are divided into three flowering groups of early, mid, and late or fall flowering varieties,” wrote Lorna King for Garden’s Path. “The early group starts to flower in late Winter to early Spring, roughly from February to April. Midseason is comprised of late Spring and early summer or May and June. And the late or fall group flowers from midsummer and into fall, mid-July to October.” Reblooming azaleas should be pruned after the Spring bloom only. If pruned after the Fall blooms, that could stimulate growth put at risk by Winter cold.
Planting Choices for January
Offset the drab look of plantings that have died back with Winter annuals, including Pansies, petunias, snapdragons, violas, and dusty millers. We still got a good selection of Camellias, the Queens of Winter, with many still putting out blooms heading into Spring. The Earth Works greenhouse is full of houseplant options suitable for your unique lighting, humidity, and temperature conditions. And planting shade trees, fruit trees, and palms are less stressful, with less shock potential during these cooler months. Visit Earth Works Gardens or set up a landscape design consultation with one of our designers to bring your vision to life in your landscape.
Prep Soil In Winter For Beautiful Spring Turf
Please take steps to ensure a beautiful Spring lawn by planning to complete your soil AERATION & TOP DRESSING, or schedule it with Earth Works Lawn Care before Spring. Our naturally sandy soil requires nutrient replenishment for your best Spring & Summer lawn. Proper care of your lawn during dormancy will make for a healthy, vigorously growing lawn turf that holds up to threats from pests and pathogens. Schedule a visit by Earth Works Lawn Care for an AERATION & TOP DRESSING quote. Our lawn service, including lawn pest & fertilization spraying quotes, is free online.
Schedule Your Pond Clean Out In Winter
For Aquascape ecosystem pond owners, we recommend an annual winter pond cleanout. Earth Works designs and builds low-maintenance ecosystem ponds that collect the majority of debris in the skimmer basket. Still, some waste settles to the pond bottom, requiring a periodic cleanout. Unserviced pond debris buildup is a water quality concern, particularly as the water temperature warms up, fish grow larger, and feeding increases. Thus, Earth Works recommends that you schedule your annual winter pond cleanout service be completed before Spring. Don’t wait. Contact us to book today!
Get Your Landscape Design Scheduled In Time for Spring Outdoor Living
Our January Lawn and Garden tips would not be complete without encouraging you to book your landscape design consultation sooner than later, as it will be a busy Spring! Then spend some time gathering the pertinent documents and photos of landscapes you like that represent the vision you create with your designer. Please don’t wait until it’s too late to get your choice of project completion dates. Check out our landscape design consultation video to better understand our process.
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
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
Best Practice Tips for Maintaining Milkweed for Monarchs
Best Practice Tips for Maintaining Milkweed for Monarchs
Monarch butterfly caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed, which Earth Works garden center provides along with best practice tips for maintaining milkweed for Monarchs. As one of the most recognized and beloved of North American native insects, thousands of people provide them habitat and feed them along their migratory path. This is only possible with large amounts of milkweed being available for planting. However, Earth Works also encourages awareness of the benefits of cutting back milkweed in Fall and warm winters to prevent Monarchs from overwintering here rather than joining more healthy populations that migrate back to Mexico.
Monarch Population Decline
Scientists point to a variety of reasons for a decline in Monarch populations, including deforestation, changing agricultural practices, weather extremes, unregulated eco-tourism, fire, and disease.
The good news is that our efforts at providing food and habitat help.
“It is likely that monarch numbers would be even lower without the efforts of dedicated individuals throughout North America, but current numbers show us that we need to increase our efforts,” according to Karen Oberhauser, UW-Madison Arboretum.
How the Monarchs are Counted
Monarch population numbers have been assessed yearly since 1994 at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) in Mexico.
Scientists at the MBBR estimate Monarch numbers based on the amount of land the butterflies are roosting on each winter. Since the Mexican overwintering count began, the population estimate of Mexican overwintering Monarchs peaked at one billion in 1996, with the lowest count being 20 million in 2013/2014.
The population numbers have bounced up and down, but mostly down. For instance, the Mexican overwintering Monarch population estimate was up 35% for Winter 2021/2022, but down 26% the prior year. “Scientists estimate that at least 6 hectares is necessary for a sustainable population of eastern monarchs,” according to Monarch Joint Venture. Monarch populations have only met that threshold for sustainability approximately four times in the past twenty years. However, there are growing numbers of Monarchs overwintering in North America that has proved to be unhealthy for them.
Monarchs Milkweed Choices and Preferences
Even though there are over 100 native milkweed species in North America, we are typically only able to supply one or two native species, such as Swamp milkweed, Asclepius perennis due to a lack of commercial growers. The most commonly available species is the Mexican Tropical Milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, as it’s easy to propagate and fast-growing. We encourage homeowners maintaining milkweed for monarchs to provide as much diversity of milkweed species as possible.
A 2018 USDA-funded study found that Monarchs will lay more eggs where they have more milkweed species choices. “It is important to note that monarchs use multiple different milkweed hosts each year throughout their annual cycle,” according to Ecosphere. “Although these milkweed species appear on the landscape in different proportions, monarchs do not specialize on one milkweed species even when both have co-evolved within a smaller region (e.g., eastern vs. western North America). Monarchs from both the eastern and western populations exhibited the same oviposition preferences when given access to milkweed species from both eastern and western North America.”
Milkweed Routine Maintenance in the Fall
Native North American milkweed species are more likely to die back in Fall than the Mexican Tropical Milkweed variety that, during warm winters, can continue to produce foliage and blooms.
“Jim Edson, a geology professor at the University of Arkansas, said, “one research project offered five kinds of milkweed to monarchs,” according to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. “Butterfly weed was least liked and tropical was preferred. But scientists fear that what the monarchs like the most may be bad for them.”
Since the Monarchs enjoy Mexican Tropical milkweed found here, it’s become challenging to get them to migrate back to Mexico. Scientists are concerned that the suitable areas where Tropical milkweed can survive the winter from the Carolinas to California keep Monarchs here year-round. The problem with this is that Monarch populations that don’t return to Mexico have higher infection rates of the naturally occurring protozoan Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE), which causes deformities and death.
Rate of Infection & Impacts
According to a University of Georgia study, in the wild, in the western US, about 30% of all wild Monarch butterflies have HEAVY OE spore loads,” wrote Butterfly Fun Facts. “In the eastern US, less than 8% of Monarch butterflies have a HEAVY spore load. In the southern tip of Florida, where Monarchs fly and lay eggs all year, more than 70% have HEAVY OE. Experts estimate that nearly 100% of wild Monarchs in the Miami/Dade area of Florida are infected with OE, from mild to heavy infection. If OE was super deadly in the wild, the southern tip of Florida would not continue to have a large population of Monarch butterflies.”
Scientists Are Seeking Solutions
And although infected Monarchs can spread OE’s spores via any milkweed species, there is still little progress in finding a cure, although, for those rearing them, there are recommendations for reducing the spread. “We have worked out a way to control this parasite that we hope will not be too difficult,” according to Scientists at MonarchWatch.org. “Our method requires cleaning up your rearing operation; we have not yet found a way to “cure” a larva once it has eaten the spores, although at the University of Kansas we are continuing to look for such a solution using drugs that have been shown to work on related organisms. We have had limited success with attempts to surface-decontaminate eggs once they have been laid, although this does lower the incidence of the disease. Thus, the only way to solve the problem, and to prevent more releases of contaminated butterflies, is to make sure that the larvae you rear are never exposed to the parasite. There are four steps you will need to take. ” Learn more at Monarch Watch.
Scientists have found OE to be transmitted in three ways: infected females spreading spores onto their eggs, by contact with milkweed that infects others Monarchs, and during mating. “Monarchs that acquire spores as adults are temporary carriers, and themselves do not experience detrimental effects of the parasite,” according to their research published at the National Library of Medicine.
We at Earth Works hope this information benefits your understanding of best practices for maintaining milkweed for monarchs. Visit our garden center and speak to staff about the availability of milkweed and the many nectar plants available for them and other pollinators in Northeast Florida.
Happy Gardening!
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
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
December Lawn & Garden Tips 2022
December 1, 2022
December Lawn & Garden Tips
December lawn & garden tips begin with recognition that this is a predictably cool & dry weather month that’s great for planting large shrubs and palms and for working on landscape designs and projects. As the weather can change rapidly keep up to date with weather forecasts and be prepared to protect your tender plants and pets well ahead of frost and freezing temperatures.
The National Weather Service predicts below-average precipitation throughout the Southern United States in December. While drying out is suitable for reducing the threat of lawn fungus that’s at its worst on cool, humid nights, too little water and watering at the wrong time of day can also cause problems.
BE PREPARED TO SUPPLEMENT WITH ADDITIONAL WATERING IN DECEMBER
Earth Works recommends two lawn watering events per week in December. If you don’t get two rain events per week supplement with irrigation and hand watering. New lawns and landscapes require daily watering the first month to get established. Irrigation is restricted to once per week in Jacksonville, coinciding with a return to Standard Time that began on November 6.
Duval County watering ordinance includes:
1) No watering from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2) Odd number addresses, or addresses ending with letters N-Z, or no address may water only on Saturday.
3) Even number addresses or those ending with A-M may water only on Sunday.
4) Non-residential addresses may water only on Tuesday and
5) Apply up to ¾-inch or less of water one time per week.
DECEMBER TURF NEEDS
Proper care of your lawn during dormancy will directly impact its health in Spring and Summer.
The three macro-nutrients listed on the label of all fertilizers are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, abbreviated as NPK.
If choosing a Winterizing lawn fertilizer, we only recommend an NPK with phosphorus and potassium. “Adding phosphorus to soil low in available phosphorus promotes root growth and winter hardiness, stimulates tillering, and often hastens maturity,” according to University of Nebraska Plant & Soil elibrary. “Potassium is a vital component of numerous plant functions, including nutrient absorption, respiration, transpiration, and enzyme activity.” Both phosphurus and potassium are essential for plant maintenance and support, according to the Noble Research Institute. For Winter we only recommend nitrogen-free formulations.
It’s also essential to know your soil pH when supplementing with fertilizers. These macro-nutrients are only fully bioavailable at a pH of 6.5 or above and decreasingly available below. “In a very acid soil of pH 5.0 only 40% of the nitrogen is available, 35% of the phosphorus and 50% of the potassium,” according to Allotment Garden.org. “Increasing to an average plot’s pH 5.5 takes the nitrogen and potassium up to 70% availability but the phosphorus is still only at 45% availability. It’s not until the pH hits 6.5 that all the big 3 nutrients are fully available to fuel the plants.”
Now is an excellent time to consider BOOKING soil AERATION & TOP DRESSING service for your lawn ahead of Spring with the Earth Works Lawn Care department. Contact us to get you scheduled.
WHICH VEGETABLES CAN I PLANT IN DECEMBER?
December vegetable planting recommendations are the same for November and December, with a few additional veggies added to the soil in January. University of Florida IFAS Gardening Solutions recommendations for December include Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Celery, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard, Onions, Radish, Spinach, Strawberry, & Turnips.
Stop in and shop our herbs and veggies that our buyers selected especially for your Winter garden. If looking for the latest seed varieties to hit the market consider subscribing to some of our listed 60+ Free Seed Catalogs.
GARDENING SOIL PREPARATION
Whether you have plans to use existing beds or containers we recommend turning your soil and mixing in a few amendments including Wild Earth Soil Mix for your raised beds or container gardening, a rich, light-weight compost mix available by the bag and yard. Plus, supplement with Espoma Organic Biotone Starter an excellent planting fertilizer with mycorrhizal fungi root enhancers. Visit Earth Works Gardens and speak with a staff member about your specific needs. We carry everything from earthworm castings to bat guano for your specific planting soil amendment needs.
DECEMBER IS A TERRIFIC TIME TO PLANT TREES & ANNUALS
As previously mentioned December’s cold and dry weather is perfect here in Northeast Florida for planting palms, citrus, and other trees. December and throughout the Winter months is also the time of year to introduce colorful annuals in an otherwise often dormant and bland landscape. Earth Works has a large selection of annuals for your garden beds including petunias, violas, snapdragons, lambs ear, decorative kale, and Dusty Miller. For December we also have beautiful varieties of poinsettias and Anthurium with their long-lasting, heart-shaped flowers in stock.
PREPARE YOUR TENDER PLANTS TO BRING INDOORS
Become familiar with the cold tolerance of your plants and the threat of chilling temperatures above freezing for each. Learn more. Getting your plants acclimated to indoor living after being brought inside requires extra attention to their light and watering needs along with pest management. Our heating systems create far different conditions from those our outdoor plants are accustomed to. Inspect your plants from soil up through the leaves before bringing indoors. You don’t want a pest or disease problem with one plant to damage others by placing together indoors in tight quarters. Be prepared to adjust your plants watering needs, rotating to assure adequate lighting and away from drafts throughout the Winter period.
CONSIDER TAKING UP BONSAI OR ADDING TO YOUR BONSAI COLLECTION THIS WINTER
Bonsai is the Japanese art of growing dwarf trees in pots that can start anytime and last for generations. These potted plants can be started indoors or out with as little as soil, a container, and plant. Earth Works Garden Center Manager Matthew Barlow has decades of experience growing, training, and caring for bonsai plants and is available to answer your specific questions about bonsai. Earth Works likewise has bonsai plants ready to add to your collection or share as gifts and all your specialty products required to start and florish within the bonsai hobby.
POND CARE CONCERNS FOR DECEMBER
The main concerns involving koi in December revolve around water temperature. Rhonda King, Earth Works Garden Manager, discusses cold water concerns for koi ponds.
Helpful Cool Weather Tips for Pond Owners:
-Keep a pond thermometer on hand. .
-Switch to cold water food for koi as their digestive system slows down with cooler temperatures.
-Now is the time to schedule your pond clean out before Spring.
SCHEDULE YOUR LANDSCAPE DESIGN CONSULTATION BEFORE SPRING
Winter is the best time to schedule your landscape design consultation to prepare and plan and schedule your installation ahead of the busy Spring and Summer season. With a landscape design consultation and drawing you are better able to budget all or phases of your landscaping wants and needs from improved curb appeal to new plantings, water features and all that goes into making your yard perfect for your vision of high quality outdoor living. It can take weeks, even months, to schedule and implement your plan especially if you wait until the busiest times for the landscaping industry. Don’t wait too late to get your project designed and scheduled to meet your desired completion date.
December Lawn & Garden tips would not be complete without mentioning the availability of gift cards available in any denomination and to note that during the month of December 25% of gift card sales are donated to our local charity a downtown Jacksonville youth learning center the Sanctuary on 8th Street.
Oh I love Earth Works! If you need plants, Pond supplies, Koi fish, yard art, pots/ containers, stautes…this is a great place. Helpful, friendly employees & great variety. Sarah Cantor
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
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
Help Save our Pollinators-Plant a Garden!
What is Pollination?
When a pollen grain moves from the anther (male part) of a flower to the stigma (female part), pollination happens. This is the first step in a process that produces seeds, fruits, and the next generation of plants. This can happen through self-pollination, wind and water pollination, or through the work of vectors that move pollen within the flower and from bloom to bloom.
Why do we need pollinators?
Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other small mammals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. They also sustain our ecosystems and produce our natural resources by helping plants reproduce.
Pollinating animals travel from plant to plant carrying pollen on their bodies in a vital interaction that allows the transfer of genetic material critical to the reproductive system of most flowering plants – the very plants that
- bring us countless fruits, vegetables, and nuts,
- ½ of the world’s oils, fibers, and raw materials;
- prevent soil erosion,
- and increase carbon sequestration
This nearly invisible ecosystem service is a precious resource that requires attention and support – – and in disturbing evidence found around the globe, is increasingly in jeopardy. Pollinator Partnership, 2021. “Pollinators need you. You need Pollinators.”
Published by Pollinator Partnership, San Francisco, USA. pollinators.org
Pollinator facts:
Our pollinators are in trouble with declining numbers worldwide. There are multiple causes including, habitat loss, pesticide use, invasive plants, climate change, and diseases.
In Florida, we have 300 native bees, 160 butterfly species that breed here and about 200 species that migrate through the state, and 3 commonly seen hummingbird species.
Bees are our most efficient pollinators. Practicing “flower Constancy,” searching for certain plants on their foraging trips. They go to and from the same species of flower. Pollinating a third of the world’s food supply.
Searching for nectar, butterflies pick up pollen and accidentally pollinate, not quite as efficient as the honeybee. Yet, several plant species, like milkweed and other wildflowers, depend on butterflies to transfer their pollen.
Hummingbirds are hungry creatures feeding most of the day. This makes them perfect pollinators for many flowers. Certain flower varieties have evolved to become even more appealing to these tiny birds.
Gardening for Pollinators in your own yard can help! As natural habitats are being destroyed to accommodate new development, the importance of gardening to assist bee and butterfly populations is growing. Planting a pollinator garden in your yard helps combat this loss of natural habitats.
Selecting the right plants for your Pollinator Garden
BEES: Honeybees prefer white, yellow, purple, and blue flowers — they can’t even see the color red! Bees also need a nice-sized landing pad, so broad petal, daisy-like flowers are best. Finally, they need both pollen and nectar to feed the hive. So fruit-producing trees and shrubs, as well as native plants, fill the bill.
BUTTERFLIES: If you want a well-attended butterfly party in your yard, invite your local butterfly species by planting their favorite host plants! Butterflies require specific host plant species to lay their eggs on, along with food and shelter. Then add some nectar plants, preferably with red, orange, yellow, and pink trumpet-shaped flowers, to feed your guest.
HUMMINGBIRDS: Brightly colored, preferably red, tubular flowers that hold the most nectar are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Plant these sugar-rich plants near and around your home and patio areas for the best opportunity to view these elusive and amazing birds.
Black-Eyed Susan
Coral Honeysuckle
Marigolds
Lavender
Purple Coneflower
Milkweed
Coreopsis
Gaillardia
Dune Sunflower
Blue-Eyed Grass
Liatris
Alyssum
Agastache Bee Balm
Lantana
Penta
Buddleia
Firebush
Salvia
Porterweed
Sweet Almond Bush
Firespike
Black-Eyed Susan
Purple Coneflower
Milkweed
Coreopsis
Gaillardia Dune Sunflower
Firebush
Coral honeysuckle
Coralbean
Tropical Sage
Crossvine
Cardinal flower
Necklace Pod
Cigar Plant
Bat face Cuphea
Salvia
Jatropha
Bottlebrush
Shrimp plant Soap Aloe
Important Tips:
Avoid using insecticides and other harmful chemicals in your garden.
Shop the garden centers at different times to select plants that bloom in different seasons.
Fertilize with organic plant foods, like compost and fish fertilizer.
Choose plants for butterflies that will provide food for caterpillars.
Common caterpillar host plants: Milkweed, Parsley, Dill, Fennel, Dutchman’s Pipevine, Passion Vine, Azalea, Cassia/Senna Trees
Butterfly adults need more than nectar from flowers. Try setting out a dish full of fruit scraps. Fill the bottom with a very shallow layer of water mixed with sea salt and watch which butterflies hang around for a snack.
Useful Links:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/documents/AttractingPollinatorsEasternUS_V1.pdf
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/butterfly-gardens.html
Know Your Plant’s Cold Tolerance
Maintaining a lush tropical landscape requires learning about your plant’s cold tolerance and the threat of chilling temperatures above freezing. When purchasing plants for your landscape, it is essential to know which USDA hardiness zone they’re growing in and each variety’s cold hardiness rating. For instance, the large geographic area of Jacksonville, Florida, is USDA Hardiness Zone 9a (20F- 25F) and borders 8a (15-20F) to the West. If the plants in your landscape and collection cannot tolerate temperatures as low as the minimum temperatures then they aren’t considered hardy for Jacksonville’s zone. View USDA Hardiness zones from around the country and find yours by zip code at USDA Agricultural Research Service.
Avoid planting your most cold-sensitive plants with northern exposure and consider other more hardy plantings around them as wind blocks if you must. It’s common knowledge that houseplants and tropicals won’t survive freezing temperatures. However, there is less appreciation for the fact that chilling temperatures within specific ranges above freezing can also result in plant stress, damage, and death.
“A chilling temperature is any temperature that is cold enough to cause plant injury but not cold enough to freeze the plant,” according to the University of Florida/IFAS. “These temperatures usually range from just above 32°F to about 59°F. Chilling injury to tropical foliage plants is also dependent on the duration of exposure to a chilling temperature.”
Plants are triggered to begin acclimation or hardening in Autumn as daylight hours, and temperatures decline. Non-native plants in Jacksonville’s humid subtropical gardens face more significant fluctuations of temperature in the chilling temperature range than our neighbors in Central and South Florida’s tropical hardiness zones. While Jacksonville has an average October temperature between 81F- 66F, forecasts call for a low of 46F with 10-15mph wind on October 18, 2022. Chilling temperature plant damage can appear as wilting, yellowing, reddish-brown spots, and even mushiness.
“Tropical and subtropical crops such as ageratum, alternanthera, angelonia, basil, celosia, cleome, coleus, cosmos, lantana, pentas, poinsettia, portulaca, sweet potato vine, vinca and zinnia are classified as cold-sensitive because their development stops at a base temperature of 46 F or higher,” according to Michigan State University. “Another group of greenhouse crops is classified as cold-intermediate (or cold-temperate) crops as their development stops at moderately low temperatures of 40 to 45 F. These crops include calendula, dahlia, geranium, impatiens, lobelia, some petunia cultivars, verbena and wax begonia.” Many of our local gardens contain a mix of these plants and others with varied cold sensitivity.
Consider our Overwintering and Indoor Propagation article if you are preparing to protect your houseplants and tropicals during a cold spell and before freezing temperatures are forecast for your area. If chilling temperature damage occurs, ensure the affected plants are watered and avoid the temptation of fertilization, which can stimulate new growth and further stress the plant.
For more information on your plant’s cold tolerance how to protect your plants every season and for comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping needs contact Earth Works of Jacksonville at 904-996-0712. Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center/Plant Nursery in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions.
Earth Works proudly serves clients in Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St. Johns, Fleming Island, Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Amelia Island, Fernandina, and St. Augustine.
October Gardening Tips For Florida
Consider these October Gardening tips for improved lawn and garden enjoyment during the cooler months ahead of next Spring. These tips are specifically for Northeast Florida gardeners and are heavily influenced by weather changes, including the end of the rainy season, fewer daylight hours, and a 10F degree drop in temperature.
-Pay attention to your plants watering needs as October’s monthly rainfall averages 4′”, a significant drop from rainy season averages between June and September. Although it’s chillier with fewer hours of sunlight, October can still register highs in the 80s, accompanied by windy conditions that rapidly dry out the soil. And remember irrigation schedule water restrictions fall from twice to once per week watering when Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 5, per the City of Jacksonville Ordinance Code Chapter 366.
-You can fertilize your perennials, bulbs, citrus, palms, and other select trees and shrubs during October. However, how often and what time of year to fertilize for maximum benefit can depend on the type of plant and type of fertilizer NPK assay and whether it’s a liquid, powder, or granular. Even though Florida county Fertilizer blackout periods around the state are typically lifted by the end of September, continue being careful to overuse fertilizers and apply them correctly, as they can harm your plants and cause environmental damage.
-If applying a Winterizer fertilizer on our Florida warm-season grasses, do so with a nitrogen-free product and apply before dormancy.
-Consider applying organic mulch to your gardening beds to protect bare roots and soil from falling temperatures and nutrient runoff. Earth Works Lawn Care can provide you a mulching quote.
-Tender warm-season bulbs and tubers such as caladiums and gladiolus can be dug up, inspected for fungus, cleaned of dirt, and stored in peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite in a cool location until Spring planting season.
-Overseeding with ryegrass can be done in October to add Winter color to your dormant warm-season grass lawn. Both perennial and annual ryegrass is available for those considering these October Gardening Tips.
-Houseplants kept outside during the warmer months should be examined for pests and treated accordingly. Continue with your fertilization requirements for your houseplants and prepare to move them and other tender tropicals indoors ahead of any air temperature drops below their healthy growing requirements.
-Prepare the ground for Fall herbs and vegetable garden beds, perennials, and Spring bulbs. Add compost and soil amendments specifically formulated for the growing requirements of your plantings. For the veggie beds, consider planting beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, cucumbers, endive, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onions, radishes, summer squash, and turnips.
-Continue weeding warm-season weeds, and if considering using a pre-emergent herbicide, apply ahead of the seed germination of cold-season weeds. “Regardless of where you live, the application window for fall pre-emergents should be when temperatures are below 70 degrees and dropping,” according to Sod Solutions. “It should be noted that a pre-emergent herbicide that is applied before you overseed in the fall will keep your seed from growing.”
-Avoid trimming your trees and shrubs except for instances of dieback, disease, and damage. Trimming your trees and shrubs at the wrong time can jeopardize leaf and flower buds that have already been set, resulting in poorer growth and blooms in Spring depending on whether they set their blooms on old or new wood.
-October is a terrific time to plant trees and shrubs as the cooler temperatures reduce stress and facilitate faster acclimation.
-Monitor the water temperature in your koi pond and reduce the amount of food they are fed and consider lower protein formulations available at the Earth Works garden center.
-Aeration and Top Dressing renews your lawn soil with beneficial microbes, and the required micro-nutrients improve oxygen supply to plant roots, and reduce soil erosion and runoff. Earth Works’ lawn care division provides this service. Our garden center likewise has many varieties of high quality soils for your gardening needs.
-This is a good time to begin planning any landscaping projects on your mind with a member of our landscape design team at Earth Works. Along with being a good time to plant it can reduce wait times for ordering products and beats the Spring rush.
For more specific October gardening tips speak directly with a member of our Earth Works Garden Center staff. And for comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping needs contact Earth Works of Jacksonville at 904-996-0712. Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center/Plant Nursery in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, drainage solutions, water features, lawn care service, and lawn spraying.
Earth Works proudly serves clients in Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St. Johns, Fleming Island, Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Amelia Island, Fernandina, and St. Augustine.