Living the Aquascape Lifestyle is a passion for many and especially Nestor White, an Earth Works client who provides this reporting and testimonial on his pond upgrade.
By Nestor White, Orange Park
In 1999 my two sons and I designed and built three beautiful, connected ponds with four waterfalls where each pond emptied into a lower pond for a total of about 5000 gallons. The deepest part of two ponds was about 42” with shelf ledges around two of those ponds that would hold large pots with plants about 15” below the surface. We used over 30,000 pounds of smaller rocks up to about 14” in diameter with some beautiful flagstone full of shiny, mica flakes. The ponds were stocked with over a dozen varieties of goldfish and about 15 koi. Several years ago, probably because of the excessive number of fish for the size of the ponds, and the realization that we needed a better filtration system than just one skimmer-filter, we decided to completely remove the old ponds and start from scratch. Pressure washing all of that rock and tearing everything apart took about two years doing a bit at a time.
So, over two years ago, we contacted Earth Works to start planning some new ponds. Before we could move ahead with that project we had to complete a 400-square foot screen room addition with roll-up screens to overlook the new ponds. Before I continue I want to make it clear that this review was not solicited. After a 20-year Navy career as a jet pilot and maintenance officer, I had the opportunity to supervise thousands of fine young men and women. For the past 32 years, I have been a financial advisor and have a good sense of what it takes to run a profitable, successful business. The motivation for me to write this stems from my positive impression of the employees I came to know at Earth Works and the realization of what an amazing business it is. A great business needs inspiration and excellent leadership but most of all great employees. Anyone who has already done business with Earth Works already knows that, and I have experience with them dating back to 1999 when I first started my own ponds.
Earth Works only does a couple of pond builds a year that are as large and elaborate as ours. Even though I have seen the great display ponds at the store, I had no idea what was in store for us. Planning began with John Cacchione in sales who is also the pond designer. We met several times at our home and in his office. Long before construction started the youngest owner, Jason Duffney, even made a couple of visits to our property to get the general layout. We were SO ready after waiting several years and having our space so torn up waiting for the build that when Melissia Marinez, the landscape assistant, gave us the build date we were really excited.
The project was scheduled to take two weeks and cost about three times their average installation. In mid-July 2022, Tim Juror, the young foreman, showed up with workers, Patrick Smaglis, Ricardo Orta, and Antonio Santiago. They brought a tracked excavator and another forklift/bulldozer and had them on site for two weeks. Over that time, they must have hauled in about 90,000 pounds of boulders and rocks in addition to using every bit of my 30,000 pounds of rock. About every other day new pallets of rock and other materials arrived lining our driveway for over 100’.
The real genius for the build was Mike Quatromoni, the “artist”, with a background in sculpture and a degree from the University of North Florida. He is one of the premier pond builders in Florida with a keen eye for creating an appealing, natural-looking pond environment. This build was going to be different from our original pond primarily because of the larger rocks, but mainly because we wanted to create a large “bog” area. Water would be pumped in from the bottom of the bog and filtered up through different layers of rocks starting with large rocks on the bottom and getting smaller at the surface. Mike had the brilliant idea to build the bog beneath an upper pond instead of having an upper bog, a middle water lily pond, and a lower pond with the fish. Space constraints actually dictated this decision but he almost regretted it during the actual bog construction phase.
Here in Orange Park, we are on a sand hill like much of Florida. In our Foxridge Subdivision, we have some small hills. Mike was excited to do an install with some elevation changes and not a typical flat pond. As the excavator began to dig the bog, it was apparent that going so deep would cause some of the walls to collapse. What was originally going to be maybe 4’x6’ and about 8’ deep ended up being more than 7’x7’. When two of them were standing in the bottom putting in the piping and plastic crates, the rim of the sand towered several feet above their heads. Just filling the bog with rocks swallowed up at least 60,000 pounds of rock, not including the tons of large boulders around the perimeter. Dozens of cubic yards of sand had to be removed and hauled off by their trucks.
Watching the excavator’s “bucket” pick up these huge rocks weighing maybe 500-800 pounds with straps and lowering each one precisely on the pond liner where Mike decided to place them was interesting to watch and dangerous at the same time. One particular rock about 4’ high and 3’ wide and 18” deep was being placed vertically resting on the 18” base. It was teetering on the edge of the lower pond beside Mike, as he was alongside but mostly below the rock kneeling on the bottom of the pond. Ricardo had his foot on the rock pushing it at the top to get it aligned just right. I finally just had to walk away praying that it would not fall and possibly injure or even kill Mike. The rock finally got shimmed up with some other rocks under it and oriented at a safe angle. The excavator literally made hundreds of rotations lifting and moving rocks and soil around to complete the construction without anyone getting injured.
Twice during the build and once after, John Hawley, the photographer/videographer, came out to take photos during construction. One day, filling in for one of the other workers, Mike Oaks, the paver/service foreman, helped out with the construction and gave me some pointers on how to do the pavers in our new screen room.
I just can’t say enough about this crew. They sent their top, most skilled, workers. To a man, they were all professional, courteous, good-natured, and got along well with each other. There were NO slackers and everyone knew what had to be done and did it without any complaining. I did not hear one cuss word or any type of off-color comment. That REALLY impressed me! The weather was dreadful with most days running about 95+ degrees with high humidity. When it rained they just kept on working. When the job was completed they cleaned up everything as if they were never there. If I were an employer, I would hire any one of them in an instant and be happy they were working for me and not someone else.
After completion, there was a minor problem with some leaks around the edge of the liner. Their “leak” expert, Glenn Stanza, who does all of the pond maintenance, came out on two occasions and located most of the problems and fixed them. He was really helpful in providing information on caring for the pond, taking care of the fish and plants, and had a great knowledge of ponds in general. One day he stayed at our house until almost 8 PM until he had accomplished what needed to be done. The next day we visited the store and he helped us pick out some plants and fish. We also had a nice talk with Jason, the owner, who happened to be there.
We still had at least one leak, so Sean Duffney, Jason’s brother, who acts primarily as the field supervisor and general problem solver, came out to take a look. He located the general area and sent out Mike the next day who finally found the last liner adjustment to prevent any further leaks.
Although I have not met her, there is one person you might not like. Her name is Mandi Futch. She sends the bills! I’m kidding, of course. She is good at her job, communicates accurately and promptly but ensures that the company gets its pound of flesh from each customer.
Overall, I will say that my wife, Cathy, and I are extremely pleased with the finished project. We look forward to completing flower beds and landscaping around the pond to enhance its appeal. There are already hundreds of tiny black Florida toad tadpoles swimming around in the pond along with one large bullfrog. Several green tree frogs have been attracted by the water and start to croak and “bark” after dark. Watching our 40 small starter koi, goldfish, and mollies explore their new home is a relaxing pastime. The five new waterfalls provide soothing background noise and the 20 lights that were installed under the water highlight the fish and rocks after dark.
If you have been thinking about building a pond or want to expand or improve the one you already have, you can’t go wrong by hiring Earth Works. Check out some of their other services too.
We here at Earth Works appreciate the White family as clients living the Aquascape Lifestyle and for this detailed client reporting and testimonial. Photo credit to Nestor White.
For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping needs, contact us 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.
Follow these tips for good drainage on your property throughout the year and to prevent flooding, structural, lawn and landscape damage.
–Regularly inspect gutters and downspouts. Be sure that all joints are secure and that there are no cracks or other sources of leaks due to damaged gutters and downspouts. Both gutters and downspouts can also be clogged over time with leaf debris and by plants and animal activity.
–Extend your downspouts away from structures. Whereas downspouts typically release water close to the foundation of buildings extending the downspout farther away reduces the risk of erosion and standing water close to those structures. This can be accomplished with a variety of materials not only actual downspouts but hard plastic and vinyl downspout diverters.
–Keep drainage routes clear. The drainage route consists of the entire distance from where the water is released from the downspout to the catchbasin which may be a local waterway tributary. “Keeping debris out of storm drains and ditches,” according to the Palm Coast Observer. “Reporting clogged ditches to local governments.
–Improve grading when required. Often times properties require elevation and slope adjustments as a result of structures being built in poorly draining areas and as a result of earth moving by the property owner and erosion. “Everyone lives in an area with some flood risk—it’s just a question of whether you live in a high-risk, low-risk, or moderate-risk flood area,” according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Find your property’s flood risk at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Earth Works offers customized earth moving and grading to suit your drainage solution needs.
–Construct a creek bed or swale. On-site drainage solutions such as creek beds and swales have been favored among government officials for decades as a way to not only prevent flooding but to reduce hazardous non-point source pollution associated with stormwater runoff. Constructed creek bed or swales are aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly by allowing for the gradual percolation of captured stormwater versus contributing to runoff and erosion.
–Install and maintain a properly functioning French Drain. Named after Henry Flagg French, assistant secretary of the Treasury under Ulysses S. Grant the French Drain was first described in his 1859 publication Farm Drainage. “The 1859 book is the drainage world’s “Principia Mathematica,” its “On the Origin of Species,” according to the Washington Post. “Henry described various drainage techniques — the Deanston System, the Keythorpe System, the Wharncliffe System. He calculated the discharge volume of pipes of various diameters. He weighed the pros and cons of different pipe styles. And he recommended something that has helped many of us who live in constant fear of rain: an excavated trench filled with gravel in which rests a perforated pipe to carry away surface and groundwater. He called it a cellar drain. We know it as the French drain.”
–Install and maintain properly functioning channel drains around pools and outdoor kitchen areas. Channel drains are typically installed at a lower elevation between homes and swimming pools to collect and distribute water away from those areas. Contact Earth Works landscaping division to determine the proper dimensions required to adequately serve your specific drainage needs.
–Install a Cistern of Aquablox for onsite water storage. In coordination with property owners and local government agencies Earth Works is providing an innovative onsite water storage solution by constructing cisterns utilizing Aquascape Aquablox technology in areas prone to flooding. Contact your Earth Works landscape design professional for more details.
For more tips on good drainage tailored to your property needs schedule a design consultation with a member of the Earth Works Landscape Design Team.
Typical Earth Works landscape division drainage solution configurations include: -GRAVITY DRAINAGE WITH DRAIN BOXES for points of collection and hard pipe (PVC or sewer and drain) or an ADS Corrugated Pipe to move water from the problem area to a lower outflow area to provide proper drainage. A transit or automatic level is used to shoot the grades and elevations to ensure that there is proper gravity flow. If there is no adequate fall, a sump pump drainage system can be installed to move the water out of the problem area.
-French drains to catch runoff and provide gravity drainage solutions. French drains can be connected to systems of various configurations and types of pipes.
-Channel drains are appropriate drainage solutions for pool decks, outdoor kitchens, hardscaping, and driveways. Connect channel drains to downspouts and route off the property with hard pipe to outflow boxes or connect into one of our custom drainage systems.
-Swales and cisterns are examples of options for onsite water retention required in many Northeast Florida counties due to the presence of environmentally sensitive ecosystems. We can also provide underground water retention with aquabloxs or a dry well if the soil is sandy enough. The aquabloxs could be combined with a pond or pondless water feature.
All of Earth Works drainage solutions meet federal, state, and local regulations designed to protect your property, safety, and the environment. Our drainage systems are guaranteed to work and are warranted for 1 year on parts and labor.
For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping needs, contact us 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.
Our first full month of Summer calls for reminders of tasks to complete, which is the basis of the Earth Works July Tips for Lawn and Garden.
-Closely Monitor Plant Watering Needs. July Tips for Lawn and Garden could not be complete without a focus on watering. Manually adjust automatic irrigation watering schedules during frequent rainfall or install a rain sensor to prevent overwatering. The likelihood of rain increases in July, the second month of hurricane season. Too much water harms many of the landscape plants, the same as too little water. Monitor soil moisture in your gardening containers by pressing a finger into the soil as potted plants will dry out at a different rate than the surrounding soil. Excessive water will encourage fungus growth that can damage lawn and garden plants.
-Keep Weeds and Pests Under Control. Winter weed pressure on the lawn and garden has been replaced with a seasonal crop of Summer weeds species possibly arriving from birds, insects, and the wind from adjacent properties. Post-emergent herbicides are commercially available for ridding your lawn of Summer weeds that have already gotten a foothold in the lawn. Hand-pulling weeds requires much more effort and is less likely to rid your lawn of every last weed for the season. However, organic gardeners typically prefer hand pulling or letting nature take its course in many instances. Earth Works Lawn Fertilization and Lawn Pest Control provides weed and pest control, including some hand-pulling of weeds.
-Maintain Plant Fertilization Schedules, Including Reduction in Nitrogen Lawn Fertilization. July is a peak growing period for various plants with different fertilization needs. Many houseplants benefit from weekly balanced fertilization. Various heavy feeding plants in the landscape require monthly fertilization to grow and bloom to their full potential. However, we should likewise be mindful of reducing the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus applied to lawn turf in the rainy season. This reduces the likelihood of your fertilizer contributing to stormwater runoff pollution that Florida county Fertilizer Blackout periods aim to prevent.
-Stake Growing Plants That Need Extra Support. Wide varieties of plants benefit from staking up as Summers warmth and the ample water supply that July brings results in the rapid greening up and growing of plants that began in Spring. Periwinkles, Salvia, Pencil cactus, tomato plants, and hibiscus are examples of the wide variety of flowering plants, houseplants, vegetables, and shrubs that benefit from the support staking provides. Cages are also available and commonly used for vegetable staking but are available to support other plants in the landscape. Staking new trees to protect against their falling during high winds and hurricanes is also an important consideration.
-Flowering Deadheading. Removing dead blooms, so-called deadheading, makes for prettier plants while strengthening them by eliminating the effort and energy consumption put out to convert flowers to seed. Taking flower cuttings indoors is another method that removes the need for some of the deadheading.
-Prune Trees July is a great time to prune a wide variety of trees flush with new growth, some of which would be harmed by pruning at other times of the year. Remember the 3D rule of pruning: remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Avoid over-pruning trees, such as so-called crape murder which results in weak new stem growth that has difficulty supporting their cascading flower clusters. Likewise, for palm frond pruning leave no less than a 9 and 3 configurations of the clock after pruning. Always be careful not to overdo it when pruning, as new growth benefits the tree’s health.
-Plant Summer Crops Due to the scorching heat that’s caused tomato plants to wither, most of the vegetables recommended for growing in July are root crops. These include beets, broccoli, cabbage, collards, lettuce, radishes, and turnips. Herbs and other specialty crops can be grown in containers placed in areas protected from the worst elements of Summer. Meanwhile, we hope you’ve enjoyed a bountiful harvest from your late Winter and Spring plantings. Also, review the recommendations for July plantings from the University of Florida.
-Replace cold-season annuals with warm-season varieties for Summer and Fall color. While some of us still have Dusty Millers standing tall from last Winter, most cold-season annuals, including violets and petunias, have long since withered. Warm-season annuals include Begonias, Caladiums, Gazanias, Marigolds, Pentas, Salvia, and Sunflowers. Plant these directly in the ground or containers for festive colors that brighten moods through the holiday season. For planting ideas see our July Container Gardening Recipe.
-Mulch flower beds The value of mulching wraps up our July Tips for Lawn and Garden. Mulch is helpful for more than curb appeal and protecting plants’ roots from the cold. During the summer, mulch in garden beds reduces solar radiation on the soil, helps maintain moisture, and reduces soil erosion. Pine straw used as mulch has the added benefit of quickly degrading and adding organic matter to the earth that’s typically in short supply and vital for healthy soil ecology.
-Keep detailed records of what did well in the garden. Before memories get fuzzy, keep detailed records of what did well this Spring & Summer to better plan for a future growing season. Some areas of the yard may receive too much or too little sun for your new plantings. With this knowledge, you can do better next year. What types of fertilizers and frequency of use worked best for your desired results? What kinds of pests did you encounter, and did your pest management methods work well or need tweaking given the same situation next year? Documenting the questions and answers that are important to your gardening effort will help you grow a more successful garden and landscape in the future.
For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping needs, contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online or 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.
Add beauty to your landscape with Aquascape’s Stacked Slate Spheres a durable, lightweight alternative to rock with endless landscape design possibilities and available at Earth Works for purchase and installation. We’ve installed many of these custom water features throughout Northeast Florida and provide examples of completed projects below.
These are the specifications for the small, medium, and large stacked slate spheres and fountain kit with factory-recommended components and accessories.
Aquascape Small Stacked Sphere Water Fountain, Slate Gray (Item #78287) Fountain Measures: 24-inch Dia. x 22-inch H; Add the element of fire to your fountain with the Aquascape Fire Fountain Add-On Kit (sold separately – item # 78221). To complete your fountain installation use the AquaBasin 30 basin reservoir (item # 78223) and the Ultra 800 Water Pump (item # 91007) for water storage and circulation (sold separately).
Aquascape Medium Stacked Sphere Water Fountain, Slate Gray (Item #78288) Fountain Measures: 32-inch Dia. x 30-inch H; Add the element of fire to your fountain with the Aquascape Fire Fountain Add-On Kit (sold separately – item # 78221). To complete your fountain installation use the AquaBasin 30 basin reservoir (item # 78223) and the Ultra 800 Water Pump (item # 91007) for water storage and circulation (sold separately).
Aquascape Medium Stacked Sphere Water Fountain Kit, Slate Gray (Item #78290) Fountain Measures: 32-inch Dia. x 30-inch H; Add the element of fire to your fountain with the Aquascape Fire Fountain Add-On Kit (sold separately – item # 78221). The kit comes bundled with components required to complete your landscape installation including the Aquascape AquaBasin 45 basin reservoir (item # 78224) and the Ultra 1500 Water Pump (item # 91009) for water storage and circulation.
Aquascape Large Stacked Sphere Water Fountain, Slate Gray (Item #78289) Fountain Measures: 40-inch Dia. x 36-inch H; Add the element of fire to your fountain with the Aquascape Fire Fountain Add-On Kit (sold separately – item # 78221). To complete your fountain installation use the AquaBasin 45 basin reservoir (item # 78224) and the Ultra 2000 Water Pump (item # 91010) for water storage and circulation (sold separately).
Note: It’s often best to order well in advance due to supply chain issues some of the components may not be readily available. If you are outside of Northeast Florida search for a Certified Aquascape Contractor in your area at the provided link.
Step-by-step Aquascape Stacked Slate Spheres Reservoir Installation explained by Jason Duffney. This is the standard recommendation for installing the three sizes (small, medium, & large) Aquascape stacked slate spheres.
Earth Works Jacksonville pond builders walk us through the process of expanding this Ponte Vedra homeowner’s koi pond, which includes a stacked slate sphere. Jason Duffney discusses with the homeowner the experience and finished project results.
After seeing our Aquascape Showcase at the Jacksonville Home & Patio Show, the client contracted Earth Works to construct their dream outdoor living space. Directly on the course at Jacksonville Golf & Country Club, the client project included constructing a paver patio extension, a walkway around the home, Aquascape stacked slate sphere, and three Aquascape Spillway bowls and basins, gas fire pit, and screened enclosure.
Earth Works staff tear out a water feature that was in good condition for a homeowner wanting a more contemporary style that was delivered with Stack Slate Walls and a Stacked Slate Sphere the key design elements in this design.
Eagle Landing homeowner John Schnitzer discusses what he & his wife wanted in their landscape renovation including a patio, curving flower bed wall, stacked slate sphere, outdoor lighting, and a host of new beds and plants. Exactly what we wanted, was his response in reviewing the outcome
Contact Earth Works to schedule a consultation to create a design plan to accommodate your comprehensive drainage solution needs. 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. Contact us with your questions and to book design consultations at 904-996-0712.
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.
While preparing to enjoy Summer here are your June lawn and garden tips to make it even better in the lawn and garden.
JUNE WEATHER FOR JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA
Summer begins on the Summer Solstice, June 21, the year’s longest day. And June 1 is the official start of hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an active season with 19 named storms. “The past six years have had more U.S. land-falling category 4 and 5 hurricanes than the past 50 years combined,’ according to New4Jax. Temperatures were average for May. However, the rainfall was two inches higher than usual. Nearly all of it fell in three days during the latter half of the month. The rainy season in Jacksonville begins in June, averaging 7.5 inches of rain, but last June racked up just under 10 inches of precipitation. How many inches will fall this June, and can your drainage system handle it if the storms bring as much rain in as short a period of time as they did last month? Frequent light rains are better than drought, followed by storm flooding. Plants can become heat-stressed during extended dry periods. Heavy and infrequent rain increases the likelihood of flooding and stormwater runoff carrying soil nutrients and fertilizers away, weakening your landscape and causing pollution downstream. Although area water restrictions limit lawn irrigation to twice per week watering, make sure the lawn is getting full coverage from the sprinkler heads. New plantings, transplants, and dry spots in the lawn require supplemental hand watering.
JUNE PLANTINGS FOR JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA Cool-season vegetables and annuals are out for the June planting schedule. However, our subtropical climate in Northeast Florida during the month of June is perfect for planting shrubs, fruit-bearing & flower trees, palms, and Summer & Fall blooming perennials. Matt, Rhonda, and Dennis are combing through availability lists of growers’ inventories to provide you with a big selection of planting options right for the season you visit the Earth Works garden center.
JUNE PRUNING & DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS FOR JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA You may have gotten a preview of drainage problems on your property during the heavy rains of May. Ensure no leaves, limbs, or debris clog up the gutters that are designed to drain water away from your home and other structures. Suppose your French drains and drain boxes have gotten covered or filled with dirt and debris. In that case, they need to be cleaned out before heavy rains. That will reduce the risk of flooding, and standing water, which quickly suffocates lawn turf and other vegetation and is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and fungus. Consider Earth Works typical drainage solutions and schedule a design consultation if necessary. If you are already having issues with insect infestations and fungi visit our garden center and speak with one of our garden center associates about our fungicides and other helpful products and how to use them.
Have gutters cleaned out to avoid drainage problems.
Remember that the five D’s of pruning are to do so when they are dead, dying, damaged, disfigured, or showing signs of diseased wood. Your Spring bloomers should typically already be pruned as they set buds on old wood. In contrast, Summer bloomers won’t set bloom until Winter or early Spring. Also, check your trees for boring insects that can weaken them and cause limbs or trees to fall in high winds. While a stately oak can live over 100 years, it can be weakened by nutritional deficiencies and insect infestations. As a result, they can become waterlogged and drop damaging limbs in bad weather.
JUNE FERTILIZATION & SOIL AMENDMENTS FOR JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA Non-native plants unaccustomed to area soil and climatic conditions benefit significantly from fertilizers with specific blends of macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, & Potassium) and micronutrients (calcium, magnesium, and sulfur). Plant lovers often complicate their landscape designs by mixing many varieties of plants and grouping them based on looks rather than nutritional needs resulting in more work and upkeep. Earth Works landscape designers work with clients creating designs that take into account what the homeowner wants and what the plants need. Sun, wind, temperature, and soil conditions make every landscape someone different, with microclimates varying significantly from one yard and region of town to the next. If you aren’t an avid gardener and don’t have the time to invest in your garden, a landscape design plan, installation, and lawn care services are for you. If you want to build on your gardening success stories or start anew, visit our garden center and bring your questions to our friendly staff.
JUNE POND CARE FOR JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA One essential item of June pond care is ensuring you have an adequate oxygen supply. Dissolved oxygen levels in pond water can reach dangerously low levels for fish as water temperature increases. Adding supplemental aeration can improve fish health and improve water clarity. “Aeration does not only enhance water quality by stabilizing pH, reducing alkalinity, preventing anaerobic conditions, and removing carbon dioxide, but can also greatly decrease the cost of pond treatments,” according to Hoffman’s Waterxscapes. There are many aeration kits on the market that Earth Works makes available for purchase at our pond store to improve your pond water quality. Learn more about the science of dissolved oxygen in ponds from our blog “Low Dissolved Oxygen: Koi Summer.”
The Jax Pond Tour hosted by Earth Works on Saturday, June 11 is your opportunity to get ideas for building a pond or water feature that suits you or possibly upgrading an existing one. The ponds are typically cleaned during the cooler months making June a great month to see Earth Works pond designs at their peak performance. Please bring your questions to the pond owners and consider their advice.
For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping needs, contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online 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. We proudly serve 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.
Organic fertilization supports healthy soil ecology that benefits home gardening and landscaping more than reliance on synthetic fertilizers. By definition, with fertilization, we want to enrich the nutrients in the soil. Organic fertilization increases the microbial activity of beneficial bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes, all components of healthy soil ecology that don’t require synthetic inputs. Synthetic fertilization feeds the plant, not the soil.
Organic fertilizers are more forgiving and less likely to burn plants than synthetics used by non-professionals. Many likewise believe organically grown foods taste better. “Several studies have reported that organic produce stores better and has longer shelf life than conventional produce due to the lower nitrate levels in organic produce,” according to Iowa State University’s Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. “Organic apples are generally firmer and have superior storage properties. Organic potatoes contain more vitamin C. Many studies have found that lower yields, better taste, more vitamin C and higher antioxidant levels in organic fruits and vegetables are correlated with lower levels of readily available nitrogen.”
Although synthetic fertilizers are potent and a quick fix for a slow-growing garden, the widespread use of synthetics is consequential. “The effects of chemical fertilizers on soil include; acidification, which limits the nutrient bioavailability, accumulation of toxic elements like, cadmium, fluoride, radioactive elements, lead, arsenic, chromium, and nickel, and finally disruption of the biology of the soil,” according to Bashar Khiatah, MD. “In regards to human health, the effects of chemical fertilizers are serious, both with their direct toxic effect, or in the indirect effects that are related to decreasing the nutrient density in the consumed plants. This exposure comes from a chemical reaction between nitrites and secondary amines or proteins and causes DNA damage, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine activation, which together leads to increased cellular degeneration and death.”
APM Colorado
The frustration for many residential homeowners having difficulty with their gardening and landscape began with poor soil. “Most of the time consumers are growing in backfill from the foundation of their home,” said Sid Raisch, CEO of Horticultural Advantage. “It is not soil, it is sub(beneath)soil. It has value to hold up soil above it, if any was added, but nothing else. It is usually high in clay particles and low in loam (organic matter) and what is there is often anaerobic with little living organisms and void of many minerals. It is very difficult and expensive to change this.”
While many experts in agriculture view plant nutritional needs as elements of the periodic table, others view those exact needs through a prism of interconnected ecology and outcomes. Permaculture and Soil Regenerative agriculture advocates challenge us to live sustainably and leave our ecosystem better than we found it. The critical components of this journey are the reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers while improving soil microbial health with organic fertilization that helps plants grow strong and healthy.
“Our yard is a thin crust of junk over coral rock,” said Erik Dietl-Friedli, manager at Flamingo Road Nursery in Davie, Florida. “I have literally planted with a pry bar and can dig a well with a stick, since our water table is so high. Over the years, I allowed our garden to become a jungle and left the leaf litter to decompose into the “soil”. This past year I had the jungle removed and have been replacing with Florida native and butterfly plants. Years of leaf litter have transformed our soil into actual soil. Digging has been much easier than in the past and the quality of the soil is much improved. Earthworms and other “Life” are present where there was nothing in the beginning. I will not disrupt this with synthetics. After my garden settles, I will fertilize only with Espoma products. I like that they contain beneficial bacteria in addition to other healthy, organic ingredients.”
Earth Works recommends Espoma Bio-Tone Starter Plus Plant Food organic fertilizer enriched with beneficial microbes and both endo & ectomycorrhizal fungi to support healthy soil ecology for beautiful plants year after year.
“You can solve all the world’s problems in a garden.” ― Geoff Lawton
For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping needs, contact us 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.
Spring has sprung as we are into April, our first month of Spring, as gardeners rush to tend to all our lawn and garden care needs here in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. Lawn and garden tips would not be complete if we didn’t start by encouraging you to make a plan for all you want to accomplish in the lawn and garden, pay attention to local weather, start planting and tending to fertilization, pruning, and pest control needs.
Making A Plan: Failure to Plan is Planning to Fail
While people acknowledge the need for an architectural design plan before building a house, the benefits of landscape design plans aren’t as readily appreciated. A home can collapse if not adequately planned. A tree planted in the wrong location can crush home and tear up driveways and water and sewer lines. Landscape planning should be as simple or complex as needed to accomplish your goals. Typically the more time spent thoughtfully considering the details of your landscape and creating a plan to implement means more enjoyment in your outdoor living space with fewer headaches and costly unwanted surprises.
Weather:Prepare for the worst and hope for the best Spring ever!
Jacksonville’s rainfall totals for March 2022 were something for the record books with 9.95 inches of precipitation, three times the average rainfall for the month. That was the 6th highest amount of rainfall for March in 150 years. March rains made up for the precipitation shortfall from the driest Winter (Dec.-Feb.) in a decade that temporarily at least dampened concerns over drought conditions and wildfires. However, the threat of drought is never far off in Northeast Florida, considering our well-draining sandy soils dry out fast.
In March, the cool nights prevented the fungus damage that would have followed from warmer nighttime temperatures later in the Spring and Summer. However, roses and many other plants in the area are exhibiting the black spot symptoms of fungus. Organic home remedies for Rose Black Spot fungus, Diplocarpon rosae include a combination of a tablespoon of baking soda, white vinegar, and horticultural oil in a gallon of water to use as a foliar spray. Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide solution such as one tablespoon (for 3%) or 1/4 teaspoon (for 35%) in a cup of water can treat Diplocarpon, and other fungi such as that found on milkweed weed leaves. Commercially available ready mix fungal treatments worth considering include Fertilome Liquid Systemic Fungicide.
Water As Needed
April’s average rainfall total is 2.93 inches. Abide by your municipal water restrictions, which in Duval County allows for twice-per-week irrigation during Spring and Summer with additional watering for new landscapes, and unlimited hand watering. Xeriscaping with native plants and those with low watering requirements conserves water, saves you time and money, and reduces concerns associated with high-maintenance plants requiring frequent watering.
Tend To Your Soil
Periodically have soil samples tested to know the pH and other factors that impact your plant’s ability to grow and flourish. Periodic soil aeration and nutrient enrichment with a top dressing reduces compaction and stormwater runoff, and increases plants’ nutrient uptake. Poor drainage conditions threaten the structural integrity of structures and increase the risk of fungus, root rot, and choking off the oxygen supply to beneficial microbes in the soil. Earth Works provides aeration and top dressing services, products, and a wide range of drainage solutions.
What Can I Plant in April?Essentially Everything!
Unlike other seasons which don’t provide optimum conditions for planting, the Spring season is Go Time for almost everything you’d want to plant or transplant. Plant your favorite perennials and include Spring annuals for an extra dose of seasonal color. The moderate morning low temperatures and afternoon highs provide the ideal conditions to safely plant palms, trees, shrubs, vines, and flowering plants, fruits, herbs, and vegetables.
Lawn and Garden Fertilization
Fertilize only when your lawn turf is actively growing. Our warmer temperatures of April are perfect for doing so. Consider our blog on the use of Weed and Feed products.
Fertilize ahead of June through Sept nitrogen fertilization blackout periods that are in place for many Florida counties. Duval County does not prohibit nitrogen fertilization during the rainy season. Still, it is less effective due to runoff resulting in water pollution, algae blooms, and fish kills.
Lawn Weed & Pest Control
Pre and Post emergent lawn pest and weed control products are part of our lawn care maintenance programs that do-it-yourself property owners and gardeners likewise do. There are separate categories of weeds, including cold and warm-season varieties and those that thrive in wet and-or dry environments that may be present at any given time on a property. The treatment protocols to deal with all these factors are complex. Likewise, the prevalence of lawn pests such as chinch bugs and sod webworms is weather and soil-condition-dependent. We strongly recommend homeowners consider professional lawn maintenance such as ours for your ongoing weed and lawn pest control needs.
Visit the Earth Works Garden Center for Saturday Sip & Shop from 10AM-3PM for more lawn and garden tips and speak with one of our designers over a complimentary beverage. And for comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping needs, contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online or 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.
Earth Works Gardens hosts Jacksonville’s Saturday Sip & Shop gardening events each week during Spring 2022. Are you looking for a place to take your mind off of all the stress of the week? Relax with a drink while you shop and find your Happy Place at the corner of Beach and Kernan. Don’t miss out on this beautiful outdoor shopping experience at Earth Works Gardens. Grab a drink and do some shopping at Jacksonville’s Saturday Sip & Shop Gardening Event!
Find your happy place at Jacksonville’s Saturday Sip & Shop Gardening Event at Earth Works Gardens from 10AM-3PM.
For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping needs, contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online or 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.
Earth Works invited all plant-loving gardeners in Northeast Florida to our Jacksonville House Plant Social held on Friday April 22, 2022. The event was billed as your opportunity to learn tips and tricks to green up your thumb and get exclusive event savings while mixing and mingling with fellow plant geeks.
Matthew Barlow gave a Houseplant Talk that is available in video below. We served appetizers, and drinks, and provided a 20% discount on all house plants for ticket holders. Tickets for the Jacksonville House Plant Social were $20 and available online and at Earth Works Gardens.
For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping needs, contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online or 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.
Water lilies add beauty and ecological benefits to ponds and have been of cultural and religious significance for thousands of years. Water lilies were depicted in the art of the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs and among the images of gods worshiped by the Mayans of Central America. Water lilies have symbolic meaning in Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Considered treasures of Western art French Artist Claude Monet featured water lilies in hundreds of his impressionist paintings.
Due to water lily popularity groups exist such as the International Water Lily & Water Garden Society, which has been holding water lily competitions for decades. The next IWGS water lily competition is scheduled at their annual symposium this year at Naples Botanical Gardens with over 40 hybridizers from nearly a dozen countries expected to show hundreds of varieties. An award at the IWGS competition suggests great value for the new water lily cultivar.
Although water lilies contain a toxic alkaloid, as do elephant ears, it is neutralized when boiled. Known as Shapla in Bangladesh, where water lilies are the national plant, they are enjoyed in curry recipes. Water lilies believed medicinal benefits including regulating insulin levels and promoting liver health are the subject of ongoing investigation.
Water lilies are a food source for wildlife and provide protective cover, help cool water temperatures, and absorb water-polluting nutrients. Organic debris, including fish food, animal, and plant waste, accumulate in ponds and are broken down by nitrifying bacteria making nitrogen available to plants in a process called nitrogen fixation as part of the nitrogen cycle. “Excessive inputs of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) trigger eutrophication of the water bodies, which promotes the undesirable growth of algal bloom and deterioration of the water quality, and aquatic biodiversity,” according to the Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Journal. “Water lily (Nymphaea) is largely used as an ornamental plant for landscaping, and it has been documented that water lily possesses the potentiality in mitigating polluted aquatic environments.” These same scientists documented an increase in dissolved oxygen concentration in the aquatic environment attributable to water lilies. Dissolved oxygen is critical to animal life in ponds and in short supply as pond water temperature increases during the warm months making water lilies a beneficial addition.
Considering lawn and garden fertilization is a source of waterway pollution and fish kills how does one fertilize their precious marginals and water lilies without harming wet pets such as koi and goldfish? Slow-release tablets containing the necessary nutrition for plant growth and increasing bloom potential have been developed. We recommend slow-release PondMax – AquaBloom Aquatic Plant Food for water lily fertilization, which provides nutrients for plant health and flower formation. Simply press the Aquabloom Aquatic Plant Food tablets into the aquatic plant media or soil.
Although there are three genera in the water lily family Nymphaeaceae varieties typically marketed as Hardy & Tropical are of the genus Nymphaea and their hybrids. They reproduce via seeds, tubers, and viviparously. For starting your seeds, tubers, or transplants you’ll want and appropriate aquatic plant media or soil. Potting soil would be inappropriate. We recommend and stock Aquascapes Pond Plant Potting Media. It’s free of peat, compost, fertilizers, and pesticides that could cloud the water and harm animals in your pond. We additionally stock floating planters, which is a popular technique to stabilize the lily tuber and roots within the basking allowing the pad and flower portions of the plant to move about the pond.
We provide a stock of fully developed already blooming hardy and tropical water lilies sourced from Holt Nurseries for your viewing pleasure and purchase at Earth Works Gardens nursery in Jacksonville. Stop in and see them for yourself and take your favorites home.
For all your water gardening needs and comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping needs, contact us at 904-996-0712 or visit us at the Earth Works Garden Center/Plant Nursery in Jacksonville. We also build water gardens, and provide hardscaping, 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.
