OCTOBER lawn and garden tips start with the recognition that atmospherically, this month equates to shorter, cooler, drier, and windier days. That extra wind dries up available water faster. Three days without water creates drought stress conditions in Northeast Florida lawns, inviting weeds, pests, and diseases. And with cooler nights, fungus will be of increasing threat to your turf. Take advantage of two-day per week watering until November 7, the end of Daylight Savings Time, when Jacksonville water restrictions return to one day per week. Note that there are no restrictions for hand watering.
Quick Facts: “In Jacksonville, the average sunshine in October is 6.9 hours,” according to the Weather Atlas. “October, the same as September, is another warm autumn month in Jacksonville, Florida, with temperature in the range of an average low of 65.8°F (18.8°C) and an average high of 80.8°F (27.1°C).” -Longest day Summer Solstice June 20: 14:09:01 –October 1st is 11:53:55 hours long, whereas Oct 31st is 11:01:49 a loss of 53 minutes of daylight. -Shortest day Winter Solstice December 21st 10:13:57 -Daylight starts to increase again on December 22nd. -New York by comparison has just 9:18:24 of daylight on the Winter Solstice a full 55 minutes less sunlight than Jacksonville.
What Can I grow In the Garden Now?
October is a good time to begin preparing your garden beds for the Fall and Winter growing season. If your garden beds are laying dormant consider cleaning them up and fortifying them with soil amendments and organic matter including Bio-tone, compost, and manures. A few of our in-stock recommended vegetables ready to plant as seedlings or seeds include broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, green beans, kale, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, and Zucchini. Garden Center Matthew Barlow discusses these plants and their growing requirements for optimum success in the video below.
Schedule Your Annual Pond Cleanout Service Now
We urge our clients with ponds we’ve built to schedule their annual Winter Pond Cleanout now for your best choice for service dates. As an incentive, Earth Works provides discounts on pond cleanouts scheduled during the cooler months for the health of your pond ecosystem and to accommodate your year-long enjoyment. Jason Duffney explains the importance of regular pond cleanouts in the video below.
We hope you find our October lawn and garden tips useful and encourage you to contact us with your questions. 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. Contact us with your questions and to book design consultations. 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.
Using a mix of Florida landscape plants, create Fall planter arrangements that hold up to our cool season temperatures while providing seasonal color. Cypress, Maple, and sweetgum are a few of the trees that provide us seasonal color later in the season. As Florida’s forests say “not yet” to the September 22 start of Fall, we can speed up the process in beautiful pottery placed in entranceways, on patios, and around pools. Start by planning your Fall planter arrangements to include seasonal colors such as orange, red, purple, and yellow. Terri and Kevanie created these examples of Fall planter arrangements from a mix of plants that provide color and hold up to our cool season climate.
The TALL container contains Coleus, Alternanthera, Red Fountain Grass, Sloppy Painter Croton, and Sweet Potato Vine. The MEDIUM container contains Coleus (2 varieties) and Bulbine. The SHORT container contains Coleus (3 varieties), Mammy Croton, and Foxtail Fern.
1. Combinations of foundational plants such as Blue Point Juniper makes a stately impression at entrances and as a focal point. makes a stately impression at entrances and as a focal point. 2. Around the base of the juniper consider adding cool-season Flowering Cabbage for an instant pop of color. adds an instant pop of color to the Fall/Winter container garden. 3. Alternate placement of Dusty Miller with its silver foliage for contrast to this now colorful arrangement.
1. Platinum Dynasty Cabbage is an early main-season cabbage that can be rotated from the garden into your planter arrangements. 2. Ornamental Cabbage with its purple rosette center and wavy greenish-purple outer leaves is an attractive relative of garden cabbage best suited for planter arrangements and as landscape decor. 3. Licorice plant has the fragrance of licorice without the taste and is best used as a velvety planter spiller that puts on a show with its cascading foliage.
1. Poinsettias are recognizable as a holiday plant with brilliant red leaves in winter that serves as a thriller in any arrangement. 2. Dwarf White Pentas have a mounding habit and vibrant white star-shaped blooms. 3. Ornamental Cabbage is a go to cool-season choice setting the tone for seasonal arrangements. 4. Aztec Grass is a cold hardy clumping plant that spills beautifully its variegated silver and green.
1. Creeping Jenny is a light green perennial favorite with its trailing habit. 2. This variety of Ornamental Cabbage has a creamy white center and rich green outer leaves. 3. Dreams Red Picot Petunias have a mounding habit with blooms with wide white edges and red centers.
Plant your choice of seasonal color or strictly place the plant’s pots and all in your Fall plant arrangement. Monitor your containers to keep up with their watering requirements or consider a drip irrigation system on a timer for periodic watering. As the plants grow, they can be given a haircut trimming or switched out with other plants.
If you’d prefer to have Earth Works maintain your planter arrangements contact Matthew Barlow who provides this service for Earth Works clients. And remember 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. Contact us with your questions and to book design consultations. 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.
Earth Works builds ecosystem ponds that work with natures’ nitrogen cycle for pond owners wanting to provide a healthy aquatic environment for plants and animals. 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. “Nitrification constitutes a two-step process,” according to the Journal of Microbiology. “In the first step, ammonia is oxidized to nitrite by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), followed by the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate by ubiquitous nitrite-oxidizing bacteria.”
High organic nutrient concentrations from runoff pollution are often in the news causing oxygen depleting algal blooms and high levels of harmful bacteria that kill fish and other wildlife. Earth Works offers annual pond cleanouts as part of regular maintenance for the healthy pond ecosystem. We stock both cold and warm water activating beneficial bacteria for dosing your pond filter to fuel the eco-friendly nitrogen cycle for pond owners. While it sounds complicated, the properly constructed and engineered pond with adequate filtration, skimmer, pump turnover rate, and properly stocked fish and plants with annual cleanouts are ecologically balanced and easy to maintain. “Nitrosomonas bacteria first convert nitrogen gas to nitrite (NO2-) and subsequently Nitrobacter convert nitrite to nitrate (NO3-), a plant nutrient,” according to Lenntech. Nitrates become unhealthy for fish at 120 ppm where plants are insufficient for absorption. While these processes are invisible Earth Works supplies various water test kits and water additives to treat and regulate pond water parameters.
Under dirty conditions, certain bacteria species threaten the health of fish and other pond wildlife populations. “Aeromonas Alley” is described as when water temps are between 42F and 62F when Aeromonas bacterial strains at high concentrations in dirty ponds can result in fish ulcers, hemorrhagic septicemia, brown blood disease (caused by nitrite toxicity), and death. Good and bad bacteria populations are increasing their activities as water temperatures increase, making nitrogen bioavailable over what pond plants can use, which is why we encourage clients to schedule their pond cleanouts in winter heading into spring. Complicating matters, some of these Aeromonas bacteria species convert nitrates back into nitrites in denitrification. Nitrite levels over 0.15 milligrams per liter in fish inhibit their absorption of oxygen. Regular dechlorinated water changes are the best low-tech approach to reducing levels of nitrites and nitrates in the pond.
The nitrogen cycle explains the basics for converting nutrients into plant food. Earth Works and a network of Certified Aquascape Contractors provide information, products, and services to improve biosecurity to beautiful, low-maintenance ecosystem ponds.
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. Contact us with your questions and to book design consultations. 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.
Considering there are more dog-friendly plants than those that cause them harm, we’ve cross-referenced the Chewy.com, PetMD.com, and ASPCA lists of plants toxic to dogs and provided below. Grass tends to be the most commonly consumed plant by dogs. The science is not clear as to why dogs eat grass. It could be a primordial deworming process or something they do when sick to induce vomiting. Still, thankfully dogs, typically leave our landscape flowers and plants alone as many cause them to have upset stomachs and have varying degrees of toxicity.
Common Plants Toxic to Dogs:
Aloe
Alocasia
Amaryllis
American Mistletoe
Ambrosia Mexicana
American Mandrake
American Yew
Angel Trumpet
Apple tree plant parts contain cyanide.
Apricot (stems, leaves, and pit contain cyanide)
Arrow-Head Vine
Arum
Australia Nut
Autumn Crocus
Asparagus Fern
Azalea
Baby’s Breath
Barbados Pride
Bay Laurel
Begonia
Bergamot Orange
Bird of Paradise Flower
Bishop’s Weed
Bitter Root
Bittersweet
Black Calla
Black Cherry
Black Laurel
Black Nightshade
Black Walnut
Bleeding Heart
Bog Laurel
Borage
Boxwood
Brunfelsia
Buckeye
Buckwheat
Burning Bush
Buttercup
Butterfly Iris
Caladium
Calamondin Orange
Calla Lily
Cape Jasmine
Caraway
Cardboard Palm
Castor Bean Plant
Carnation
Ceriman
Chamomile
Chandelier Plant
Cherry (stem, leaves, and pit)
Chinaberry Tree
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Jade
Chives
Chrysanthemum (also known as Mums)
Clematis
Clivia Lily
Coffee Tree
Coleus
Coontie Palm
Cornstalk Plant
Cow Parsnip
Cowbane
Cycads
Cyclamen
Daffodil (especially the bulbs)
Dahlia
Daisy
Desert Rose
Deadly Nightshade
Dieffenbachia
Dog Daisy
Eastern Star
Elephant Ears
Elephant-Ear Begonia
English Ivy
Epazote
Eucalyptus
Fetterbush
Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Fig
Fleabane
Foxglove
Garlic
Gardenia
Geranium
Giant Dracaena
Gladiola
Gloriosa Lily
Gold Dust Dracaena
Grapefruit (skin and plant parts; fruit isn’t toxic)
Hawaiian TI Plant
Heavenly Bamboo
Hellebore
Holly
Hops
Horse Chestnut
Hosta
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Indian Rubber Plant
Iris
Iron Cross Begonia
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Jade Plant
Japanese Yew
Jerusalem Cherry
Jonquil
Kaffir Lily
Kalanchoe
Laburnum
Lambkill
Lantana
Larkspur
Laurel
Lavender
Leek
Lemon (skin and plant parts; fruit is non-toxic)
Lemon Grass
Lemon Verbena
Lily of the Valley
Lime (skin and plant parts; fruit is edible)
Lobelia
Locust
Lovage
Macademia Nut
Madagascar Dragon Tree
Maleberry
Mapleleaf Begonia
Marijuana
Marjoram
Mayapple
Mayweed
Metallic Leaf Begonia
Milkweed
Mint
Mistletoe
Mole Bean Plant
Morning Glory
Narcissus
Nightshade
Oleander
Onions
Orange (skin and plant parts; fruit isn’t toxic)
Oregano
Ornamental Pepper
Painter’s Pallet
Parsley
Peace Begonia
Peach (stem, leaves and pit)
Peace Lily
Pencil Cactus
Peony
Perennial Pea
Periwinkle
Philodendron
Plum (stem, leaves and pit)
Poinciana
Poinsettia
Poison Hemlock
Portulaca
Pothos
Prayer Bean
Prickly Ash
Primrose
Privet
Purslane
Ragwort
Ranger’s Button
Red-Marginated Dracaena
Red Sage
Rex Begonia
Rhododendron
Rhubarb
Sago palm
Shamrock Plant
Schefflera
Skunk Weed
Sorrel
Snake Plant
Split Leaf Philodendron
Spring Parsley
St. John’s Wort
Stinging Nettles
Striped Dracaena
Sweet Pea
Sweet William
Tahitian Bridal Veil
Tarragon
Thorn Apple
Tobacco
Tomato Plant
Tulips
Vinca -Virginia Creeper
Wahoo
Wandering Jew
Watercress
Winter Cherry
Winterberry
Wisteria
Yarrow
Yucca
We hope this information about plants toxic to dogs is useful to you. For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping need, contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online and 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. Contact us with your questions and to book design consultations. 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.
Understanding the essential tree facts for hurricane season is crucial to reducing the threat of damage from storms here in Florida. Hurricane season is officially from May 22 until November 30th. This is the time when many Floridians will face tropical storms and possibly hurricanes. Here in Northeast Florida, we are fortunate to rarely receive a direct hit from hurricanes although tropical-storm-force winds and torrential rains are much more common.
The following are a few tree facts for hurricane season preparation.
1. Older trees may need pruning to reduce the risk of overhanging limbs to structures and power lines. Remove dead, diseased, cracked, and broken limbs at risk of falling during high wind events and hurricanes. A licensed arborist can provide professional assessments of what needs to be done to protect specific trees before and after hurricane season. With eighteen inches of rain in the last six weeks, the ground is saturated with water that weakens root systems.
2. Some trees are at greater risk of attracting lighting, with those struck most often being oak, pine, and palms. When hit, the tree will attempt to repair itself but should be monitored over some months. Ultimately the damaged tree may require pruning or complete removal.
3. Tree species with shallow roots and large canopies, when combined with saturated soil, are at higher risk of coming down during high wind and rain events. Examples are Maples, Willows, Elms, and Birches.
4. Recently planted younger trees’ root systems may still be inadequate to protect against extreme wind and rain and can be at serious risk of falling. Staking trees when planted and leaving them staked throughout the season is best. Many can be stood back up, replanted, and secured if they fall. Still, they can be badly damaged in such events where the roots become ajar, exposed, or damaged.
Though tragic, it’s hardly a surprise when we see news coverage of a limb or large tree that fell into a home or that crushed a vehicle during high wind and rain. Regardless of the conditions of our trees, when faced with an impending storm event, it is best to assess the situation. Be aware of your surroundings, especially what is above, and take necessary precautions to protect friends, family, and yourself.
Visit our garden center for all your plants and gardening supplies. Contact Earth Works Landscaping department to schedule a consultation for all your landscaping, hardscaping, and 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.
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.
July Weather & Predictions for August The hot and muggy weather of July and August, often referred to as the Dog Days of Summer, are a hot and humid benefit to heat loving plants, but are a breeding ground for pests in our landscapes. Areas of Northeast Florida had nearly twice the typical July rainfall. More rain is coming in August as higher ocean water temperatures increase the possibility of intense tropical storms and hurricanes. Consider our “Hurricane Season Landscape Preparation” tips as saturated soil increases the threat of uprooting trees and flooding in the event of hurricanes impacting the region.
Nearly a foot of rain (11.76 inches) fell in July, as The National Weather Service (NWS) reported at Craig Airport. That’s over three feet of rain accumulation in Northeast Florida thus far in 2021. With the water came the heat. July’s highest temperature was 96F, set on Saturday the 31st at the end of the regions’ hottest week of the year. According to the NWS, July 27 saw a record high dew point temperature of 80 degrees at Jacksonville International Airport (JIA). Dew points above 55 degrees feel sticky, but over 65 degrees can make breathing difficult, especially for those with respiratory conditions. Combined, the high temperature, dew point, and rainfall were a recipe for more pests and disease. Likewise, the Earth Works Landscaping Division’s drainage business is booming as a result!
Emerging Pest Threats in August Our lawn spraying techs saw an increase in grasshoppers and gray leaf spot fungus during the July phase of the Dog Days of Summer. We recommend bifenthrin treatments for grasshoppers that likewise targets sod webworms. Gray leaf spot is a fungus that forms brownish-gray, often diamond-shaped areas on St. Augustine turf during wet and humid weather conditions. During dry periods their spores settle in the thatch waiting for favorable weather conditions to emerge. Gray leaf spot is in a genus closely related to species that likewise threaten global rice production. As such, there is a tremendous amount of ongoing research into treatments. “The fungus Pyricularia oryzae causes blast diseases of rice, wheat, and other cereals (e.g., millets),” according to The American Phytopathological Society. “In addition, P. oryzae is also responsible for the gray leaf spot disease of ryegrass, a major problem for golf courses in the United States. A host jump from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) onto wheat was recently reported and is suspected to be at the origin of strains causing severe epidemics on wheat in South America.”
Earth Works Lawn Care Operations Manager Chad Lakin encourages good cultural practices as the best way to limit gray leaf spot damage. Keep mower blades sharp and cut the grass high, only removing the top third of the grass leaf blades when mowing. Do all you can to reduce stress to the turf, including avoidance of herbicides during outbreaks, and be sure to limit irrigation during periods of excessive precipitation. While you can’t stop the rain, you can adjust sprinklers manually, turn them off on rain days, and consider a Smart Sprinkler Controller that considers weather conditions before watering.
August Plantings Look for tomatoes, peppers, and a selection of herbs at Earth Works as we say goodbye to the oppressive heat and rain of the Dog Days of Summer. Plant Buyer Dennis Hamilton likewise notes later in Fall, we will start getting cool-season veggies, including lettuce, broccoli, and collards. So now is an excellent time to start thinking about preparing your beds for the fall garden. In August, a few in-stock plants that we don’t always have available include Mojito Colocasia, Canna Tropicana, Sweet Almond Bush, Citrosa, and Horsetail reeds along with other water lilies and marginals.
Matt Barlow, Garden Center Manager, discusses care requirements for a variety of plants in the Earth Works greenhouse that are suitable as houseplants in our area, including: -Alocasia Grey Dragon: Alocasia maharani has a silver hue to the leaves, almost metallic. They are easy to grow and suitable for low light conditions. –Alocasia Black Velvet: Alocasia reginula is quite popular with garden center visitors last time we had it in stock. As the name suggests, they have a soft and velvety look to the foliage. They are easy to grow like the Alocasia maharani. –Alocasia Pink Dragon: Alocasia CV.’ Pink Dragon’ at first glance, has a similar appearance to the Alocasia amazonica or Alocasia polly with a slightly different irregular leaf shape and dark veins on the underside, which provide a beautiful contrast with their striking pink stem. These are a terrific choice for low light or bright indoor situations. –Calathea orbifolia, a prayer plant variety is a spectacular plant. Let them grow, and as they grow, bump them up to a larger and larger container. The larger the plant gets, the more dramatic, the larger leaves get. Calathea orbifolia is a fantastic low-light plant for here in Northeast Florida. –Ficus Audrey: Ficus benghalensis is very similar to the rubber plant. However, it has a lovely light green leaf with very distinct lighter-colored venation. Our available selection appears full in this size and very easy to grow. These will make excellent houseplants and outdoors in medium to rather bright light. Super easy to grow and relatively fast. They can be grown in shrub or tree form. –Moon Valley Pilea: Pilea mollis’ Moon Valley’ has a bumpy texture that is soft and velvety with a little bit of coarseness to the light green leaves with purple venation. –Ficus Umbellata is a new feature at the garden center that’s a good choice as a houseplant in a bright situation or outdoors in lower light with its vertical form and large floppy leaves. Be prepared to bump these up into larger containers as they will grow into a much larger plant. These large leaves are dramatic. It has the distinct ficus sheath on new leaves similar to what you will see on other ficus. Ficus Umbellata can make a striking focal point on the patio, lanai, porch, or corner of a room. Now is a good time to consider planting trees, which are the focus of our August Plant of the Week campaigns, including; Crape Myrtle, Japanese Maple, Magnolia, and Red Maple. Visit the Earth Works garden center and consider a purchase with 10% off depending on the particular plant of the week when you shop.
For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping need, contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online and 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. Contact us with your questions and to book design consultations. 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.
The signs of damage from heavy rain and over-watering can take weeks to appear. Some damage in the form of fallen limbs and trees occurs quickly and is easy to see. And we don’t need a hurricane or tropical storm in our area to experience torrential rainfall. Extended periods of rainfall reduce the stability of tree root systems that result in fallen trees and property damage.
Chad Lakin, Earth Works Lawn Care Operations Manager recommends that your lawn should receive a half-inch of water three times per week from rain and/or irrigation. During weeks when it rains for three or more days dropping an accumulated weekly total of 1.5 inches of rain or more you should consider turning off the automatic timer on your sprinkler system and only water as needed. And be aware that irrigation regulations in Duval County restrict sprinkler system operation to twice per week. Be sure to check and abide by your county guidelines.
SEVEN FACTORS AFFECTING LAWN AND GARDEN DAMAGEFROM HEAVY RAIN include elevation, grade, soil composition, percentage of impervious area, drainage system, landscape design, and fungal pathogens.
Elevation: Much of Northeast Florida is at or slightly above sea level with a high water table. “Almost 25,000 kilometers of Florida’s coast is below 3.5 meters in elevation,” according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. “The northeastern region of Florida is one of varied natural, geographical, and topographical environments. The region is a part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain and contains an assorted mix of land cover types that span from coastal marshes to upland hammocks and scrub areas.”
Grading: Proper site grading requires a slope of the landscape away from home and other structures and into drainage systems that include swales and retention ponds. “The ground immediately adjacent to the foundation shall be sloped away from the building at a slope of not less than one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope) for a minimum distance of 10 feet measured perpendicular to the face of the wall,” according to Florida Building Code 1804.4 [Excavation, Grading and Fill] Site Grading. “If physical obstructions or lot lines prohibit 10 feet of horizontal distance, a 5-percent slope shall be provided to an approved alternative method of diverting water away from the foundation. Swales used for this purpose shall be sloped a minimum of 2 percent where located within 10 feet of the building foundation. Impervious surfaces within 10 feet of the building foundation shall be sloped a minimum of 2 percent away from the building.” These measures reduce the threat of flooding and erosion from rainwater that doesn’t percolate into the soil.
Soil Composition: Our Northeast Florida soils tend to be sandy, allowing better percolation of water than clay soils. Heavy rains can saturate soil that can’t absorb additional water resulting in increased flooding, erosion, and runoff. “When soils become saturated from heavy rainfall, loss of nitrogen (N) becomes a major concern,” according to Kruger Seeds. “After soils are saturated, the two processes that can reduce the amount of available N are denitrification (microbial conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gases) and leaching.” Leaching of nutrients from the soil during heaving rains can change soil pH. “Rain leaches alkaline elements including calcium, magnesium and potassium from the soil into runoff water, leaving acidic elements like hydrogen, aluminum and manganese to replace the bases,” according to SFGATE. “This means that areas with high annual rainfall amounts, such as parts of New England, generally have more acidic soil than the arid deserts of Arizona.”
Impervious area: Impervious areas include driveways, walkways, decks, and patios. Municipalities in Northeast Florida have restrictions on the percentage of impervious surfaces allowed. Coastal communities have the most strenuous rules. Atlantic Beach limits impervious area to 45% and requires onsite water retention storage. Hardscaping projects must take into consideration all sources of water conveyance to comply with the city code. “The downspouts from the house they are all connected underground and run to the swale,” said John Cacchione, Earth Works landscape designer. “So all of the water from the roof is collected. Nothing is going out into the street.” Make sure your landscaping company understands and readily complies with applicable regulations.
Drainage system: The wide variety of drainage system designs available require routine maintenance to work effectively. Clogged gutters, French drains, and storm drains won’t function as designed. Standing water over time becomes lethal for turf and many varieties of plants. “During a flood, the greatest danger to your grass is suffocation,” according to the Turfgrass Group. “Grass needs sunlight, water, air—CO2, to be precise—and nutrients to grow. When your turf is submerged, the grass cannot get the CO2 it needs. It can survive this way for a day or two, but after four of five days, the chances of survival drop significantly. Generally, cool water and cool temperatures are the least destructive. If the air temperature is above 80 degrees and the water is shallow enough to be warmed, even a day or two could kill the grass.”
Landscape Design: Your choice of plants can have a significant impact on whether your lawn and garden are damaged or flourish after heavy rains. Native plants evolved in the local environment doing better in native soil and weather conditions than many non-natives. A professional landscape designer takes rainfall, soil composition, and drainage into consideration when establishing your landscape plan. Xeriscaping is popular but could require bringing in soil and regrading the landscape if the ground holds a lot of water during raining season. Alternatively, cannas, hostas, Japanese maple, and taro are a few examples of plants well suited for moist soil. Plant choices should be appealing to your taste and be in conditions to succeed and not succumb to damage from heavy rain.
Fungal Pathogens: Fungus thrives in wet conditions above and below the soil surface, growing on wet leaves while attacking roots. “Although the upper plant parts can deal with rainy periods pretty well, the roots are where most problems occur,” according to The Times-Picayune. “Excessively wet soil (especially combined with warm temperatures) can create stressful, and potentially destructive, conditions for the roots of bedding plants, perennials, vegetables, shrubs and even trees — especially newly planted ones.” Two serious fungal diseases are Gray leaf spot, Pyricularia grisea and Take-all root rot Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis. Gray leaf spot can infect blades when they are wet for less than a day at temperatures between 70F and 95F. “This fungus slows grow-in, thins established stands and can kill large areas of St. Augustine grass turf,” according to the University of Florida. “In Florida, St. Augustine grass is the only warm season turf grass affected by this important disease.”
Take-all root rot commonly attacks stressed lawn turf that destroys turf root systems over weeks leading to yellowing and irregular brown patches. “Take-all root rot is a stress-related disease, and the following stresses may trigger the disease: soil compaction and poor drainage, drought, excessive irrigation, improper mowing height, excessive thatch buildup, improper fertilization, excessive shade and the overuse of herbicides,” according to Louisiana State University.
Earth Works offers regular aeration that prevents soil compaction and top dressing for improving percolation and replenishing nutrients. For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping need and to minimize the lawn and garden damage from heavy rain, contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online and 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. Contact us with your questions and to book design consultations.
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.
It can be difficult to identify rugged ground covers when looking through all our abundant plant options. Sedum and Aptenia are a few succulent sun-loving evergreen ground covers we recommend here in Northeast Florida. Yellow Bouquet Sedum, Sedum sediforme is a great choice that doesn’t aggressively run and spread like some vining-type ground covers. They are more of a mounding plant with an interesting soft spiking foliage texture and appearance. They provide a showy bright blend of yellowish-green color. In the heat of Summer sedum is one of the most rugged ground covers with both heat and drought tolerance. Their range per USDA hardiness zones includes 6 thru 9 and cold tolerant to below freezing temperatures. Create vivid contrasting colors in flower beds, along waterfalls and walkways mixing sedum’s brilliant green foliage with the flowers of Blue Daze ‘Blue My Mind’.
If you are looking for a runner that provides more ground coverage Variegated Aptenia, Aptenia cordifolia ‘Variegata’ and the standard green Aptenia are good choices with their fleshy stems and leaves with flowers that continue to bloom throughout the warm months of the year. The flowers vary in color including red and yellow that provide eye-catching contrast against the lighter foliage. Both these varieties of Aptenia grow well here in Northeast Florida in full to partial sun, blooming best with full sun exposure. They form a mat low to the ground, which is of benefit if you are layering different varieties of plants in your landscape design.
Besides succulents when looking for sun-loving evergreen ground covers in Northeast Florida consider the linked list by the University of Florida that includes many other types of ground covers that we carry seasonally.
Regardless of your choice of sun-loving evergreen ground covers make sure they are suited for your area, landscape, and preferably non-invasive. Protective barriers such as metal edging or edge work with boulders will contribute to the aesthetic beauty of your project and aid in preventing the ground cover from spreading into unwanted areas of your landscape.
For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping need contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online and 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. Contact us with your questions and to book design consultations.
Proudly serving 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.
Last month’s weather and typical July trends impact our recommendations for the lawn and garden in Northeast, Florida. On July 2, Elsa became the first hurricane of 2021 to threaten Florida with tropical storm wind and rain causing us to lead the July lawn and garden tips with an emphasis on the importance of hurricane preparedness. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts 6-10 hurricanes in the 2021 season that started June 1 and ends on November 30. Florida receives the majority of these weather event impacts between mid-August and late October, according to NOAA, although it is currently past time to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Check your hurricane supplies, including provisions for your lawn and garden. Stake newly planted trees to prevent them from falling and causing personal injury or property damage—pruning of older trees and damaged ones before a storm can be a lifesaver. Cleaning leaves and debris from your roof gutters and assessing your drainage systems’ working order and effectiveness should be done to prevent flooding. Earth Works Landscaping Department can fix whatever drainage issues you have and do so in creative ways that provide beauty to the landscape and meet local codes designed to protect your property and the environment. Our “Hurricane Season Landscape Preparation” blog has more detailed, helpful tips focused on your landscape during tropical storms and hurricanes.
Rainfall for June in the Jacksonville area was heaviest on the Northside as reported by the National Weather Service (NWS) station at Jacksonville International Airport (JIA). June 24 alone saw nearly 3 inches of rainfall at JIA, contributing to 8.7 inches total, up one inch from the June average. By comparison, Craig Field in Jacksonville’s Southside saw a .63 inch deficiency from its June average for a monthly total of 5.65 inches. Jacksonville is expected to see about a half-inch increase in rain July over June totals and an additional inch in August and September based on monthly averages. With 20 rain days in June, the associated cloud cover kept high temperatures capped at 95F with a 55F degree low on June 1, the lowest recorded in June since 1984. Look for more of the same in July.
Northeast Florida is a large area, and rainfall totals per area can vary greatly. July lawn and garden tips recommend installing a rain gauge in your yard as an inexpensive tool that accurately measures the amount of rainfall your landscape receives. Consider using a smart sprinkler controller such as the Rachio 3 and Orbit B-hyve XR, which can automatically adjust watering schedules based on weather station data and hyper-local conditions.
What Can We Plant in July? July lawn and garden tips encourage use of heat-loving cacti and succulents in your garden. Matt Barlow, Earth Works Garden Center Manager, showcases in a recent Earth Works youtube video these easy care plants for Summer planting in Northeast, Florida. –Flapjack Succulent, Kalanchoe luciae has an interesting texture and color. They will get several feet tall and flower while adding architectural interest to your cacti and succulent garden. –Crown of Thorns, Euphorbia milii, and Euphorbia Milii Var. splendens are two varieties we offer. These are a rugged option that can bloom non-stop year-round. There are very few plants I can say that about. Get them in plenty of sun, and they will bloom repeatedly. –Yucca Cane, Yucca guatemalensis, these guys can take a range of sun conditions outdoors or as a houseplant. –Ponytail Palm, Beaucarnea recurvata, is not a palm, but succulent that needs little to no care. –Queen of the Night, Cereus peruvianus are show-stopping night bloomers that bring a lot of interest to the garden and are very easy to grow. –Hedgehog aloe, Echinocereus engelmannii is one of many aloe varieties we carry. They put up a flower spike covered with coral-covered tubular flowers that attract pollinators, hummingbirds, and even small birds will perch on the stems and drink the nectar. –Desert Rose, Adenium obesum I have a special place in my heart for. I have one that’s been in my collection for almost 20 years. They are slow growers requiring protection from frost in the Winter and provide plenty of sunshine in Summer while protecting from overwatering. –Twin-Flowered Agave, Agave geminiflora looks completely different than the other agaves that people are accustomed to seeing. They have spaghetti-strapped leaves with a slow to moderate growth rate and easy to grow without much care. –Pencil Cactus, Euphorbia tirucalli, Pencil-like tubular leafless stems with a texture that’s different from everything else you’ll have in the garden. Protect from frost and freezing, though, as they are not cold hardy. -Prickly Pear Cactus, Opuntia, are paddled cacti with varieties native to Florida. They flower and produce edible fruit. They make an excellent garden focal point.
Additionally, the heat of our Summer is a good time to consider adding tropical plants such as hibiscus, Ixora, Bird of Paradise, and Mandevilla. Those tropicals will be featured each week of July as Plant of the Week wherein we offer a 10% discount on those purchases.
What lawn care concerns are there for Northeast Florida in July? During the Summer months, be aware of any county Fertilizer Blackout prohibitions and restrictions on use of nitrogen and phosphorus on your lawn. Duval & St. Johns counties have restrictions on fertilizer use to protect against algae blooms and mass fish kills. The City of Jacksonville recommends that “Fertilizers shall be applied to Turf and/or Landscape Plants at the lowest rate necessary. Nitrogen shall not be applied at an application rate greater than 0.7 lbs of readily available nitrogen per 1000 ft 2 at any one time based on the soluble fraction of formulated fertilizer, with no more than 1 lb total N per 1000 ft 2 to be applied at any one time and not to exceed the annual nitrogen recommendations below:
Bahia grass, 2—3 lbs. N/1000 ft 2 /year. Bermuda grass, 3—5 lbs. N/1000 ft 2 /year. Centipede grass, 1—2 lbs. N/1000 ft 2 /year. St. Augustine grass, 2—4 lbs. N/1000 ft 2 /year. Zoysia grass, 3—5 lbs. N/1000 ft 2 /year.” To learn more about fertilization regulations in Duval County see City of Jacksonville Chapter 366 Ordinance Code Section 366.600. St. Johns County fertilizer regulations can be viewed under Fertilizer Guidelines & Restrictions.
Suppose you fertilized your lawn in Spring and it appears to still be suffering. In that case, we recommend aeration and top dressing as cultural practices that alleviate compaction and replenish soil fertility that can better provide for the beautiful lawn you expect. Chad Lakin, Earth Works Lawn Care Operations Manager can have your property measured to exclude flower beds, patios, and impervious areas not to be treated and provide a quote upon request.
What Pests are we seeing in June and July? Where there is stagnant water there are mosquitos. So be sure to empty any standing water to ward off the mosquitos during rainy season. Southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis were well established in untreated lawns of Northeast Florida due to drought conditions in May, a month when most of Jacksonville received only about a half-inch of rain. However, chinch bugs persist during wet months, as do other pests and some experts fear pests adaptations and increased prevalence due to the Florida climate. “Chinch bugs are known to be more of a residential lawn pest, but the past couple years, we’ve seen more incidences of chinch bugs damaging golf course turf,” says Adam Dale, Ph.D., assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida. “Drought and full sun conditions promote chinch bug abundance and damage, and proper irrigation and maintaining proper soil moisture and turf health are the best practices to keep the bugs at bay. Fertilization is also a factor to consider. “Research has shown that nitrogen fertilization rates are positively correlated to chinch bug abundance — so I would tell superintendents to be mindful of how much nitrogen they’re putting out,” Dale says.” That’s all the more reason to limit lawn fertilization in summer.
Sod webworms are likewise being seen around Northeast Florida at this time. Bifenthrin is a pyrethroid insecticide that’s available and widely recommended for controlling sod webworms and fire ants. Bifenthrin applications target sod webworm larvae, which cause damage as they feed on the grass blades. “The moths are not the issue, and there is no practical way to control them,” according to Dan Gill, The Times-Picayune garden columnist. “It’s the sod webworm caterpillars that damage lawns. Any insecticide treatments to the lawn are meant to deal with them — not to control the adult moths. They’re a nuisance at best.”
Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) is a biological control for the caterpillar stage of sod webworms and other pest caterpillars such as Datana major, Azalea moths that were seen on area azaleas the first week of July. Mealybugs and aphids are defoliating plants protected by ants that farm them in our gardens. Insecticidal soaps, neem oil, and systemic insecticides can be used effectively against them. For more detailed treatment protocols see our Preventing Mealybug Infestation blog, call or visit the garden center and bring photos of the affected area and/or pests. July lawn and garden tips encourage regular inspection of your plants between rain events checking for these pests that can quickly destroy your plants and all your hard work.
Datana major, Azalea moth caterpillars
For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping need contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online and 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. Contact us with your questions and to book design consultations.
Proudly serving 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.
Let’s Celebrate Pollinators! International Pollinator Week is June 21 -27, 2021. There is so much to cover about these invaluable garden friends. Let’s get started!
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. www.pollinators.org
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.
Join the Buzz! Share your love of pollinators on our page and spread the word!
Click here and share the favorite POLLINATOR PHOTO you have taken in the comment section. Post by June 20, 2021 for a chance to win this fun Earth Works’ Pollinator Kit. Or post on instagram earth.works #ewpollinatorphotocontest #pollinatorhealth #pollinatorweek #pollinatorgarden
International Pollinator Week 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.
Thank you to everyone who submitted to the Earth Works International Pollinator Week Photo Contest!
Plus, remember that for comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping need 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.
Proudly serving 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.
