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Update Your Landscape: Unleash Creativity with Landscape Pavers.

Update Your Landscape: Unleash Creativity with Landscape Pavers.

Jacksonville, with its warm climate and coastal influences, provides an idyllic backdrop for outdoor living. But how do you make your garden truly stand out and, more importantly, reflect your personal style? Enter landscape pavers! These versatile beauties offer a palette of endless creativity for your garden, allowing homeowners to add functionality, flair, and a touch of artistry to their outdoor spaces.

Why Choose Landscape Pavers?

Before diving into the creative uses, let’s take a brief moment to appreciate why landscape pavers are the go-to choice for many Jacksonville homeowners:

  1. Durability: Pavers can withstand Florida’s unique climate, from its hot summers to its rainy seasons.
  2. Variety: Available in an array of colors, shapes, sizes, and materials, pavers are every landscaper’s dream.
  3. Low Maintenance: With minimal upkeep, these stones retain their beauty for years.
  4. Flexibility: Pavers are adaptable to various design visions, from classic to contemporary.
Curvy pation and steps
Fire pit circle patio in a pond

Creative Uses of Landscape Pavers in Your Garden

Curvy walkway

Paver Pathways

Perhaps the most common use, but with a twist! Instead of a straightforward path, create a winding journey through your garden. Combine different shapes and sizes or intersperse with grass or ground cover for a mosaic look.

Paver steps with rock walkway

Paver Planters

Elevate your plants—literally. Construct raised plant beds using stacked pavers. It provides a unique visual dimension to your garden and helps with soil drainage, ensuring your plants stay healthy.

Raised bed around pool
Oval raised bed
Paver bench around firepit

Paver Benches

Create a paver seat bench with a back wall. Throw on some outdoor cushions, and you have the perfect spot for those tranquil Florida evenings.

Artistic Mosaics

Why settle for plain when you can have art? Use colored pavers to create beautiful patterns or even depict a scene. This works exceptionally well for large patio areas or central garden spaces, turning them into conversation pieces.

 

Paver Driveways

A popular choice for homeowners who prioritize durability and aesthetics. They are made of interlocking bricks, making them incredibly sturdy and long-lasting. Moreover, pavers come in a wide range of colors, textures, and shapes, so you can customize your driveway to match the style of your home.

unnamed 6
Turf and paver blocks

Lush Lawn Grids

Lush Lawn Grids: Create modern, geometric grids by placing large square pavers with equal distances apart and letting grass grow between them. This design works especially well for contemporary homes, offering a neat yet vibrant lawn alternative.

Circular Patios

Round patios are gaining popularity and for a good reason. They offer a focal point, are aesthetically pleasing, and provide a gathering space. Use radial patterns with your pavers to accentuate the circle.

Circle Paver Patio
Flower bed paver border

Paver Borders

Outline your garden beds with pavers to create clean, defined edges. It’s a simple addition but makes a world of difference in making your garden look organized and polished.

 

Paver flower bed:walkway border
Landscape bed paver border

Tips for Unleashing Creativity with Pavers

1. Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to combine different types of pavers. This can add depth, contrast, and intrigue to your design.

2. Level Up: Play with levels. Raised areas, sunken lounges, or multi-tiered gardens can add depth and dynamism to your garden.

3. Integrate Nature: Let moss grow between certain paver joints, integrate creeping plants, or use the pavers to frame existing trees.

4. Light It Up: Embed LED lights within your paver structures. This not only enhances safety but also adds a magical ambiance during the evening.

Paver step lighting
Sunken flagsont patio w:paver wall

At Earth Works, we pride ourselves on helping Jacksonville residents bring their garden visions to life with our expertise in landscape pavers. If you’re ready to revamp your garden, we’re just a call away! Let’s transform your outdoor space into a masterpiece of paver artistry.

Services

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

General Services Areas

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

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

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

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

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

Embracing Xeric Landscaping

Embracing Xeric Landscaping

In the bustling city of Jacksonville, Florida, residents are embracing a new approach to landscaping that not only enhances the beauty of their homes but also contributes to the preservation of the local environment. Xeric landscaping, also known as xeriscaping, is gaining popularity in Northeast Florida due to its numerous benefits. By adopting xeric landscaping practices, homeowners can create sustainable and low-maintenance outdoor spaces while conserving water resources and supporting native biodiversity. In this article, we will explore the advantages of xeric landscaping in the context of Jacksonville, Florida.

WATER CONSERVATION

One of the most significant benefits of xeric landscaping in a region like Northeast Florida is its ability to conserve water. The region experiences long, hot summers with occasional droughts, making water scarcity a concern. Xeric landscaping employs water-efficient practices such as using drought-tolerant plants, mulching to retain moisture, and optimizing irrigation systems. By reducing water consumption, homeowners can contribute to the overall conservation efforts and reduce their water bills.

yucca cactus desert plants
Pink Cone Flowers

REDUCED MAINTENANCE

Another advantage of xeric landscaping is its low-maintenance nature. Traditional lawns require constant mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Xeric landscapes, on the other hand, are designed to thrive in the local climate conditions, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. Native plants are well-adapted to the region’s soil, weather, and wildlife, resulting in fewer pest problems and minimal pruning requirements. This allows homeowners to spend more time enjoying their outdoor spaces rather than constantly tending to them.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE

Xeric landscaping promotes environmental resilience by embracing native plant species that are naturally suited to the local climate. These plants have evolved over time to withstand the specific challenges posed by Northeast Florida’s weather patterns and soil conditions. By utilizing native flora, xeric landscapes contribute to the preservation of regional biodiversity, provide habitat for local wildlife, and promote a more balanced ecosystem. Moreover, xeric landscaping reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers, reducing environmental pollution and promoting healthier soil.

Xeric Jacksonville Beach landscaping
Xeric landscape lava rock and granite

COST SAVINGS

Xeric landscaping can also result in long-term cost savings for homeowners. By reducing water consumption and maintenance requirements, homeowners can significantly lower their utility bills. Additionally, xeric landscapes often require less frequent replacement or repair, resulting in savings on plant replacements and lawn care equipment. Over time, these savings can add up, providing homeowners with a more sustainable and cost-effective landscaping solution.

AESTHETIC APPEAL

Contrary to the misconception that xeric landscaping lacks visual appeal, these landscapes can be incredibly beautiful and diverse. By incorporating a variety of native plants, homeowners can create vibrant and colorful gardens that complement the natural surroundings. Native flowers, grasses, and shrubs can provide a visually stunning display throughout the year while attracting local pollinators and wildlife. Xeric Landscaping encourages homeowners to embrace the region’s unique beauty while adding a touch of personal creativity to their outdoor spaces.

xeric beach landscape cactus and rocks

A few great plants for xeriscaping in NE Florida

Xeric landscaping offers numerous benefits to homeowners in Northeast Florida, particularly in Jacksonville. By conserving water, reducing maintenance, promoting environmental resilience, and providing cost savings, xeric landscaping is becoming an increasingly popular choice for sustainable outdoor spaces. Embracing this approach not only benefits homeowners but also contributes to the preservation of local ecosystems and supports the region’s native biodiversity. As we strive for a more sustainable future, xeric landscaping is an excellent way to create a beautiful and eco-friendly environment right in our own backyards.

Heliathus

Heliathus

Commonly known as the beach sunflower, this cheerful, low-growing plant has bright, sunflowerlike blooms. A mature plant can cover several feet in diameter, so it makes great ground cover. It will attract many species of butterflies.

Fakahatchee Grass

Fakahatchee Grass

A Florida native grass that is drought tolerant but able to deal with those rainy summer days here in N.E. FL. It is somewhat salt tolerant as well and likes full sun. Many grasses are considered drought tolerant and are perfect for xeriscaping. Others include Pampas, Fountain, Muhly, and Cord grasses

Sunshine Mimosa

Sunshine Mimosa

This is also known as the powderpuff mimosa, because of its distinctive pink flowers that resemble little fiber-optic puffs. It has deep roots, so once you get it established, it requires very little maintenance. A healthy, mature plant can spread as much as 12 inches in a day, providing excellent ground cover. It can even be mixed with grass and mowed without damaging the plant.

Agave & Yucca

Agave & Yucca

Few plants can match the bold and dramatic landscape impact of agave and yucca, both excellent choices for truly low maintenance low water gardening. These amazingly tough plants endure the extremes, hot sun, sandy soil, dry conditions, and salty spots with elegance and style. Combine with landscape boulders for a finishing touch.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis

Its sunny, daisylike flowers are beautiful and great for butterflies and pollinators. Once it is established, it’s sun- and drought-tolerant. A mature plant will re-seed itself, which means you don’t just have it once, you have it all the time. Fun fact: The coreopsis is Florida’s state wildflower.

Gaillardia

Gaillardia

Also known as the blanket flower, it has distinctive bright orange and red flowers. It is highly salt-tolerant, prefers sunny locations, and it will seed itself. As an added bonus, the pretty blossoms can last a long time in flower arrangements.

Services

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

General Services Areas

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

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

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

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

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

April Lawn, Garden, and Landscaping Tips 2023

April Lawn, Garden, and Landscaping Tips 2023

April is one of our favorite North Florida lawn, garden, and landscaping months as its Spring and oak leaves and catkins have all dropped, the skies are clear with warm temperatures, and the rainy season is still a couple of months away. It’s time to turn all those thoughts of growing a garden and improving your landscape into action. Get out in the sunshine (with sunblock) and start planting and tending to your lawn, garden, and landscape with the necessary fertilization, pruning, and pest control needs of your existing plants and replacing those that need it with new ones.
“2020 gardening research by Scotts Miracle-Gro and Wakefield Research found that over half of the country (55% of American households) engage in gardening activities and another 20% are planning to do so in the near future,” according to Gardenpals.com.

Spring lawn, garden, and landscaping

Planning before engaging in gardening and landscaping activities will dramatically improve your success and satisfaction. Whether your plan is in jotted-down notes or a professional landscape design, the aim is to save you time and money and improve your success and happiness.
Regardless of lawn, garden, or landscaping type, here are a few helpful tips.

gardening

-Prepare the ground before planting by raking out old leaf litter and pulling weeds.

-If considering an herbicide treatment, remember that the recommended application period for pre-emergents is February and early March before average temperatures rise above 65-70F. Most weed and feed products include fertilizer and a post-emergent herbicide to kill existing weeds. At the same time, many also have a pre-emergent to prevent the germination of new seasonal varieties. Always read the product label and know that Weed and Feed fertilizer products are developed for specific grasses that may harm them if applied to other grasses.

-Have your soil pH and nutrient levels tested at no charge by submitting a sample to your local University of Florida County Agricultural Extension office. Take several separate samples from different areas of your landscape to submit for testing. Soil testing is essential, considering the macronutrients in fertilizers become less bioavailable below a pH of 6, which starves plants of necessary nutrition, causes water pollution, and wastes your time and money. Learn more on our blog about soil testing.

-Amend the soil according to the recommendations of a soil test or with your knowledge with the appropriate blend of nutrients such as composts and fertilizers to jump-start the growth of your choice of plantings. Add perlite or vermiculite to tweak the soil’s water retention capacity by increasing or decreasing soil porosity. If you are considering using high-nitrogen fertilizer, apply before the rainy season that begins in June. Although Duval County doesn’t prohibit using nitrogen fertilizers during the rainy season, many counties restrict its use between June and September to protect against water pollution, algae blooms, and fish kills. You can help the environment and avoid wasting money on fertilizer by doing the same.

UF agriculture extension office jacksonville 1024x768 1
aeration and top dressing

-Consider aeration and top dressing the lawn to reduce compaction and improve percolation and nutrient uptake by the turf.

-Be sure to position plants appropriately in the landscape to provide adequate light and protection from wind and low temperatures in Winter. Don’t plant sun-loving shrubs and trees under the canopy of other trees that will stress them, making them more susceptible to pests and disease. Try to position cold-sensitive plants away from the threat of cold air from Northern exposure.
-Make salt-tolerant plant choices for coastal-facing properties.

-Stay aware of your plants watering needs while abiding 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 and saves you time and money.

-Plant your favorite perennials and include Spring annuals for seasonal color. Consider our monthly container gardening recipes for planting ideas. The moderate morning low temperatures and afternoon highs provide the ideal conditions to safely plant palms, trees, shrubs, vines, flowering plants, fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

Always remember Earth Works staff is here to help with all your lawn care, landscape design and installation and gardening needs. 

Happy April Gardening!

Spring Gardening

Written by John Hawley, Earth Works Content Manager.

Services

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

General Services Areas

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

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

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

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

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

Landscape Lighting by Earth Works

Landscape Lighting by Earth Works

With only a limited amount of time in the day, extend the time to enjoy your landscape with outdoor lighting. Landscape and architectural lighting illuminate, beautify, and provide safety and security for home and property owners. Have an Earth Works landscape designer create a custom lighting plan and schedule your installation from our Kitchler LED low-watt lighting options inventory.
We are committed to keeping our entire landscape sales and installation team up to date with state-of-the-industry field training in professional landscape lighting options and installation techniques.

Earth Works Outdoor Lighting Design & Installation

 Outdoor Lighting Fundamentals Lecture
Outdoor Lighting Designer Trevor Rosendahl, Manager of Nitelites of Jacksonville & Joel from Kichler provide an in-depth discussion of landscape & architectural lighting design theory and application at a recent Earth Works of Jacksonville staff training event.

Topics Include: 1) Designing to client’s personality and selling the dream and look. 2) Layout from left to right. 3) Benefits of core drilling in tight spaces. 4) Zone and lighting wire runs. 5) Types of lighting runs. 6) Automation and layout. 7) Kichler lighting voltage requirements. 8) Kelvin color temperature options and recommendations.

Outdoor Lighting Service Training
Earth Works Owner, Mark Fechtel provides information on company training resources for high-quality outdoor lighting services in Northeast Florida and reasons it’s important.

Outdoor Lighting Training in Jacksonville
Bruce DeBolt provides an overview of what Earth Works’ periodic lighting training days involve at our most recent event at a client’s home in Jacksonville’s Southside on Monday.

Consistency of Outdoor Lighting Service
Mike Oaks explains the importance of consistency and ensuring lighting installation staff is on the same page, following the proper procedures for setting up client outdoor lighting systems. Kichler and North Florida Irrigation were critical to the success of this training day, advising Earth Works staff on proper techniques, new product options, and how best to set up for customer satisfaction and value.

Infrastructure for Outdoor Lighting
Patti Sanders, Earth Works Landscape Designer, discusses outdoor lighting options and infrastructure we provide under paver driveways and walkways to accommodate wiring for lighting and other purposes with every completed project.

Benefits of Outdoor Lighting
Timothy Jeror shares some perspectives as the Earth Works Pond Construction foreman and visual artist on the benefits of outdoor lighting to enhance the beauty and enjoyment of one’s home.

Landscape Lighting Installation Tips
Adam Cooprider provides a few landscape lighting installation tips, including securing your wiring runs together for ease of repairs and additions to your system and the availability of metal guards to protect the wiring from lawn care equipment damage.

outdoor lighting jacksonville

Services

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

General Services Areas

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

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

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

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

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

Protected: Lawn Care Skills Quizzes

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Protected: Landscaping Skills Quizzes

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March Lawn, Garden, & Landscaping Tips 2023

March Lawn, Garden, & Landscaping Tips 2023

Our March Lawn Garden and Landscaping Tips revolve around the fact that March ushers in longer days with warming soils that lift lawn turf from slumber and encourage new growth throughout the landscape.

Did You Know This About March?

-We add nearly one full hour to our day in March. (March 1: 11:32:24, March 31: 12: 27:30)

-Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 13 (Spring forward; Fall back).

-Spring officially arrives on Monday, March 20.

spring 1
edibles march3

Get To Pruning, Planting, & Watering:
We’ve likely seen our last frost and freeze days. New growth appears everywhere, from the oak trees’ recent leaf and catkin drop to those woody stems pruned back from winter damage. Plants with brittle stems that have no green remaining, we can conclude, were lost to old man winter and can now be safely replaced.

The University of Florida IFAS Extension office recommends March edible plantings of Arugula, Eggplant, Kohlrabi, Ginger, Peppers, Swiss Chard, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Boniato, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Lima Beans, Bush Beans, and Pole Beans, Cantaloupes, Carrots, Corn, Cucumbers, Okra, Onions, Peanuts, Peas, Radish, Squashes, and Watermelon.

Emerging from a Record-Dry Winter
Besides the cold Winter, your lawn, garden, and landscape damage could have been from lack of precipitation. “Retallying the winter stats of 2022-23, in Jacksonville, we had our 72nd warmest December, the 41st warmest January and the sixth warmest February,” according to News4Jax Weather Insider. “Add it all up, and we had the 16th warmest Winter! The bigger winter story was the total lack of rainfall. Just 3.85 inches of rain the entire Winter!” That’s compared to an average winter rainfall in Jacksonville of 9.5″. Check your irrigation system for proper operation and get ready to increase your watering regimen.

drought

In Duval County, water restrictions lessen during Daylight Savings Time, allowing twice-per-week residential landscape irrigation with no limits for new landscapes and hand watering. “Residential properties with even-numbered addresses or those ending with A-M** may water on Thursday and Sunday; properties with odd-numbered addresses, those ending with N-Z*, or properties with no street address may water on Wednesday and Saturday, according to the City of Jacksonville. “Non-residential irrigation is only permitted Tuesday and Friday. Irrigation is not permitted between 10 am and 4 pm.” Be vigilant in ensuring your lawn and garden are sufficiently watered. Earth Works lawn care division recommends two weekly rain or watering events for a healthy lawn.

chinch bugs

Chinch Bug Threat Strong During Drought Conditions
Drought conditions can increase the chance of chinch bugs infestation in your St. Augustine turf. Chinch bug season in North Florida is typically March through November. “Chinch bug damage can be confused with certain lawn diseases or other physiological disorders,” according to Texas A&M. “For example, brown patch is a common disease affecting the leaf blades of St. Augustinegrass. Brown patch symptoms, however, usually occur in a circular or semi-circular pattern, as opposed to the irregular-shaped areas of dead and dying grass that result from chinch bug feeding. Chinch bug damage also can be difficult to distinguish from that caused by drought.”

Let Earth Works Lawn Care, Fertilization and Lawn Pest Control service take the work and worry out of your beautiful lawn.

 

When to Fertilize?

Palms: For palms we recommend quarterly fertilization with heaviest feeding in Fall and Spring and lighter fertilization in Spring and Winter. We recommend: Palm Tone by Espoma and Jacks Palm Food 16-5-25 that’s water soluble with micronutrients.

Birds of Paradise: These heavy feeders require fertilization to maximize foliage and flowering capacity. While the UF/IFAS recommends quarterly fertilization Tropical Plants of Florida recommends bi-weekly fertilization in Spring and monthly during the Summer months.

Crape Myrtles: Crape Myrtles are heavy feeders that respond well to liquid and granular balanced fertilization as often as every two weeks during Spring and Summer. You’ll want to use a balanced fertilizer such as Jacks All Purpose 20-20-20.

Roses: Consider monthly fertilization from mid-February through November for optimum foliage and blooms on your roses. Roses are highly susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot that you can curtail damage from with regular Bonide copper fungicide treatments.

Fruit Trees: “You can apply a slow-release citrus fertilizer in March, June and September or apply 6-6-6 or 8-8-8 starting in March once every six weeks through September,” according to Becky Jordi, the Nassau County extension director and horticulture agent. “No fertilizer should be applied from October through February.” We recommend Jacks Citrus Feed.

Weed & Feed Facts:

We are at the right time to consider Weed & Feed fertilizer. They typically contain a pre-emergent herbicide for preventing weeds from germinating. The “N” component of fertilizer’s NPK macro-nutrient makeup is nitrogen, which is not necessary in high concentration at this time. However, phosphorus and potassium (PK) can provide current benefits for root health. 

LEARN MORE

 

earthworks landscaping

Plan Your Landscape Design With Earth Works
Interest increases among home and business owners wanting to redesign their landscapes, and Earth Works Landscape Designers are here to help. We offer site visits and consultations with CADD drawings of plans that we can then schedule and install. Our landscape designers and installation crews are courteous and knowledgeable and strive to complete your project’s vision on time and within budget.

Seeding Jacksonville

Seeding Jacksonville, LET’S GROW A BOTANICAL GARDEN
Thursday, March 23, 2023 • 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
WJCT Studios
Join us at Seeding Jacksonville for an evening of cocktails and a discussion on the health and future of the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. The Arboretum will share insights on its remarkable achievements over the past year and provide a glimpse into its exciting future.
Plus, learn how a botanical garden can serve as a green hub of its community and gain a new perspective on its potential impact with guest speaker, Mary Pat Matheson, the CEO of Atlanta Botanical Gardens.
With her proven leadership skills, Mary Pat has successfully transformed Atlanta Botanical Gardens into one of the top 10 gardens in the country! What an exciting opportunity to learn from her extensive leadership. Mary Pat will be speaking on “Connecting to community – How a botanical garden can be the green hub of its community.”

TICKETS AVAILABLE

 

Our Spring Sip & Shop is Back!
Join us at Earth Works Gardens from 11 am until 2 pm for complimentary beverages served by one of our landscape designers, who can answer your landscape design questions. Enjoy the renovated facilities at Earth Works Gardens while you Sip & Shop!

And see you next month for more Lawn Garden and Landscaping Tips!

 

Sip Shop Earth Works Gardens

Written by John Hawley, Earth Works Content Manager.

Services

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

General Services Areas

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

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

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

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

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

Flooding Yard Fixes in Northeast Florida

Flooding Yard Fixes in Northeast Florida

Flooding, topsoil erosion, uprooted trees, and fungal diseases require flooding yard fixes that Earth Works strives to provide for Northeast Florida homeowners and businesses. While we cannot control the weather, we can consider monthly average rainfall and conclude that our Florida rainy season is July through September. Weather patterns such as La Nina and El Nino provide information on whether we should expect more or less rain during the season.

No matter how challenging your drainage issue may appear we’ve probably seen worse and can provide you with drainage solutions to suit your needs.

 

Drainage Fixes:

Adequately addressing the potential for flood waters and soil erosion on your property requires properly engineered drainage solutions for your impervious surfaces, including roofs, driveways, decks, patios, and water gardens. Fundamentally, drainage is removing water from an area. However, stormwater regulations developed to protect the environment and prevent flooding restrict the percent of your property that can be built upon with impervious structures and the extent of required onsite stormwater storage. Allowable drainage systems include gutters, French drains, channel drains, swales, permeable paving material, and storm drains. Earth Works landscape designers regularly consult with clients to remedy flooding yard problems that meet state and municipal stormwater regulations.

Tree Staking:
Tree staking protects newly planted tall trees from excessive rain that softens their roots grip while preventing wind from blowing them over, resulting in tree and property damage. Six months to one year is the typical time recommended for staking newly planted trees such as palms and other tall, heavy trees. While most plants don’t require staking, even naysayers must admit that tomato plants can benefit from staking. Earth Works Landscaping division stakes large trees for its clients and the garden center stocks staking kits.

Fungus:
Fungal treatments become necessary as fungus is one of the underlying problems that occur from too much water in your garden that can be a result of poor drainage. Fungus thrives in damp environments and can quickly devastate a wide variety of plants. We see powdery & downy mildew, black spot, brown patch, leaf spot, and blight on vegetable plants, fruit trees, shrubs, ornamentals, shade trees, and lawns. Bonide Copper Fungicide and Neem oil are both approved for organic gardening and are available at Earth Works Gardens. Additionally, the Earth Works Lawn Care division can diagnose and treat fungus in your lawn along with providing turf fertilization, disease, weed, and pest control.

Services

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

General Services Areas

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

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

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

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

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

Drainage Swale Landscape Design

Drainage Swale Landscape Design

Earth Works Landscape Designer, discusses the benefits of incorporating a drainage swale in this Atlantic Beach landscape design to provide aesthetic benefits while protecting the environment and other neighbors’ property from stormwater runoff. “The city will make you do that based on your coverage no matter if you are under or over; they want the water to sit on your property and stay on your property,” Cacchione said. “So that is what this swale is designed to do. It’s an eighteen-inch dip in the lawn, in the grade.” Cisterns and submersible sump pumps are alternatives stormwater retention options, although more costly than building a dry drainage swale that’s an integral part of this beautiful landscape design.

Whether making modifications to the landscape yourself or contracting with a landscape company, the same regulations apply. Flooding complaints in Atlantic Beach result in city inspectors arriving to find a solution to those complaints. “If the city has to tell you where that’s got to go (stormwater management system), that’s gonna be on the sides of the house where you have no room,” Cacchione said with some frustration. “It cannot be decoratively, aesthetically pleasing integrated into your landscape like we did here. So really think about the placement of that in your new plan and how it’s gonna work with your footprint.”

Drainage Services

Managing stormwater runoff is considered critical to protecting the environment and the property rights of neighbors who don’t want to be flooded by others’ activities. Historically, drainage quickly removed rainwater, resulting in erosion, sedimentation, freshwater intrusion, algae blooms, and fish kills. Fertilizers, animal waste, petroleum products, pathogens, and other pollutants end up in lakes, estuaries, rivers, and the ocean.

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,” Cacchione said. “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.

“Studies in Florida have determined that the first one inch of runoff generally carries 90% of the pollution from a storm,” according to the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation. “The 1989 STORMWATER LEGISLATION establishes a statewide watershed management framework that relies upon a cooperative effort between the Department of Environmental Regulation, water management districts and local governments.”

Development pressure at environmentally sensitive beaches results in more significant stormwater restrictions and enforcement typically than inland communities. In 2019, Atlantic Beach enacted ordinance 90-19-238 that restricts maximum lot coverage with impervious materials to 45 percent. “Onsite stormwater storage is required for all development or redevelopment projects and any modification to an existing structure that increases the impervious area by more than 250 square feet” according to the City of Atlantic Beach Fact Sheet. Additionally, the regulation attributes 50 percent impervious status for swimming pool square footage. It can require on-site stormwater retention for driveways and sidewalks if modification or replacement varies from their original footprint.

For more information on your most cost-effective drainage options in your next landscaping and hardscaping project contact Earth Works for a design consultation.

Good drainage is nothing to quack about

Services

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

General Services Areas

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

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

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

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

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

February Lawn, Garden, and Landscaping Tips 2023

February Lawn, Garden, and Landscaping Tips 2023

After hard freezes in December 2022 and numerous frost events during January in Jacksonville, we continue to encourage clients to protect tender plants as we transition into Spring with these February lawn, garden, and landscaping tips.

1) Continue protecting plants from freeze and frost damage. Where you live significantly affects the risk of frost and freezing temperatures. While the threat of frost and freezing temperatures vary on average, the last freeze day in Jacksonville is February 15 and January 23 in coastal Jacksonville Beach. 

Understand that frost can occur at as high as 37F air temperature when the dew point is 32F or below. Dew point is part of the forecasting available at the National Weather Service.

“When the dew point is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), it is known as the “frost point,” referencing the fact that frost will form rather than dew because the temperature is so low,” according to All the Science. 

Frost
organic matter

2) Sharpen your mower blades for the new season. Use the mower on its mulch setting, which feeds your soil with organic matter that typically constitutes less than 5% of soil composition and is crucial for biological activity. Feeding the soil with organic matter reduces the need for fertilization by increasing microbial activity and soil structure.
The biological Benefits of Organic Matter in Soil:
– Provides food for the living organisms in the soil.
– Enhances soil microbial biodiversity and activity which can help in the suppression of diseases and pests.
– Enhances pore space through the actions of soil microorganisms. This helps to increase infiltration and reduce runoff.

Top dressing supplementation for the lawn is an excellent approach to increasing organic matter in your soil. Top dressing is available by bag or truckload. And Earth Works Lawn Care offers a combination of aeration and top-dressing services.

3) Keep weeds in your lawn under control by hand pulling or using a pre-emergent herbicide before average temperatures reach 65-70F. As temperatures warm heading into Spring, the threat from the Winter weeds diminishes and is replaced by the emergence of warm-season weeds. In our temperate climate, there is some crossover in the seasonal varieties of lawn weeds.

-Florida perennial weeds include buttonweed, clover, dallisgrass, dandelion, nutsedge, and dollarweed.

-Florida annual weeds include chickweed, crabgrass, beggarweed, pulsey, goosegrass, and spurge.

 

pulling weeds
pre emergent weed control

Weed And Feed products typically include pre-emergents. UF recommends March 1 for the earliest Weed and Feed applications in North Florida. “You will not injure your lawn by waiting to fertilize, but you can certainly injure your lawn by fertilizing too early,” writes Larry Williams, the Residential Horticulture Agent for the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Okaloosa County. Difficulties in avoiding too late applications of pre-emergent herbicides and too early fertilization give some credence to using herbicides and fertilizers separately. 

Earth Works Lawn Care division eliminates these concerns for clients with weed spraying and fertilization services.

4) Remember to water your lawn throughout February when receiving less than two weekly rain events. We are under once-per-week irrigation restrictions in Duval County until the second Sunday in March, according to Chapter 366 of the City’s Ordinance Code. However, there are exceptions for new landscaping and no restrictions on hand watering. 

The three-year trend of drier-than-normal weather associated with La Nina is forecast to end this year. The latest weather forecast for the ENSO cycle predicts a shift to El Nino, bringing increased rain and flooding in SE USA and a weaker average hurricane season. Address any drainage issues on your property ahead of time.

lawn watering
annuals

5) Throughout the Winter months, including February, we continue to encourage the planting of cold-hardy annuals such as alyssum, delphinium, dusty millers, ornamental kale, and cabbage, along with violas that hold up to our coldest temperatures. “Trees and shrubs that will be in bloom include red maple, star magnolia, and spirea,” according to the University of Florida. “Despite the cooler weather, some gardeners can begin to plant warm-season crops, while others should stick to plants that can survive the cold.” Areas around the St. Johns River, its tributaries, and the beaches stay significantly warmer than other inland areas.

6) Continue with regular inspection of houseplants and those brought indoors during the winter, watching out for pests such as Spider mites that form webs along leaf margins. Insecticidal soap, Neem oil, and systemic insecticides provide treatment and protection at different phases of houseplant pest control. Rotate indoor plants to supply them with 360-degree access for inspection and for them to get the best use of available indoor light sources.

inspecting houseplants
houseplants

Watch for signs of too much or too little water and sunlight. Many plants will turn yellow from too much light or too little water. Fungus gnats and root rot also threaten the health of overwatered plants. Succulents can begin turning purple from various causes, including sudden light and temperature changes, too much light, or the wrong wavelength of certain grow lights will cause problems. If you have an issue with any of your plants or need more lawn, garden, and landscaping tips visit us at Earth Works Gardens.

Services

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

General Services Areas

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

Location

GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246

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

Hours

Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5

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

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