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Stay Cool Jacksonville.
Beat the Heat with these Gardening Tips for August.
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As the August sun bears down, it’s crucial to keep your garden thriving despite the extreme heat. Here are a few practical tips to help your plants stay healthy during these scorching days: | |
1. Water Wisely: The best time to water your garden is early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This allows water to soak into the soil rather than evaporating under the midday sun. Deep, infrequent watering is more effective than light, frequent sprinkling, as it encourages roots to grow deeper, making plants more resilient to heat. | 2. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch: A thick layer of mulch around your plants can work wonders in conserving soil moisture and keeping the roots cool. Organic mulches, like wood chips or straw, are particularly effective and can also improve soil structure as they decompose. | |  |
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3. Provide Shade: Just like you seek shade on a hot day, your plants may need some extra protection. Use shade cloth, umbrellas, or strategically place taller plants to provide relief for more delicate species. This is especially important for container plants, which can heat up faster than those in the ground.
4. Avoid Pruning: Pruning can stimulate new growth, which is more vulnerable to heat. It’s best to hold off on major pruning tasks until the weather cools down.
5. Keep an Eye on Your Plants: Regularly check your plants for signs of stress, such as wilting, scorched leaves, or dry soil. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
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With these tips, your garden can stay healthy and vibrant, even as the August heat intensifies. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in ensuring your plants survive and thrive through the hottest month of the year. | |
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Florida Shade Trees: Nature's Air Conditioners
| In the sweltering Florida heat, planting shade trees is one of the most effective ways to cool your garden and your home. These natural air conditioners not only provide a refreshing retreat from the sun but also offer substantial environmental and economic benefits. By strategically placing shade trees around your property, you can reduce energy costs, support local wildlife, and enhance the overall beauty of your landscape. | |
Spotlight on Three Exceptional Shade Trees: | |
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Florida Flame Red Maple
(Acer Rubrum)
The Florida Flame Maple is a fast-growing, deciduous tree known for its brilliant red fall foliage and excellent summer shade. In winter, it sheds its leaves, allowing sunlight to warm your garden. Adaptable to various soil conditions, this native tree is a vibrant and versatile addition to any North Florida landscape.
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Bald Cypress
(Taxodium distichum)
A native to Florida’s wetlands, the Bald Cypress is well-suited to both wet and dry conditions. This deciduous conifer is unique in its ability to thrive in waterlogged soils, making it perfect for areas prone to flooding. Its soft, feathery foliage creates a light, airy shade that cools without overly darkening the landscape.
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Southern Magnolia (Brackens Brown Beauty) The Southern Magnolia is a true icon of the South, known for its large, fragrant white flowers and glossy, evergreen leaves. This tree not only provides ample shade but also adds year-round beauty to any garden. Its deep roots make it drought-resistant, while its dense canopy offers excellent cooling. | |
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Planting for Success: When planting shade trees, consider their mature size and growth habits to ensure they have enough space to thrive without interfering with structures or other plants. It’s also essential to place them strategically to maximize their cooling benefits—typically on the south and west sides of your home where the sun is most intense.
By incorporating these magnificent shade trees into your garden, you’ll not only create a cooler, more comfortable environment but also contribute to a healthier planet. As you enjoy the shade and reduced energy costs, you’ll also appreciate the timeless beauty these trees bring to your outdoor space.
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Massive Waterfall Installation Project: Behind-the-Scenes | |
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Join Jason from Earth Works as he takes you behind the scenes of a massive 6-week waterfall installation project. In this video, you'll get a first-hand look at the start of this large-scale landscaping endeavor, featuring a stunning waterfall, intricate rock placements, and a seamless paver walkway.
Stay tuned and follow this project along on our YouTube channel
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Refreshing Burst of Color for Shady Spots! | |
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As the summer heat sizzles, it's time to embrace the cooler side of gardening with our August container garden recipe, perfect for shady spots. This month, we're focusing on creating a cool and vibrant oasis with our combination of shade-loving plants. Featuring the striking Cordyline Red Sister as the thriller, the rich hues of Coleus Heartbreaker and Caladium Party Punch as fillers, and the lush greenery of Hosta and Creeping Jenny flowing over the edges, this arrangement is designed to bring a refreshing burst of color to your garden while helping you stay cool in the shade. Whether you want to brighten up a shaded patio, porch, or garden nook, this container garden will add a lively and serene touch to your outdoor space.
1. Cordyline Red Sister is a stunning plant with vibrant red and burgundy foliage that is the thriller in this shade-loving arrangement. It thrives in partial to full shade and adds a dramatic, tropical flair to any garden.
2. Caladium Party Punch offers bright, party-ready foliage with pink, red, and white splashes. This shade-loving plant is perfect for adding a burst of color to your garden, and its large, heart-shaped leaves bring a tropical feel to the container.
3. Coleus Heartbreaker features heart-shaped leaves in shades of pink, red, and green, making it a colorful and eye-catching filler. Known for its versatility, this plant thrives in shaded areas and adds a bold contrast to the container garden.
4. Hosta is a classic shade plant with lush, broad leaves in various shades of green. Known for its easy care and ability to thrive in low-light conditions, it provides a beautiful, calming backdrop for the more colorful plants.
5. Creeping Jenny is a trailing plant with small, round, lime-green leaves that spill gracefully over the edges of containers. It thrives in the shade and adds a soft, cascading effect that complements the bolder colors in the garden.
This August, cool down your outdoor space with our shade-loving container garden recipe, blending vibrant colors and lush foliage to create a serene, refreshing retreat.
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Battling Chinch Bugs: How to Detect and Treat | | |
Chinch bugs are small, black and white insects, typically about 1/6 to 1/5 of an inch long. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and are particularly fond of St. Augustine grass. These pests feed on the grass by sucking out the sap and injecting toxins, which disrupt the plant’s ability to absorb water, leading to yellowing and eventual death of the grass. | |
How to Detect Chinch Bugs | |
Early detection is key to controlling chinch bugs before they cause extensive damage. Here’s how to spot them.
Look for Yellowing Patches: The first sign of a chinch bug infestation is usually yellow or brown patches in your lawn. These patches often start small and expand over time.
Inspect the Grass: Check the edges of the affected areas where healthy grass meets damaged grass. Chinch bugs are often found in these transition zones. Part the grass and look at the soil surface for the tiny insects. They may be difficult to see, so look closely for movement.
| Use the Flotation Method: Try the flotation method if you’re having trouble spotting chinch bugs. Cut both ends off a metal can, then push one end into the soil where the yellow and green grass meet. Fill the can with water. If chinch bugs are present, they will float to the surface within 5 to 10 minutes. | | |
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If you confirm a chinchbug infestation, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage. Here are some steps to take
Apply Insecticide: Choose a granular or liquid insecticide whose active ingredient is Bifenthrin safe for use on St. Augustine grass. Apply it according to the product instructions, making sure to treat the entire affected area and the surrounding healthy grass to prevent the infestation from spreading.
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Water the Lawn: After applying insecticide, water your lawn thoroughly to help the treatment reach the chinch bugs. However, avoid overwatering, as chinch bugs prefer dry conditions, and too much water can lead to other problems like fungal diseases.
Maintain Proper Lawn Care: Keeping your lawn healthy can help prevent future infestations. Mow at the recommended height (3.5 to 4 inches for St. Augustine grass), water deeply and infrequently, and avoid over-fertilizing, which can attract chinch bugs.
Monitor and Reapply If Necessary: Check your lawn regularly after treatment to ensure the chinch bugs are gone. If you still see signs of damage or bugs, a second insecticide application may be necessary.
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Preventing Future Infestations
To reduce the risk of chinch bugs returning, consider the following preventive measures:
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Encourage Beneficial Insects: Predators like ladybugs and lacewings can help control chinchbug populations. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that could harm these beneficial insects.
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Reduce Thatch: Excessive thatch can provide a habitat for chinch bugs. Aerate your lawn regularly to keep thatch under control.
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Proper Irrigation: Maintain a consistent watering schedule that supports healthy grass growth while discouraging chinch bugs, which thrive in dry conditions.
By staying vigilant and treating chinch bugs promptly, you can protect your St. Augustine grass from these pesky invaders and keep your lawn looking its best all year round.
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Aquatic Gardens: Keeping Cool with Water Features | |
Incorporating water features into your garden is more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s a smart way to keep your outdoor space cool and inviting during Florida’s hottest months. Whether it’s a tranquil pond, a bubbling fountain, or a lush water garden, these elements can significantly lower the temperature in your garden, creating a refreshing oasis for both you and your plants. | |
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PONDS
A well-designed pond can be the centerpiece of your garden, providing a cooling effect through evaporation. Consider adding aquatic plants like water lilies and lotus, which not only thrive in Florida’s heat but also help shade the water, keeping it cooler and reducing algae growth. These plants are stunning in bloom, adding vibrant colors to your garden.
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FOUNTAINS
Fountains, whether free-standing or incorporated into a pond, are another excellent option. The sound of trickling water is inherently calming, and the constant movement helps cool the surrounding air. Fountains can be as simple or elaborate as you like, making them a versatile choice for any garden.
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WATER GARDENS
For a more immersive experience, consider creating a water garden. This involves cultivating a variety of aquatic plants, such as pickerelweed, aquatic grasses, and papyrus, which not only add texture and movement to your garden but also thrive in Florida’s heat. These plants create a mini-ecosystem that can attract beneficial wildlife, adding to the vitality of your garden.
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Tips for Success:
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Location: Choose a spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, but avoid placing your water feature under trees to minimize debris.
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Maintenance: Regularly check the water levels, especially during hot spells, to ensure your plants and fish (if you have any) stay healthy.
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Plant Selection: Opt for native or heat-tolerant aquatic plants to ensure they thrive in your garden.
To inspire your own aquatic garden, watch some videos of our many one-of-a-kind ponds and water features.
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End of Summer Sale! 🌿 Select pottery 50% OFF!
There are so many to choose from!
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Garden Center Hours
Monday through Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm / Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
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We would like to thank you all for your continued support! | |
Earth Works Gardens | earthworksjax.com |996-0712 | 12501 Beach Blvd. | | | | |
