Rockledge Gardens
"Summertime in the Garden"
May 23, 2012

Dear Gardening Bug,


If you came in last Saturday, or even happened to drive by between 10 and 2, then you saw the  crowd that gathered here for the Space Coast Food Revolution Day! We were truly amazed by the turnout, and were excited to see so many people hungry for information on healthy food and healthy living. Thank you to everyone who came to demonstrate, educate, and participate. A special thanks to Lily Fredrickson, who organized the event. We were honored to host this community gathering.


Summer Veggies ...

I'm sure many of you felt inspired to grow your own food ... and for good reason! One of the many benefits of growing your own food is that you have full knowledge about, and control over, how the crops are grown: the soil (or lack of if you grow hydroponically), the seeds, the nutrients, and the pest and disease controls. It's also a great form of exercise, and a wonderful activity for the whole family. Although summer isn't the best growing season for most vegetables, it's a terrific time to start an herb garden or a few pots of eggplant. Hot peppers also handle the summer sun well. And summer IS the time to start planning your fall garden. Proper planning is a very important first step to successful vegetable gardening.

... And Summer Flowers

Summer is also a great time for many flowering plants. Purslane, pentas, gaillardia, salvias, mandevillas, bulbine, lantana, and many others thrive in these warmer temperatures.

summer bloomers

Cannas are another great summer bloomer. Cannas are heat-loving tropical bulbs that can add great color and texture to your summer garden. They can tolerate wet feet, so aren't bothered by our summer rainy season. Flowers come in shades of red, pink, yellow, and orange, and many cannas have variegated leaves, which make them appealing even when not in bloom. They grow best in areas with rich organic soil, and they prefer full sun. Grasshoppers and leaf rollers love cannas as well, but can be easily controlled.

Above, clockwise from top left: purslane, mandevilla, bulbine, and canna; below: canna. Check out some more canna photos and other "garden treasures" for the week.

canna

African violets Seminar this Saturday: African Violets

African violets are a favorite houseplant for many people; they're wonderful plants for sharing, and are often passed along from generation to generation.

Plus, they are really quite easy to grow. This Saturday at 10 am, join us when Bob Green, president of Dixie African Violet Society, shares his expertise on these fun and beautiful treasures.



veggies at The Farm at Rockledge GardensThis Week at The Farm

After the Food Revolution Day event, we thought we might have to take a week off from the farm stand, BUT a few days have made a big difference. We have a whole new harvest of tomatoes ready, as well as more okra, eggplant, peppers, and beans. It continues to delight me how quickly things grow! Stink bugs are still a big issue at The Farm, and so far our only line of defense is vigilant scouting and removal (then squashing or drowning them).

For those of you who have signed up for our overflow Farm tour this Saturday, we will meet at the Farm at 11 am. Take a right at the gate opening as you pull onto Magruder off US 1. If you weren't able to register in time, please be assured that we will have many more Farm tours in the fall, when the weather is cooler!

Memorial Day Hours

This weekend is the holiday weekend that ushers in summertime! We will be open Saturday from 9 till 6 and Sunday from 11 till 4, and on Monday from 8 till 4 (closing early that day).
See you in the garden,
Theresa & Kevin
phone: 321-636-7662   
Rockledge Gardens "Quick Links"
Let trees keep you cool this summer!
Bring in this coupon and save 20% on oaks, magnolias, tabebuias and bottlebrush trees. 

          

Please present coupon.  Click here for printable version, or if you don't have a printer, mention code 20T060212. Offer expires June 2, 2012.
rockledge gardens