Frost and Freeze Protection

by Katarina Rinehart | Jan 26, 2023 | All The Dirt

Frost and Freeze Protection

Tips for Frost and Freeze Protection

Make sure irrigation is turned off before cold weather moves in but water before the system is turned off. If a hard freeze is forecasted you may need to drain your irrigation pump.
Bring any potted plants inside if possible.
If your plants are affected by the freezing temperatures, do not trim nor cut off any plant material, but wait for warmer weather. The surrounding plant foliage will protect the new growth underneath.
Once temperatures rise well above freezing, remove the cold protection coverings when the sun is shining brightly, this will keep from creating heat that may cause stress to the plants.
Hearty plants able to withstand very cold temperatures: Camellia bushes, Sweet Tea Olive shrubs ect should not be covered.
Once cold temperatures pass remember to turn your irrigation system back on.
Apply pine straw, mulch, or hay to insulate the plants to retain heat and moisture and protect the root system.
Be patient, allow damaged plants to recover without pruning. New growth will tell you where to trim when the time comes.

Frost

Frost clothe may be purchased to cover tender plants depending on the area and quantity desired.
Remember the a frost can occur when temps are well above freezing.
Remove frost clothe immediately after temperatures warm.

Freeze

Tropicals should be covered when possible with some form of heat to help provide warmth. Make sure to uncover once temps rise above freezing.
Non LED lights that give off heat can be placed under coverings to provide protection. This works well with small citrus trees that are planted or in pots that cannot be moved inside.

Are you ready for the frost? Come see us at Clay Garden to purchase our recommended frost blankets!

Contact Us

address
4808 East Scenic Hwy 30A
Seagrove Beach, FL. 32459 (google map)

phone: 850.231.2150

hours: 9-5 Monday thru Saturday | Sun. 12-5

Keep Warm by the Fire Pit

by Katarina Rinehart | Jan 24, 2023 | All The Dirt

Keep Warm by the Fire Pit

Keep Warm by the Fire Pit

On those chilly late afternoons or evenings, experiencing a warm crackling wood burning fire pit creates ambiance for relaxation and lingering thoughts! Clay Garden has numerous appealing styles and custom order options that will compliment your home. Come see us!

Contact Us

address
4808 East Scenic Hwy 30A
Seagrove Beach, FL. 32459 (google map)

phone: 850.231.2150

hours: 9-5 Monday thru Saturday | Sun. 12-5

Fresh Holiday Greenery

by Ginger | Dec 8, 2022 | All The Dirt

Fresh Holiday Greenery

Come embellish your doors and mantels with our beautiful fresh wreaths and garlands! We have mixed greenery wreaths, swags of various sizes, and fresh magnolia leaf wreaths! Additionally, there are Frasier Fir and Cyprus garlands, as well as Magnolia leaf garlands and centerpieces….And don’t forget vibrantly colored Poinsettias! Their beautiful foliage creates an atmosphere for your Christmas decor!

Contact Us

address
4808 East Scenic Hwy 30A
Seagrove Beach, FL. 32459 (google map)

phone: 850.231.2150

hours: 9-5 Monday thru Saturday | Sun. 12-5

Holiday Open House Recap

by Ginger | Dec 8, 2022 | All The Dirt, Events

Holiday Open House Recap

Sunday, November 13th kicked off the Holidays at Clay, a haven for garden enthusiasts!

Holiday celebratory festivities were hosted at Clay, a plant sanctuary “extraordinaire” catering to the discriminating landscape artist or homeowner! That brisk sunny Sunday, November 13th unveiled the Holiday mood with a quartet of Christmas carolers dressed in 18th Century costumes singing assorted holiday songs while hundreds of enthusiasts of all things Clay were in a festive mood.

Creatively displayed throughout the grounds were lush foliage from pansies to poinsettias, cacti to succulents, and outdoor furniture to home décor. The alluring presentations of table place settings and furniture enticed the viewer to desire these options for themselves.

Loyal customers and visitors were offered little tasty bites and libations to enhance the holiday cheer! Couples were purchasing additional plants, trees, bushes, and beyond, to improve their home gardens, while patient husbands waited for their spouses to peruse the abundant merchandise with Credit cards in hand!

It was a magical day!

Contact Us

address
4808 East Scenic Hwy 30A
Seagrove Beach, FL. 32459 (google map)

phone: 850.231.2150

hours: 9-5 Monday thru Saturday | Sun. 12-5

Amaryllis

by Ginger | Dec 8, 2022 | All The Dirt

Amaryllis

Fun Facts

The genus Amaryllis is a native to Africa and the root word in Greek “Amarysso” means “To sparkle.”
Based on Greek mythology: Amaryllis, a young maiden desperate to win the love of Alteo, a handsome shepherd. She pierced her heart with a golden arrow and visited his cottage each day shedding blood droplets along the way. On the 13th day, beautiful scarlet flowers bloomed along the path. He was smitten and she was healed!
The bulbs were brought to Europe in the 1700s and with loving care, are known to live and bloom for nearly 75 years.
In the 1800s, this flower was reclassified under the genus Hippeastrum. The Greek words for “Horse” and “Star.”
Amaryllis can re-bloom every year, by cutting back the expired flower stalks to about 1” above the bulb.
Plant breeders have developed over 600 named varieties.
In Nature, Amaryllis blooms in spring or summer but is commonly forced into early bloom for the holidays.

Location

Place the pot in a location that receives bright and indirect light.
Blooming will begin in six to eight weeks after planting while other varieties may take ten weeks.
As the plant grows, turn the pot periodically to encourage the flower stalks to grow straight.
These plants will reach 2 feet in height and may produce 6 flowers per stalk
Before planting, inspect the Amaryllis bulbs carefully to ensure they are firm and disease free.
If planting outdoors, assess those conditions and water carefully.

Water

Water regularly, but sparingly until a 2” new growth is visible.
Thereafter, water regularly with care.
Be sure to maintain measured watering so as not to dry out causing the soil to pull away from the sides of the pot.
Water with room temperature water and thoroughly wet the potting medium.
Leave the soil alone, almost entirely, and in most conditions, will create the environment for growth.

Temperature

Amaryllis are tender perennials, most are hardy outdoors in zones 9-11.
As the plant matures, flower buds will appear on the top of each stalk with a dramatic floral display.
To prolong the blooms, keep the pot out of direct sunlight.

Soil/Fertilizer

The Amaryllis is a flowering bulb that grows in gardens, flower beds, or pots.
Pack the soil gently around the bulb (Pointed-end up), approximately one-third of the bulb remains above the soil line.
Do not use soil from the garden because it will not drain properly for this flowering bulb if placed indoors.
The bulb within itself contains all the necessary nutrients for the Amaryllis to sprout and bloom.
However, if you desire to keep to re-bloom the following year, fertilize as you would a house plant.
Plant the bulb in good potting soil and insert a support stake to keep the blooms upright.

Pests

Carefully inspect the Amaryllis bulb for soft rotten areas before planting.
Use a Soil drench containing the biological insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis var.
Preventative bug management: Use Yellow or LED bulbs or citronella candles.
Best natural deterrents: Spray solutions mixed with water and either: Epsom salt, baking soda, or 50% alcohol.
Kill aphids by spraying a solution of 2 tsp. dish soap and 1 qt. of medium warm water on your plant. The soap removes the protective coating on the aphids and causes them to die of dehydration.