Landscaping Archives - Page 4 of 7 - Earth Works (2024)

Do It Yourself Pond Filter Clean Out

Follow these steps for Do It Yourself pond filter clean out for better start-up success regardless of your equipment configuration. Do It Yourselfers often build and clean out their water gardens constructed with professional-grade equipment such as Aquascape Biofall filters installed by pond building contractors. The time a filter can go before needing a cleanout varies depending on various factors related to the pond size, type of equipment installed, fish and plant load.
Although Earth Works builds pond systems with skimmers, including submersible pumps and biofall filters we understand that your DIY pond might be put together differently, you can still benefit from knowing how best to complete your pond filter clean out ahead of Spring.
-When designing a pond, you should consider:
-A pond layout that prevents debris buildup.
-Use a pump with a proper flow and turnover rate for the size and fish load.
-Piping from the pump to biofall should be adequate diameter, length, and height considering effects of friction loss and head pressure.

Do It Yourself pond builders can have all sorts of pond configurations along with mix and match pond equipment. So let’s set aside the platitudes of the ‘perfect pond design and configuration’ and consider getting the best performance out of the system you’ve got.
Cleaning the debris from your filter heading into Spring is an essential general rule. As water temperatures increase, so do the bacteria and algae populations. Built-up debris serves as a petri dish to grow harmful strains of bacteria that cause bacterial infections and algae blooms that can result in fish kills.

Using the example of a DIY pond build that includes an Aquascape Biofall 6000 follow these steps to clean out yours. The Aquascape Biofall 2500 & 1000 could be cleaned following the same procedures. This pond example is a koi pond that consists of an external pump that draws from the pond bottom drain and pumps water through a 2″ line to one of the bulkhead connections on the bottom of the biofall.
-If you do regular water changes, make this part of one of those regularly scheduled events.
-Turn off your pump and draw down the water level in the pond to the bottom of the biofall. Likewise, empty the biofall reservoir.

-There are a variety of sump pumps available for quickly drawing down pond water levels. These same pumps can be used for removing the water and sludge buildup from the bottom of the biofall reservoir. While the filter sludge can be scooped out with a bucket or shop vacuum, there are specialty pumps like the Oase Pondovac that contractors use for their clean-out services. “I can’t imagine doing this work without one,” says Josiah Crousore Specialty Water Gardens & Landscapes, Columbia, MO. “It comes in especially handy for just your situation, cleaning out pump vaults, skimmers, biofall boxes, etc. No more hand scooping muck and dead frogs for me. We use it throughout the year for all kinds of tasks related to maintenance or transferring water. It’s not 100% perfect at everything but nothing is. They ain’t cheap but I promise you wouldn’t regret getting one. The Oase vacuums are built pretty tough, especially the pump and vacuum motors.”
-When draining water from your pond, utilize this nutrient-rich water within your landscape to fertilize the plants.
-Remove the rock tray, fine and coarse filter material, and bioballs. It’s good to have a dedicated area to clean pond material that is out of the way, and that doesn’t flood your yard or your neighbors.

-Spray off all the sludge and debris from the filter material. Thoroughly clean both sides of filter mats and bagged bioballs until the cleaning water clears. Cleaning the filter media removes all the good bacteria that you can replenish with Beneficial Bacteria by Aquascape, and Maintain that includes beneficial bacteria, along with a flocculant, and phosphate binder. There are time-release formulas that can be used with our Aquascape Automatic Dosing Systems as well.

-Return your filter media to the biofall filter. Although simply designed the Aquascape biofall components must be installed properly with the large coarse filter material placed at the bottom and bags of bioballs placed on top. For extra filtering of suspended fine particles include fine filter material in the path of the flowing water over the filter spillway.

-Refill pond water (treated with detox or Maintain), and restart your filter. The biofilm and beneficial bacteria colonization will begin thereafter, but depending on temperature and pond configuration there can be water clouding and increased algae growth prior to optimum filter performance.

-After successfully completing your pond filter clean out bathe and sanitize yourself as the bacteria splattered on your skin can cause a variety of health problems that we don’t want to discuss.

Earth Works is a Certified Aquascape Contractor designing ponds and serving as a retail supplier of the full line of high-quality Aquascape pond equipment and supplies in Northeast Florida. If your pond performance is inadequate for your needs contact Earth Works or another Certified Aquascape Contractor for a design consultation.

For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping need, contact us 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.

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.

Northeast Florida Spring Lawn and Garden Checklist

Get prepared and ready for a successful season ahead using tips from our Spring lawn and garden checklist.

• Aeration and Top Dressing renews your lawn soil with the required nutrients. Earth Works lawn care division provides this service. Our garden center likewise has many varieties of high quality soils for your gardening needs.
• If your pond hasn’t had a clean out in a few years consider doing so or schedule with Earth Works prior to the heat of summer and potential adverse affects of bad bacteria buildup in the detritus.
• Apply pre-emergent herbicide before average temperatures reach 65-70F. products after March 1st when nitrogen is bioavailable once warm season sod breaks dormancy.
• Sharpen and sanitize lawn and garden cutting tools. Dull blades damage plants, including grass and foliage plants inviting pests and pathogens.
• Check lawn tools to ensure they’re operational. Note: if your lawnmower, edger, and weed eater are gasoline-powered, the fuel should be used up or emptied as it separates and can clog hoses and carburetors, resulting in hard-start issues and equipment failure. Be sure there are no leaks that damage your plants and harm the environment.
• Prune back Ornamental Grasses like Muhly and Fountain grasses that may have a lot of last year’s brown.
• Prepare for spring herbs and veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.
• Run through the irrigation system, testing it to ensure its working condition and thatit’s covering the lawn and beds adequately. Sprinkler heads could be broken, damaged, or covered with soil preventing them from proper operation. Lines can be broken underground. The Duval County watering restriction allowance increases from once per week to twice starting on the second Sunday in March, according to Chapter 366 of the City of Jacksonville Ordinance Code. If under drought conditions with less than two rain events per week, hand-watering isn’t restricted. Daily new landscape watering is also an allowed exception to the local ordinance.
• Clean up flower beds that may have a build-up of oak and other leaves that served as Winter mulch that can now be moved to compost piles, trash cans and bags for removal.
• Divide perennials (Like African Iris, Agapanthus, or Amaryllis). Provide your collection room for growth and share the access with friends.
• Perform essential maintenance of hardscaping (Pressure wash, stain wood structures, inspect outdoor lighting, etc.).
• as the threat of Winter frost and freezes subside.
• Prepare New Beds (Refresh with Biotone and compost)
• Plant Container-Grown Plants typically in March past the final threat of frost and freezing temperatures. Plenty of pottery choices are available at Earth Works garden center.
• Fertilize lawn and gardening beginning in March with slow release and/or liquid fertilizers available at the garden center.
• If you’ve had tree or shrub wood boring beetles issues consider treating with , which provides 12 months of protection.
• Start a Compost Pile (Anytime).
• Clean Bird Feeders and Baths, along with raking up seed hulls that have accumulated on the ground.
• When in Doubt, Mulch (Pine Bark is best!).

Stop by the Earth Works garden center if you need more information or assistance implementing any part of our Northeast Florida Spring Lawn and Garden checklist. Get a free quote for lawn service and fertilization and book a landscape design consultation today!

For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping need, contact us 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.

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.

10 Step Pond Clean-Out Process

We recommend this 10 step pond clean-out process for those who want to do it themselves rather than use our clean-out services.

Checklist of Materials for your Pond Clean-Out

-Kiddie pool (or similar, large container to hold sufficient water to accommodate fish, water lilies, etc. )

-Net to cover fish containers to prevent them from jumping out.

–Fishnet to catch the fish before the clean-out.

–Lily tabs– might as well fertilize those lilies while you’re in there.

-Two-five-gallon buckets for collecting leaves and debris.

-Wading boots or old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

-Rubber gloves.

-Twenty-five feet of 1.5 to 2-inch discharge piping.

-A high-pressure nozzle for your garden hose or a power washer.

–Beneficial Bacteria.

–Dechlorinator if you are filling your pond with city water.

–New filter mats, if needed.

Steps To Your Successful Clean-Out

1. Start Draining the Pond – An inexpensive pump or a sump pump is sufficient. Be sure you save some of the pond water to fill a container with for the fish.
2. Disconnect the Circulation System – This will allow the water in the plumbing to drain out.
3. Catch the Fish – Drain the pond down to the lowest shelf to catch fish easily and safely.
4. Remove Debris – Remove the large debris like leaves and twigs once the pond is drained.
5. Wash the Pond – A 1500 psi pressure washer or a high-pressure nozzle on a garden hose is recommended for pond cleaning.
6. Rinse the Pond – Rinse the pond from top to bottom with a garden hose without the high-pressure nozzle, as it continues to pump it out.
7. Clean the Fiters – Spray the filtration media until relatively clean and rinse down the inside of the filter units.
8. Refill the Pond – Pull the clean-out pump out and refill the pond.
9. De-Chlorinate the Water – Most city water contains chlorine and chloramine and requires treatment with a de-chlorinator before introducing fish.
10. Reintroduce the Fish – To properly acclimate your fish, you’ll want to put them in the pond as soon as the water is high enough for them to swim. Then slowly continue to add water to original levels. In extreme cold weather you may want to put fish with old pond water in a container to float in the pond allowing the water temperature to even out slowly.

For your quote to schedule your pond clean-out service and for comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping need, contact us in the Jacksonville area for landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions.

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.

New Landscape Watering Tips

Consider these tips for new landscape watering as these plant requirements vary from those already established in the lawn and garden. Even the healthiest trees, shrubs, and flowers planted in ideal circ*mstances need substantial time, care, and proper irrigation to become established in the landscape. Regular irrigation in the month after planting ensures the plants remain healthy and attractive as they establish. The time it takes for a nursery-grown tree to become established ranges from 4 to 15 months, depending on trunk size. Even a three-gallon shrub can take as long as seven months to take hold. Remember, these plants were watered daily, some twice a day in the nursery.

New Landscape Watering Guidelines for New Plants

Frequency and the amount of water are essential factors in establishing plants. A typical automatic overhead irrigation system is not sufficient. Generally, your new landscaping will need an extra consistent drip system or hand watering to ensure long-term success.

The following Guidelines Will Need To Be Adjusted For Variables:

1. One-gallon plants: Gently hand-water daily for at least two weeks (less in rainy or cool seasons), gradually tapering off to every other day, then three times a week through the first month (2-3 months in summer). Flowers will require regular watering throughout the warm season. Container plantings will need a drip system or hand watering indefinitely.
2. Three-gallon shrubs: Apply at least one gallon of water directly to the root ball every other day for the first two weeks; tapering off to twice a week for the first three months (longer if in summer or drought conditions). Use of regular overhead irrigation will be sufficient after that.
3. Larger shrubs (15 gallon+) and trees 2″-4″ diameter: Be sure the water runs long enough to soak the entire root ball. Place your hose at the base of your shrubs or trees slowly for 10-15 minutes each. Do this daily for at least one month, then every other day for the following month (2 months June-September). Continue hand watering twice a week for the next three months, then weekly until established.
4. Extra-large trees (4″+ diameter trunk): Drip or hand water daily for six weeks. Continue every other day for the next five months, then weekly until established (at least 15 months).

Reason to Water Less:

-Heavy or consistent rain.

-Damp soil conditions.

-Deep shade.

-Drought tolerant plants (still need some water to establish).

“Avoid watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m,” according to the University of Florida. “A significant amount of irrigation will be lost to evaporation when watering with overhead irrigation during the heat of the day. Check with your municipality and water management district for the latest watering restrictions.

While we strongly encourage water conservation, extra water is required to establish your new landscape successfully. If your county has watering restrictions take note of any allowances for extra watering and hand watering to establish new plants. “Exceptions under certain circ*mstances are allowed (such as using a hand-held irrigation tool, micro-irrigation systems, maintenance, and repair or watering to establish new landscaping,” according to the City of Jacksonville.

Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions. Visit us or for specific lawn, garden, and landscaping needs, contact us at 904-996-0712.

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

Organic Top Dressing Lawns Benefits

Organic top dressing lawns, although labor-intensive, provides your beautiful lawn vital ecological benefits. Top dressing lawns, simply put, is spreading a thin 1/4”-1/2” layer of organic material on the lawn. Our service aerates the soil before top dressing to reduce compaction, which allows better oxygen, water, and nutrient absorption. In a few months, the benefits become obvious.

The earliest lawns of 17th century England were owned by only a handful of nobles and the wealthy who could afford a well-kept patch of grass. Lawn ownership increased dramatically after industrialization and the invention of the lawn mower. Now you’d better have a well-maintained lawn if your community has a Home Owners Association (HOA). Organic top dressing helps keep your well-kept patch of grass healthy and beautiful while reducing the need for fertilization, pesticides, and watering.

Benefits of top dressing lawns include:
-Reduces compaction & thatch buildup.
-Reduces stress from foot traffic.
-Improves water retention.
-Replenishes organic nutrients.
-Fortifies with micronutrients.
-Reduces fertilization and irrigation needs.

“A recent field study conducted in a local development showed an average increase of soil organic matter of nearly 60% with compost topdressing,” according to the University of Florida. “Do your own “citizen science” and see if you are able to enjoy a beautiful lawn with fewer inputs this year. It’s time to top-dress your turf!“

Earth Works Lawn Care provides aeration and top dressing service within our Northeast Florida service area. We encourage homeowners to either do-it-yourself every few years or contact Earth Works Lawn Care to schedule this important service. Schedule a Lawn Care Account Manager visit to your home for a quote. And see our other lawn services and get a free quote by calling 904-996-0712.

Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions. Visit us or for specific lawn, garden, and landscaping needs, contact us at 904-996-0712.

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.

Warm Winter Weather Means More Pests Earlier

With La Nina bringing warm winter weather conditions to Northeast Florida our lawns and gardens are likely to experience more pests earlier in the season. Ants, aphids, chinch bugs, grubs, mole crickets, mosquitos, sod webworms, termites, and wood-boring beetles, may all arrive and reproduce early this year. “Warm means that insects could become active sooner,” said Eileen Buss, a University of Florida associate professor of entomology. The warmer winters essentially act as an alarm clock for plants and bugs, which spring into action, Buss said.”

There are complications though as not all pest species respond the same way to warm winter weather. “A warm winter day could cause insects to become active (e.g., woolly bear caterpillars) when they normally would be dormant,” explained Integrated Crop Management News. “Activity uses up stored fats they depend on to survive until the spring. Without access to food, these active insects could starve to death before food becomes available.” However, Iowa’s average low January temperature is in the twenties compared to Florida’s high fifties and Jacksonville high forties. Insects typically begin to enter a hibernation-like torpor state called diapause when temperatures drop into the low forties. Whereas, regional species of fleas begin to die off below 37F other species of insects produce glycerol using it as a sort of antifreeze that allows them to walk around during warm Winter weather and not die during a periodic cold snap.

Florida lawn and garden pests develop in fewer days during warm winter weather as the insect growth rate is temperature-dependent. “Every insect requires a consistent amount of heat accumulation to reach certain life stages, such as egg hatch or adult flight,” according to Utah State University. “Degree day values interpret that heat accumulation. When used to determine treatment timing, they are an important component of an Integrated Pest Management program, providing a cost effective tool to reduce insect feeding damage.”

Be vigilant in monitoring your lawn and garden plants during warm winter weather, checking the undersides of leaves, and being ready for applying preventative treatments.

Insects aren’t the only threat as fungus spore survivability improves with warm Winter weather. La Nina Winter conditions forecast less precipitation throughout the Southeast. While ensuring your lawn and landscape have adequate weekly watering, don’t overwater, which is an invitation to fungus. Be on the lookout for Brown Patch fungus in your turf prevalent when evening temperatures are below 70F. Signs of Brown Patch fungus are rings and small irregular patches of dead grass.

Learn the signs and symptoms of pests and pathogens in your landscape to reduce the risk and threats of infestations. Ensure your lawn care service is proactive in assessing and preventing these potential warm Winter weather threats with adequate treatments early. Earth Works Lawn Care division offers free quotes for Lawn and Landscape disease and pest control services.

Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions. Visit us or for specific lawn, garden, and landscaping needs, contact us at 904-996-0712.
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.

Concrete Retaining Wall Benefits

Concrete retaining wall benefits include aesthetics, affordability, durability, erosion control, and add functionality to your landscape design. Additionally retaining walls expand usable space in the landscape, form boundaries, direct traffic, and reduce maintenance.

-Aesthetics: You can’t put a price on the joy you get from a pleasant experience with friends and family on and around your well designed safe and durable seating wall or along a raised flower bed built with concrete wall block as focal points in your outdoor living space.

-Affordability: Concrete retaining wall blocks have a big impact in landscape designs at competitive prices to retaining walls constructed of other materials including wood, rock, and metal. Factors effecting cost of concrete retaining wall block projects include the design complexity, block style, overall footprint, elevation, grade, whether its stepped, the choice of base material to be used and accommodations for drainage and stability. Every project is unique and Earth Works landscape designers consult with clients onsite before collaborating with our design team and implementing the client approved design.

-Durability: Concrete wall blocks are cast concrete, gravel, sand, and cement. Studies demonstrate that hollow concrete block masonry are stronger than solid brick walls. Concrete block walls are stronger than walls made of low-density cinder block that aren’t recommended for high-load-bearing projects and prohibited by some building codes. Besides a gravel base additional retaining wall block structural supports are typically required with slopes and projects exceeding certain heights and footprints. A preferred method for additional structural support are use of alternating layers of compacted, and backfilled, soil reinforced with geogrid, a geosynthetic material sandwiched between courses and embedded in the substrate.

-Erosion control: Retaining walls by definition retain soil and prevent erosion. Earth Works provides a variety of retention wall drainage systems that could involve perforated pipe, filter fabric, and drainage stone in proximity to the project. The best drainage solutions for retaining walls also take into consideration an assessment of drainage of the entire property that can involve channel drains, French drains, and connecting downspouts.

-Functionality: Concrete retaining walls provide a variety of functional benefits to your landscape including fixing grades that can be too steep or sloping. Your concrete retaining wall as part of your walkways, pathways, raised beds, patios, and seating walls expands your usable outdoor living space. Our landscape designers look forward to sharing with you the retaining wall benefits for your project and creating a project that meets your aesthetic and functional requirements.

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.

Earth Works Employee of Month: The 2021 A-List

Congratulations to our 2021 employee of month award winners recognized at our monthly meetings scheduled on the first Thursday of each month.

January 2021 Employee of Month Patti Sanders joined the Earth Works design team this past summer and jumped right in with a great attitude and a smile. She had gone to school for landscape design but ended up in management and sales for a few major companies. She moved to Jacksonville 2 years ago and was a manager for Lowes Garden Center in Mandarin. She realized how much she missed her passion for design and sought out Earth Works. After learning the Earth Works Way, she is off to a great design future with the Earth Works team. Thanks, Patti, for doing a great job for our clients!

February 2021 Employee of Month, Matt Friend, is the Jaguar Trevor Lawrence’s new biggest fan! He also is one of our all-time most enjoyable employees to work with all day. Even on tough days, Matt ALWAYS has a smile. Every day, he shows up extra early ready for any challenge with his “can do” attitude. Since joining our team three and a half years ago, he has brought us many years of FUN with his witty commentary and excellent dancing and singing skills. Thank you, Matt, for brightening up our long days!!

March 2021 Employee of Month Jarred Taylor joined the Earth Works team 2 years ago when he did his summer internship. He was well-liked by everyone and immediately accepted by all. It didn’t take long to see that Jarred’s computer and design skills, as well as a great work ethic, would be a great asset to our team. We said at that time, “Wouldn’t it be great if Jarred came to work with us after school?”. Our wish came true and we are honored to have Jarred as our lead designer. In the few months he has been back, his organizational skills and ability to work closely with the design team has been a tremendous help to us.

April 2021 Employee of Month Christina Lowe (nickname Dee) has been easy to work with from day one. Dee started in the Garden Center and quickly picked up on everything she was asked to help out on. She learned about plants, helped cover the register and front desk, and worked with customer service helping shoppers pick out plants for their landscapes. Her flexibility and positive attitude came into play when the Landscape division needed help over at our “bluff” location as the Bluff Grounds Supervisor. Dee increased her value to the company by learning new skills, loading material for jobs, and helping keep the bluff organized. Recently, she has come back to the Garden Center in time of need and has quickly transitioned to helping us route incoming plants, cover the front desk when needed, and helping customers. She exemplifies teamwork, systems, and commitment with everyone in any department. We are grateful to have her on our team for over 3 years. Thank you Christina!

May 2021 Employee of Month Larry Yancey came to us a year ago as a lawn maintenance foreman with a great and flexible attitude. From the start, his dependability was noteworthy. You can set your clock for his timely arrival to gather his crew and be the first truck out for the day’s adventure. He is very methodical in his work and his customers love him. This past winter, Larry single-handedly ran all the maintenance customer’s extra job requests that were outside the weekly, routine dispatch schedule. His hustling work ethic helped the maintenance department achieve its’ best month ever! Thanks, Larry, for being a dedicated, skillful teammate!

June 2021 Employee of Month Erik Kalwicki came to Earth Works almost one year ago and has been very flexible and helpful in multiple departments. With his great laid back attitude, he is very patient and understanding. Erik is very consistent with his methodical and meticulous work habits. He has made improvements to the Bluff and its functional flow and keeps tabs on inventory. He helps keep the plants looking good for our installs. He also helps the maintenance department run smoothly with sharpening blades, checking oil, and cleaning air filters. He enjoys music, gardening, and long road trips but most of all he loves jelly donuts! Thank you, Erik, for being a great team player and always getting the job done!

July 2021 Employee of Month Sean Friedman has been with us for 3 years in our lawn maintenance division doing a wonderful job while never receiving nor offering complaints. His customers regularly give him raving reviews. Sean’s communication between our clients and our team is excellent. He lives our points of culture (integrity, excellence, teamwork, and fun) every day with his positive can-do attitude. While he may be a true plant nerd, he also truly cares about being a star employee, wonderful father, and husband. Thanks, Sean for being a great employee!

August 2021 Employee of Month Sean O’Toole joined us this past spring to help with our outside team but a broken foot injury just days later allowed our customers to experience his extremely warm, detail-focused customer service skills at the front desk. Rarely do customers leave the garden center without Sean knowing their names. He follows up with them to ensure our team and customer expectations are met. His connections with customers and numerous Google reviews have made Sean a valuable addition to our nursery team. He is honing his outside skills as he heals, wrangling any palms and product out back that he has not sold yet. With his fun & can-do attitude, he looks forward to assisting us with our drop-off deliveries in the next couple of weeks. This will offer our customers even more opportunities to experience Sean’s outstanding customer service. Congratulations, Sean!

September 2021 Employee of Month Tim Greer has worn many hats since arriving 3 years ago. He is a vital link between our customers and foremen. Customers love him for his exceptional customer service. The foremen know they can reach out to him for a fast response on their field issues. Most recently, he has stepped into and excelled in his role as the Bluff Manager taking on any task that needs to get done; including welding trailer parts! He lives our points of culture (teamwork, integrity, excellence, and fun 24/7 always looking out for our best interests. Thank you, Timbo, for your part in leading our landscape team to success!

October 2021 Employee of Month Jackson Harris came to the landscape department 3 years ago as an excellent team player with a great work ethic from the beginning. He will always happily do what is asked of him. He spent a few weeks covering the Bluff plant router position. Though he can be a smart aleck, he also can be very humble expressing gratitude for his Earth Works job. On work sites, he exemplifies professionalism and has become a strong member of the landscape and pond crews. He asks great questions and is always curious to learn more. Recently, Jackson has transitioned into a Landscape Foreman position. On Saturdays, you are likely to see him wandering the nursery and supporting the business. Thank you for being a steady and strong teammate, Jackson!

November 2021 Employee of Month Doug Fisher exhibits all of our points of culture arriving one and a half years ago. He was promoted to a foreman position last summer and has exceeded all expectations. We constantly get calls from his very happy customers. He does awesome work and has great attention to detail. He brings a good attitude and never complains, even when he would be right to do so. Thank you, Doug, for being a great team player always ready to help out anytime or anywhere!

December 2021 Employee of Month Adam Cooprider arrived 2-1/2 years ago as a crewman with little to no landscaping experience. Every day since he has consistently worked to improve. He shows up to work on time bringing a great attitude to every job. Recently, he has stepped up and filled in for foremen to keep jobs running for us and our customers. He is eager to take on more responsibility to help us grow. As a great team player, Adam does whatever is asked of him at any time. Thanks for all your hard work, Adam!

Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center in Jacksonville/Plant Nursery and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions.

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.

Common Paver Problems and Solutions

Paver patios, walkways, and driveways add to your property value, but be aware of common paver problems and solutions associated with poor craftsmanship.

SINKING PAVERS AND LEVELING ISSUES are common paver problems associated with poor site grading and an insufficient amount or type of aggregate base material installed to provide a stable foundation for the pavers. Popular aggregate base materials include recycled concrete (crushcrete), gravel, and geotextile materials. Choosing the correct aggregate is essential for the stability of pavers. Northeast Florida construction sites are commonly built on sand that holds water due to our being at or near sea level.
Soil composite considerations are standard for reputable hardscaping professionals. The amount of base material required to avoid sinking pavers and leveling issues can vary based on soil composition and what is found during excavation. For instance, concrete driveways are poured on top of old cracked ones. We’ve experienced circ*mstances wherein additional excavation was required, and the use of extra base was needed. Strong concrete edging helps maintain the integrity of paver stability.
Tree roots can also lift pavers. However, unlike concrete driveways and pathways cracked by tree roots, the equivalent paver driveways, patios, and walkways can be easily reset without a jackhammer and pouring additional concrete.

PLANTS AND DEBRIS BETWEEN UNSEALED PAVERS are common paver problems. Polymeric sand fills in-between the cracks and prevents anything from washing between or washing out and causing your pavers to become unlevel, said Earth Works Foreman David Arthur. The polymeric sand binds the pavers keeping out weeds and debris. Sealing pavers further protects them from damage and enhances their color.

DRAINAGE issues contribute to a variety of common paver problems, including sinking and leveling issues mentioned above, plus pooling of water resulting in mold and mildew buildup and associated slip and fall hazards. Proper drainage is essential for the longevity and safety of paver projects, so drainage considerations are an integral component of Earth Works design consultations. While drainage isn’t sexy, it’s essential for client satisfaction with their outdoor living space.

Contact us to book your hardscaping design consultation to avoid these common paver problems. We are a member of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute and refer to them for additional information.

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.

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.

Breaking Dormancy in Seeds and Bulbs

Breaking dormancy for cold-hardy seeds and bulbs requires mimicking plant germination cycles, techniques called stratification, which is accomplished by controlling temperature and moisture for a period of time. Stratification has been in practice for hundreds of years and was first described in the 1664 writings of English Horticulturist John Evelyn. Evelyn’s emphasis on the relevance of stratification had to do with efficiently growing trees to replenish timber for British Navy ships. In botanical terms, stratification is distinguished from “chilling” which is the amount of cold time fruiting plants require to blossom, also known as vernalization. Although it sounds complicated stratification is easy to do when you are equipped with the right information for each of your plant choices.

It’s important to understand that there are two types of dormancy both endo-dormancy and ecto-dormancy. Endo-dormancy is before chilling whereas in ecto-dormancy chilling has already occurred and the plant is ready to begin growing once the temperature rises sufficiently. “As the plant enters endo-dormancy, it tracks chilling units to track the passage of the winter. Chilling units are hours of time spent above freezing,” according to Michigan State University. “As long as the plants are in endo-dormancy they have the ability to acclimate to colder temperatures and withstand winter cold. After chilling is completed the plants are no longer in endo-dormancy. They are now in eco-dormancy. The plants are dormant only because of cold or cool weather. Warmer temperatures into the mid-40s will cause them to begin growth. Once the plants start to grow, they lose the ability to readjust to colder temperatures. There is usually a slow progression of development when the plant begins to grow as the temperatures slowly rise.”

Most Northeast Florida native and tropical plants germinate in warmth, but the cold-hardy varieties with thick seed coatings often require a set period of cold temperature and moisture to soften the shell and break dormancy. “Having such a tough shell ensures that germination occurs only when conditions are right,” according to The Guardian. “Weather fluctuates; you don’t want your seed jumping into germination just because autumn has a few cold nights and then a warm one. It’s not spring yet and those cold nights did not represent winter. So time and temperature are the keys necessary to unlock germination for many seeds.”

Considering breaking dormancy requirements are specific for each species follow the seed and bulb package stratification recommendations for time, temperature, and planting media. Additionally, if chilling in the refrigerator is deemed appropriate, ensure that the temperature, packaging material, and germination media are also appropriate. Stratification in the refrigerator is typically better done in paper than plastic, which improves air circulation and reduces threats from pathogens. While some plants germinate best wrapped in a damp paper towel in the back of the refrigerator others do just fine in a pot of soil outside. Do your research.

Seeds that require cold stratification include Anise Hyssop, Asparagus, Milkweed, Baby’s breath, Black-eyed Susan, Butterfly bush, Caper, Chinese Lanterns, Columbine, Coneflower, Delphinium, Echinacea, Geranium, Lavender, Lobelia, Oregano, Poppies, St. Johns Wort, Sunflower, Violet, and Yarrow. Although Earth Works typically offers seedlings of many of these varieties of plants when they produce seeds stratification is required for germination.

Tulips grown from bulbs in Florida require cold stratification to break dormancy, as do daffodils and hyacinths. “To grow tulips successfully, the bulbs need cold treatment, but not moist stratification or storage in a damp soil medium,” according to SFGATE.com. “Although tulips prefer a moist planting site, the bulbs are mainly responding to the cold temperatures rather than water availability.” A few of the bulbs that don’t require chilling for Florida gardens include Anemone, Allium, Caladium, Crinum lily, Gladiolus, Oxalis, and Turks Cap.

By learning to mimick plant germination cycles successfully and breaking dormancy techniques you will significantly increase the varieties of plants you can successfully grow and enjoy year after year in your lawn and garden.

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.

For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping needs, contact us at 904-996-0712.
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.