Here are a few options:

Pond: A traditional pond is one of the most common types of water gardens. It can range in size and can accommodate a variety of aquatic plants and fish. Ponds can be customized with rocks, waterfalls, and other decorative elements. Koi ponds are popular and typically are either dug out to have a natural dirt, clay, or liner bottom although some also have decorative rock. Koi ponds typically require a greater amount of mechanical filtration and aeration based on their mode of construction and fish load. Visit the Jacksonville Zoo‘s large koi pond to see one upclose as it’s been pleasing audiences since 2007.

Container water garden: If you have limited space, a container water garden is a great choice. It involves using containers like barrels or pots as miniature ponds. There are numerous manufacturers of preformed container water gardens that can be found at big box store garden centers and online from companies such as Aquascape Inc. Container gardens can be placed on a patio, balcony, or indoors on a countertop and can house water plants and small aquatic creatures.

Bog garden: A bog garden is designed to replicate the conditions found in wetland areas. It typically consists of a shallow, slow-moving, water-filled area with a mix of aquatic plants, fish and other wildlife. Considering bogs can naturally filter water they can be incorporated into pond systems to reduce reliance on mechanical filtration.

Pondless waterfall: A pondless waterfall is a water feature that offers the sounds and beauty of a waterfall without the need for a pond. The water is recirculated through an underground reservoir, making it a low-maintenance option. There are many types of pondless waterfall systems that can be built in a landscape for example Aquascape Inc stacked slate walls, spheres, and urns that are available in small, medium, and large configurations. These provide the soothing sound of water without the upkeep of a
pond. As the water is stored in an underground basin they can be turned off when you are planning to be away from home for an extended period of time. Besides using occasional algaecide treatment and periodic pump replacements pondless waterfalls are maintenance free.

Rain garden: A rain garden is a functional and attractive solution for managing stormwater runoff. It involves creating a depression in the landscape where rainwater can collect and be absorbed by plants. “They work best when they’re placed at the bottom of downspouts or naturally low spots in the landscape, usually where water tends to puddle,” acccording to the University of Florida Gardening Solutions. “Rain gardens can be any size or shape and can attract thirsty wildlife.” Rain gardens can prevent erosion, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for beneficial insects and birds. In Jacksonville you can see examples of these at the Jacksonville Arboretum.

Remember to consider factors like available space, sunlight exposure, and maintenance requirements when selecting a water garden for your residential landscape. It’s also important to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits for constructing or modifying water features.

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

The post Water Gardens for Residential Landscapes appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping - Jacksonville FL.

Step 1: Secure Loose Items
The strong winds associated with hurricanes can quickly turn unsecured items into dangerous projectiles. Secure or store outdoor furniture, toys, gardening tools, and other loose items the wind could pick up.

Step 2: Trim Trees and Shrubs
Regularly maintaining and trimming your trees can prevent damage caused by broken branches during a hurricane. Also, consider removing dead or dying trees that could fall on your home or property.

Step 3: Clean Gutters and Drains
Ensure gutters and storm drains are clear of debris and in proper working condition to allow water to flow freely and reduce the risk of flooding. If your landscape does not typically drain properly, contact a qualified company to provide all-season drainage solutions. Click HERE to learn more about Rockaway Drainage & Stormwater Solutions.

Step 4: Consider Flood Resistant Landscaping
Using flood-resistant plants and proper grading techniques can help prevent soil erosion and reduce the impact of flooding. “The role of plants in proper stormwater management is receiving more attention than ever before,” according to Turf Magazine. “Engineering and landscape design are becoming powerful partners in creating effective drainage that also fights pollution of our waterways.” Adding gravel is also suitable for erosion control around downspouts, pools, and driveways.

Step 5: Inspect Fencing
Inspect and repair weak areas of your fencing. Strong winds can knock down flimsy fences, creating more debris and potential damage. A strong fence can also protect from debris blowing into your landscape.

Step 6: Plan for Debris
Know your community’s trash pickup schedule and regulations for yard waste disposal. After a hurricane, cleaning up yard debris promptly is essential to prevent further damage. Click HERE for the normal City of Jacksonville residential waste collection days. Click HERE for information on St. Johns County residential waste collection days.

Remember, preparing your landscape for hurricane season is an ongoing task. Regular landscape maintenance goes a long way toward minimizing potential damage. Stay safe and stay prepared this hurricane season.

Additional Resources: 
-The City of Jacksonville’s Preparedness Guide is available at JaxReady
-Jacksonville Beach Disaster Preparation Kits
-City of Atlantic Beach Emergency Preparedness
–Beaches Watch Hurricane Preparedness Presented by: Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Neptune Beach Emergency Management officials
-St. Johns County Hurricane Preparedness Guide
-St. Johns County Department of Emergency Management
-Also, consider our Landscape Hurricane Preparedness Article
We wish you well through hurricane season!

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

The post Preparing Your Landscape for Hurricane Season appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping - Jacksonville FL.

”When we design a landscape, we are thinking of long term not just in a year, two years, or three years from now, we’re thinking 5, 10, 15 years down the road,” Fuch said. What is this landscape going to look like? It might look great now, but without the proper maintenance and care things can get out of hand really quickly. From a maintenance standpoint, some plants work better than others.” It is important to work with a design team with a strong understanding of the suitability of plants for your landscape design. ”Some site conditions to keep in mind when selecting landscape plants include: light availability, intensity and duration (full sun to deep shade) water availability, both quantity and quality. exposure to wind and temperature extremes,” according to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. ”Choosing the “”right plant for the right place”” is an important consideration for all types of landscaping. Ignoring this guideline may lead to increased maintenance, a failure of plants to thrive, and sometimes the death of installed plant material.”

At Rockaway, we work with clients with different tastes in plant material, providing plans that range from xeriscaped to lush tropical designs. ‘Do they want a landscape that’s a little bit higher maintenance and has more detail to it, or do they want something that’s a little bit more simple, more wavy naturalized? Fuch asked. ”We can do either of those depending on what you as the individual want.” The expertise and experience of our landscape architect and design team are here to serve you.

”Landscape designers work on a canvas that is distinctly different from other art forms,” according to the University of Florida. ”The “”art”” is always changing as the plants grow, environmental conditions change, and people use the space. For this reason, landscape designers use a design process that systematically considers all aspects of the land, the environment, the growing plants, and the needs of the user to ensure a visually pleasing, functional, and ecologically healthy design.”

At Rockaway, we are committed to responsive and convenient expertise tailored to your needs. ”As a salesperson at Rockaway, we want to do what we can to make to make you happy, whether it be finding the materials that we may need to ship out from somewhere like California or making that extra call just to make sure that you understand what we are doing and just to make sure that you feel comfortable before we move on to the next steps,” Fuchs said. ”We want you to feel comfortable. This is a huge investment not only for you as a person, but for the community, and we want to make sure that we do everything that we can to hit that bar. And we always want to hit that bar here.”

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

The post Providing Sustainable Landscape Design in Northeast Florida appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping - Jacksonville FL.

Watering

As of 2018, the SJRWM District, Duval County, St. John’s County and the Beaches Municipalities allow you to water your new landscape with an irrigation system every day for 30 days, and then every other day for the next 30 days as long as you do so between 4:00PM and 10:00AM. Hand watering and low volume watering (such as drip, micro-irrigation and soaker hoses) are permitted at any time. Watering is best done in the morning to avoid fungal problems.

In general, most plants need to be watered every day for 2-4 weeks after planting. A good general post-planting watering schedule is as follows: week 1 and 2 every day, week 3 and 4 every other day, week 5 and 6 every third day, then 2 times per week or what is allowed by law.Fall/Winter plantings usually don’t require as much water as summer plantings and can receive water in weeks 1 and 2 every other day, weeks 3 and 4 every third day, weeks 5 and 6 twice weekly then once weekly or what is allowed by law.

If you are going to rely on irrigation systems, please make sure all plants are receiving adequate coverage. The spray/pop-up zones should be set for at least 15-25 minutes per cycle and rotor zones should be set for 45-60 minutes. These are guidelines. Both duration and frequency of watering depend on site specifics such as sun and wind exposure, current rainfall, weather patterns and whether the site is naturally wet or dry. We will be happy to help you determine adjustments. We also suggest that even those who rely on irrigation for most of their watering needs should try to hand water new plantings at least once or twice a week for the first month. This ensures that you will notice any decline, water deficiencies or stresses in the plant material before it is too late.

Staking 

Large trees and shrubs (15 gal and over) should be given water by hand supplemental to the irrigation system. A good rule of thumb is to give the plant the amount of water equivalent to approximately half the pot size (i.e. 5-7 gal for a 15 gal tree). The need for this watering can also be met by installing a bubbler on individual trees, which can be done by Rockaway at your request for an additional charge.

If your plants/trees required support, Rockaway installed it at the time of planting. Most trees should remain staked for at least 6 months, depending on their size, rate of growth and the current season. Your Rockaway designer or installers will provide you with information regarding proper timing of removal, which is usually within 1 year.

Feeding

In general most plants benefit from regular applications of plant food. Feb/March, May and September are great months to feed most plants. Others require specific types of food in certain seasons or at regular intervals. For instance, citrus should be fed with citrus food at least four times a year between March and October, depending on the age of the tree. Azaleas, camellias and gardenias also benefit from specific foods with high acid content usually during the growing season. Rockaway uses compost and/or planting mix and organic fertilizer when planting. No additional fertilization should be needed within the first month. Roses are the only exception to this rule and will benefit from a liquid fertilization about two weeks after installation. We have separate care handouts for both citrus and roses

Pruning

Most new plantings should not be pruned for at least one month after planting. Any exceptions to this will be discussed with you by your Rockaway designer or installer.

Cold Tolerance 

Rockaway tries to utilize only cold hardy plants in our installations. Sometimes to achieve the desired effect or due to client request, tropical or half-hardy plants are used. These plants, such as crotons, hibiscus, and Ti plants, benefit from the application of frost cloth or blankets when the temperature is forecast to drop below 32 degrees for more than 4 hours. Young citrus trees also benefit from being covered during a freeze. Some plants, although hardy, do tend to get brown leaves after a frost. Commonly used plants that will die back and return after a hard freeze are variegated flax lily and variegated ginger. These plants should be trimmed back only after the last chance of frost has passed. If cut back too early, the plant can be stimulated to grow during one of our winter’s frequent mild spells, only to be hit by frost again—which can lead to death of the plant.

Gardening success depends on many factors and problems can arise unique to your situation. Guidelines can be open to interpretation. If you need additional information or assistance, please contact us at 904-853-6572 and we would be happy to help.

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

The post Landscape Maintenance Tips After New Installation appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping - Jacksonville FL.

1. Create Comfortable Seating Areas

The first step in creating a resort-like atmosphere is ensuring your outdoor space is as comfortable as your indoor living room. Invest in high-quality, weather-resistant furniture that invites lounging. Consider sectionals, daybeds, or hammocks, and don’t forget to add plenty of plush pillows for added comfort.

2. Make It Personal

One of the benefits of creating your own backyard oasis is the ability to customize it to your personal tastes. Love the beach? Incorporate coastal elements like seashells or a sand pit. Prefer the tranquility of the woods? Opt for rustic decor and lush foliage. The goal is to create a space that reflects your ideal vacation destination.

3. Add Water Features

Nothing says luxury resort quite like the soothing sounds of flowing water. Whether it’s a full-sized pool, a hot tub, or a tranquil garden fountain, water features add an element of serenity and luxury to your backyard.

4. Set the Mood with Lighting

Lighting is a crucial element in setting the ambiance. Soft, ambient lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere after the sun sets. String lights, lanterns, landscape lighting or solar-powered path lights can transform your backyard into an enchanting nighttime escape.

5. Designate a Dining Space

What’s a vacation without indulging in delicious meals? Create a designated outdoor dining area with a barbecue grill or even an outdoor pizza oven. For the full resort experience, consider a bar setup where you can mix your favorite vacation cocktails.

6. Lush Landscaping

The right plants can transport you to a different world. Choose plants that evoke your favorite vacation spots. Tropical plants like palms or hibiscus can give your backyard a Caribbean feel, while cacti and succulents can lend a southwestern vibe.

7. Don’t Forget Entertainment

Resorts are all about entertainment. Consider installing outdoor speakers for music, a screen for outdoor movie nights, or a space for lawn games.

8. Prioritize Privacy

Ensure your backyard paradise offers the same privacy as a secluded resort. Strategically placed fences, trellises, and vegetation can create a sense of seclusion.

A backyard transformation may take a bit of effort, but the end result—a personal, year-round resort— is well worth it and Rockaway is here to help! Remember, your backyard should be an extension of your home and a reflection of your personal style. With a bit of planning and creativity, every day can feel like a vacation!

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

Contact Rockaway Today For Your Landscape Design Consultation

The post Staycation Style: Creating a Resort-Like Atmosphere in Your Backyard appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping - Jacksonville FL.

Imagine your perfect Florida landscape – lush greenery, vibrant flowers, a tropical oasis. But keeping it that way can feel like a constant battle with the hose, right? Guesswork and overwatering can leave your plants parched or drown them completely.

That’s where Rockaway Landscaping steps in. Our designer, Zach Fuchs, believes healthy landscapes shouldn’t come at the expense of precious water. Our team designs and installs sustainable irrigation systems that deliver the perfect amount of moisture, whether you have a brand new lawn or established gardens.

Think “smart watering,” not “constant soaking.” Rockaway utilizes advanced irrigation systems, like drip technology, that target the root zone directly. This saves water, keeps your plants thriving, and helps avoid drainage issues common in Florida.

Stop wasting water and watch your landscape flourish!

In this video, the importance of various sustainable irrigation systems for new and existing landscapes is discussed by Rockaway Landscape Designer Zach Fuchs.

Regardless of your residential or commercial landscape irrigation needs, contact Rockaway to schedule a design consultation.

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential sustainable landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

The post Importance of Lawn and Landscaping Irrigation appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping - Jacksonville FL.

These 5 coastal planting considerations are not provided in any particular order, and additional factors should be considered beyond this list. Rockaway provides full-service design and installation for both residential and commercial landscaping and outdoor living clients. Schedule a consultation with our team for your residential or commercial property by sending a message online or by calling to speak with one of our Outdoor Living Experts at (904) 853-6572.

Request A Consultation

1. Cold Hardiness

Make sure the plants on your design plan can survive the minimum temperatures associated with the USDA Hardiness zone that you plan to landscape. Jacksonville is a large city encompassing 840 square miles with areas that encompass both USDA Hardiness Zones 8b and 9a. Our coastal region is 9b and warmer than inland areas. There are microclimates throughout the region that should also be considered when making your plant selection. Plus, planting on the north-facing sides of structures will be exposed to lower temperatures during the Winter months than those on protection from wind and cold on the Southside of structures.

2. Salt Tolerance

Be sure that your choice of plants for coastal landscaping can withstand the effects of salt air blowing off the ocean that then accumulates in the soil and is taken in via the roots system, which then accumulates in plant tissue and dries the plant out from the inside out causing wilt and yellowing of leaves.

3. Soil Conditions

Coastal communities are generally understood to have sandy soil. However, some coastal regions near rivers and estuaries tend to be more of a loamy mix of sand, silt, and clay. Soil chemistry and soil biology are essential considerations when planning a garden. Know what soil amendments are best for your plants and when to apply being considerate of the impact on the coastal environment as well. Soil testing is available for free in Northeast Florida at the University of Florida County Extension office.

4. Light Conditions

Will you be planting in full sun, partial sun, or indirect light? Too much or too little light can cause stress in plants reducing your success rate and the sustainability of your landscape.

5. Plant Preferences

We work with a variety of residential and commercial clients providing for their taste in types of plants and landscape design. Here at the Beaches Town Center along our Atlantic coastline, we have crinum lilies, oleander, coontie palms, birds of paradise, bougainvillea, muhly and fakahatchee grass, and many other varieties of plants that do well here. If you are having difficulty figuring out what will work in your coastal landscape and need professional advice, contact us at Rockaway and we will work with you to develop your plan and installation.

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.s.

The post Florida Plants – 5 Coastal Planting Considerations appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping - Jacksonville FL.

Landscape Designer – David Holloway
Landscape Foreman – Josh Markowski

Rockaway Inc proudly serves clients throughout Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, and Fernandina Beach.

Count on Rockaway Inc for all your landscape architecture and design needs, including walls, pavers, driveways, walkways, patios, water features, ponds, landscape maintenance, irrigation, drainage, outdoor lighting and audio, lawn and shrub fertilization, pest, and weed control. Furthermore, contact Rockaway Inc for all your custom outdoor living carpentry needs, including decks, pergolas, fences, pool houses, and outdoor kitchens.

The post Ponte Vedra Beach Residential Landscaping appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping - Jacksonville FL.

Residential Install completed in Ponte Vedra Beach!

Landscape Designer – David Holloway
Landscape Foreman – Dan Messer

The post Ponte Vedra Beach Residential Landscaping appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping - Jacksonville FL.