Water

Topiaries require daily watering in Spring, Summer and Fall months in Florida, and a minimum of 3-4 times per week in the Winter months. Improper watering will result in browning of leaves and die-back of branches. We encourage customers to re-pot topiaries into larger containers, using moisture control soil mixtures, in order to reduce potential damage from lack of water.

Sun

Topiaries are for outdoor use only, preferring full to partial sun, and requiring a minimum of 4-5 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plants will defoliate if brought inside or planted in the shade

Temperatures

Eugenia topiaries are recommended for Zones 9-11.
As a general rule, topiaries should be sheltered or covered when temperatures are expected to drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit

Fertilization

Fertilize at least three to four times a year with a complete formula, e.g. 13-13-13 or 18-6-8. Keep in mind that different fertilizers may be more soluble, or “hotter” than others, potentially damaging roots. Always test new fertilizers by initially applying lower rates in order to determine the plant’s tolerance to the brand of fertilizer used.

Spacing

Please ensure proper spacing for the plant in the landscape. Proper spacing should allow for sufficient light and air flow around plants. Leaves should not touch other plants or objects. Improper spacing may cause disease and leaf drop either due to insufficient light or due to leaves remaining...

Creating a groundskeeping plan that is in line with the resort’s budget and enhanc- es the beauty of the property is a daunting task. What are some factors boards need to consider?

For a small property with little green space, maintaining the grounds
with an on-site resort staff can make sense, as is the case with Schooner II Beach and Racquet Club in Myrtle Beach. Will Potter, Regional Vice President of SPM Resorts, explains, “The board made the decision
to have resort staff manage the landscaping because the amount of space is manageable, and it is more cost effective to maintain it on a daily basis than it would be to spend the money with a landscaping company.”

However, for properties with larger common areas, opting to outsource is often more cost effective. Setting up a
quality, in-house groundskeeping operation from scratch is expensive. Storing equipment, from rakes and shovels to mowers, trimmers and blowers requires a lot of space, and creating safe storage for combustibles is important. Professional landscaping companies invest in the equipment, employees, and storage neces- sary to manage resorts’ grounds.

Jeff Lessey, Regional Vice President of SPM Resorts, quips, “For a medium or large property, your household ride-on lawn mower and weed eater just won’t cut it.” He continues, “Anyone can push a lawn mower, but will they know what to do with the bald patch that shows up in the middle of the courtyard,...

Connie Emmerson, President/Owner

Connie Emmerson is the president/owner of Royal Landscape Nursery, a beautiful landscape nursery owned and operated by the Emmerson family. The business is open to the public ( retail and wholesale). Items available for delivery include shrubs, trees, sod and much more. At Royal Landscape Nursery, personal attention is given to all customers, and landscape advice is offered for free.

Operating hours

Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m-3 p.m.

Turfgrass in the South may be harder to comeby in the spring and summer of 2015. Renouned professor and extension specialist Dr. Grady Miller of North Carolina State University attributes reduced acreages during the economic downturn and increasing construction demand as likely explanations of the 2015 shortfall in acres. Expect for prices to be higher this year and you should plan your budgeting and pricing accordingly.

This years event was a blast! Thanks to all of the great people that came out to support and have a good time.

Floridians are fortunate to live in a tem- perate climate where plants and trees thrive year-round. Homeowners can enjoy beauti- ful outdoor surroundings that also translate into increased property values.

Early spring is the best time to consider a new landscape, as the threat of frost is a memory, and the blazing heat of the sun is still a few months away.

Some people may choose blooming plants to add splashes of color, or shrubbery and trees to provide shade and privacy. Others look to extend their outdoor living spaces by enhancing pool areas with pavers and water features. Whatever the scope of the project, Royal Landscape & Maintenance Inc. can coordinate services from design to installation.

Customers are invited to stroll the 19-acre nursery, located in Gotha, and make their selections.

“We tag each plant so they know exactly what is going in their yard,” said Steve Emmerson, who has co-owned and -operated Royal Landscape & Maintenance with his wife, Connie, for 15 years.

Complementing Steve’s more than 28 years of landscape experience is a full staff of professionals who can educate custom- ers about a variety of plants from proper placement to watering requirements.

Customers facing issues with existing landscape can turn to Royal Landscape professionals for advice. Homeowners can either bring in a clipping of a troubled plant or opt to have Royal Landscape personnel come to their homes.

“We...