GARDENING TIPS TO MAKE HOME YOUR HAPPY PLACE
The History of Arbor Day
As pioneers began moving into the Nebraska Territory, the lack of trees was felt deeply. Not only did the new residents miss the trees they left behind, but they were also left without the trees they needed as windbreaks to keep soil in place, for fuel and building materials, and for shade from the hot sun.

Nebraska newspaper editor — and resident of Nebraska City, NE — J. Sterling Morton had an enthusiasm for trees and advocated strongly for individuals and civic groups to plant them. Once he became secretary of the Nebraska Territory, he further spread his message of the value of trees. And on January 4, 1872, Morton first proposed a tree-planting holiday to be called “Arbor Day” at a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture.

The celebration date was set for April 10, 1872. Prizes were offered to counties and individuals for the largest number of properly planted trees on that day. It was estimated that more than 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day.
article provided by Arborday.org
Tree Facts
What can a tree do for you?
We all are aware that trees are essential to cleaning our air and producing oxygen. But there is so much more a tree can do for our world and communities.
Photo by veeterzy on Unsplash
Trees help clean our air.
Trees contribute to our health.
Trees provide us with oxygen.
Trees help clean our drinking water.
Trees provide much-needed cooling.
Trees help reduce the effects
of climate change.
Trees help us save energy.
Trees benefit wildlife.
Trees help reduce crime.
Trees are a good investment of our public dollars
Trees increase our property values.
For the detailed facts check this out
article provided by Arborday.org
Be sure to check out the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
to experience the natural beauty of Florida's trees.
Selecting Koi: Pet Quality vs. Show Quality
Koi people tend to fall into two categories – those that love keeping them as pets in their pond, and those that collect them like a prized car that’s only driven on Sundays. When you stop and think about it, there are quite a few analogies that can be made between koi and cars.
The Minivan:
The minivan represents the attractive, domestic koi of good quality. It’s a healthy fish that has been spared a long trip from overseas. The bloodlines of most domestic fish are short, and the classic ancestral stock is not long ago. So the fish are tough. But with a lack of refinement comes a less refined look. Domestic, durable koi of average to good quality make wonderful, sturdy pets and are an enjoyable addition to your pond.

article provided by Aquascapeinc.com
LANDSCAPE PROJECT OF THE MONTH
A Beautiful Pond for Some Lucky Ducks
This amazing project overcame a very rainy start. Be sure to watch till the end you won't believe how this muddy backyard became a Peking Duck (and people) Paradise!
Lawn Maintenance Tips January

IS MY PLANT DEAD?
If your plant looks like this after a freeze—
MAYBE NOT.
January and February are the coldest months in NE Florida and plants can be damaged by low temperatures. But with your help,
cold-damaged plants can often recover.

AFTER A FREEZE:

DO WATER
Watering around the injured plants can help defrost the soil and provide your plants with needed moisture. Even injured plants need water.

DO NOT FERTILIZE
This could encourage new growth before cold weather has gone. It's best to wait until spring to begin fertilizer application.
Once the danger of frost has passed,
an application of fertilizer can help speed recovery.

DO NOT PRUNE BACK, YET. 
The dead foliage looks bad but will help insulate plants from further injury. In the spring, assess the extent of the damage by scraping the bark with your fingernail. Cold-injured wood will be black or brown under the bark. To be certain where to prune, you may wait until plants begin
to sprout new growth.
Sanctuary Donation
Our Twice the Giving Campaign was a Success!
Thank you, Jacksonville your giving
spirit made this possible.
This week, Earth Works was so pleased and proud to award a check for $2000 to the Sanctuary on 8th Street.
From the start of our campaign through the holidays our wonderful customers purchased nearly $8000 worth of gift cards.
We know this donation will go to good use helping the families of Springfield the
Sanctuary serves.
*Sale good thru 1/24/2021. Not valid on previous purchases, EW landscape job materials, or in combination with any other offers.
We would like to thank you all for your continued support!
Earth Works Gardens | earthworksjax.com |996-0712 | 12501 Beach Blvd.