Choosing the Right Fire Pit: Comparing Gas and Wood-Burning Options

Fire Pit Glass

Fire Pit Logs

Fire Pit Rocks

Cons:

1. Fuel Dependency and Cost: They require a continuous supply of propane or natural gas, which can be a recurring expense. Also, in areas where gas is expensive or hard to come by, this can be a significant drawback.
2. Installation and Safety Considerations: Professional installation is often necessary, especially for natural gas models. Gas fire pits also require careful handling to prevent gas leaks and other hazards.
3. Less Authentic Experience: Some may find that gas fire pits lack the traditional and authentic experience of a wood fire, including the sound of crackling wood and the smell of burning logs.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

Pros:

1. Traditional Ambiance: The crackling sound, the smell of burning wood, and the dance of real flames offer a traditional and authentic experience that many find appealing.
2. Heat Output: Wood fires typically generate more heat than gas fires, making them ideal for colder environments.
3. Availability of Fuel: Wood is readily available in many areas and can be less expensive than gas, especially if you have access to free wood.

Cons:

1. Preparation and Effort: Starting a wood fire requires more effort, including gathering, storing, and preparing wood. It also takes time to ignite and get going.
2. Maintenance and Cleaning: Wood fires produce ash and embers that need regular cleaning. Over time, this can be a significant maintenance chore.
3. Smoke and Emissions: They produce smoke, which can be bothersome for some people and is less environmentally friendly due to the emissions.
4. Safety Concerns: There's a higher risk of sparks and embers escaping, which can be a fire hazard, especially in dry conditions or areas close to foliage.

In conclusion, the choice between a gas and wood-burning fire pit largely depends on personal preferences and practical considerations like maintenance, cost, and environmental impact. Gas fire pits win in convenience and cleanliness while wood-burning fire pits offer a more traditional, sensory-rich experience.

LANDSCAPE PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Earthworks: Reimagining Outdoor Spaces

in Northeast Florida

Try this cool-weather colorful lineup in your window boxes and trough planters.

 This box of blooms is a symphony of cool-weather flowers arranged to captivate and charm. In this design, we pair the towering elegance of snapdragons as the 'thriller', with the vibrant and versatile nemesia as the 'filler', and the cascading beauty of petunias to 'spill' over the edges. The centerpiece of this arrangement is the striking flowering kale, adding a unique and bold touch. Perfectly suited for Jacksonville's climate, these plants promise to maintain their allure throughout the season, seamlessly transitioning into the early summer. This arrangement is not just a feast for the eyes and nose but a testament to the enduring beauty of cool-weather florals.

1. Flowering kale, known for its vibrant ruffled foliage in shades of pink, purple, and red, is a striking yet simple-to-cultivate choice for pots and garden plots. They flourish in cooler climates and remain resilient against mild frost, maintaining their beauty in winter in warmer regions.
2. Nemesia offers a spectrum of colors for vibrant cool-season gardens. Ideal for adding a subtle, pleasant scent, position these plants near seating areas to enhance the sensory experience. It can last through summer with partial shade.
3. Snapdragon's vertical presence and palette of dazzling colors make for perfect thrillers in containers and flower beds alike. Plant them now to enjoy them from winter into the early summer!
4. Cascadias™ Indian Summer Petunias boasts a medley of warm hues like yellow, orange, pink, and terra cotta in softly ruffled, velvety flowers. These resilient petunias are perfect for trailing from containers or as vibrant groundcovers, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies with their sweet nectar.

LAWN MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR NOVEMBER

More Cool Weather Lawn Care Tips

Caring for your lawn in North Florida during the fall and winter requires a different approach than in the spring and summer. As the weather cools, your lawn's needs change, and so should your lawn care routine. Last month (Oct. Newsletter), we covered weed control and fertilization. Here are some additional tips to keep your lawn healthy and attractive through the colder months:

• Mowing and Watering Adjustments: In the fall, gradually lower the height of your mower to reduce the grass length. This helps prevent the grass from matting under fallen leaves and snow, reducing the risk of snow mold. However, avoid cutting it too short as it can stress the grass. As for watering, reduce the frequency as the weather cools since your lawn requires less water in cooler temperatures.
• Raking and Leaf Removal: Regularly rake or use a leaf blower to remove fallen leaves. Leaves can smother your grass, blocking light and air, leading to fungal diseases. You can mulch the leaves with your mower and leave them on the lawn to act as a natural fertilizer.
• Aeration: Aerating your lawn in early fall helps improve soil drainage and encourages worms, microfauna, and microflora, which benefit the health of your grass. Aeration involves making small holes in the lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass root.
• Preparing for Frost: In North Florida, frost can be an issue. Water your lawn in the evening when a frost is expected. The water helps insulate the grass blades from the cold. Also, avoid walking on frosty grass as it can damage the blades.
• Pest Control: Watch for pests that can be more active in cooler weather, like grubs. Please treat any infestations as soon as possible to prevent damage to your lawn.
• Equipment Maintenance: Fall is a good time to service your lawn mower and other gardening equipment. Clean, sharpen, and oil your tools, and make any necessary repairs so they're ready for spring.

By following these tips, your North Florida lawn can remain healthy and attractive throughout the fall and winter, setting the stage for a beautiful yard when spring arrives.

It's Time to Reset Your Irrigation Clocks!

POND CARE TIPS FOR NOVEMBER

Fun Facts You Might Not Know About Koi

Aquascape Inc., October 6, 2023 Fish, Water Gardening Blog

From their ancient origins in East Asia to their symbolic significance in various cultures, koi have carved a unique place in the world of aquatic life. While some say they’re high maintenance, quite the opposite is true. Koi are rather hardy, which is part of the reason why they’re the most common fish in backyard ponds around the world. Their amazing colors and patterns are the predominant reason for their popularity. Let’s dive into their world and learn a few fun facts about koi that you might not know.

Size

Koi can reach a maximum size of 40 inches, with anything over 28 inches considered jumbo. Depending on the size of their habitat and how aggressively they eat, the jumbo size can be reached in a matter of four to five years! Koi can, and will, outgrow smaller water gardens, so keep this in mind when adding koi to your pond.

Temperature

Koi can generally survive in water temperatures from 35 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (and possibly higher). Surprising to some people, koi can be overwintered in a pond provided the pond is at least two feet deep and a hole is kept open in the ice for the exchange of gases. Baby koi might not make it through winter due to their lack of constitution. In Japan, quality baby fish are taken into heated greenhouses for winter.

Diet

Koi will accept almost any commercial food as well as graze on algae and other plant matter. They also enjoy a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as night crawlers, silkworm larvae, and various insects.

Here are a few more fun facts about koi that might surprise you:

• The largest koi ever recorded was 91 pounds and four feet long.
• Some koi outlive their owners, although most live to 30 or 40 years of age.
• The oldest koi was named Hanoko and lived to be 226 years old!
• A black koi is said to bring good luck.
• Koi are very smart and will recognize the person who feeds them.
• You can train koi to eat out of your hand if you’re patient.
• Koi are prone to sunburn so it’s important to shade the surface of the pond with plants like waterlilies, water lettuce, and water hyacinth.
• Female koi are more playful than their male counterparts.
• Koi have teeth located at the back of their throat.
• Although koi are popular in Japan, they originated in China around the fourth century.

IN THE COMMUNITY

It's that Giving Time of Year!

From Our Roots to Yours

Our garden is more than just plants—it's a thriving community. This season, let's celebrate the true spirit of giving. Your purchase not only brings beauty to your home but also helps bloom smiles in the lives of those who need it most.

With every gift card, you're directly supporting the incredible children and families of Sanctuary on 8th Street. Your generosity helps cultivate a future filled with hope, education, and joy.

Purchase any gift card now through the end of the year and DOUBLE your giving!

We are donating 20% of all gift card proceeds to The Sanctuary on 8th Street Learn more about the wonderful work of the Sanctuary @ sanctuaryon8th.org

For traditional gift cards, stop by the Garden Center or call 996-0712.

We will happily mail it to you or your recipient as well.

Earth Works Gardens | earthworksjax.com |996-0712 | 12501 Beach Blvd.