What's Your Mountain Moment?
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Gardening
Life Lived Outside
The Kerby's Nursery E-Newsletter
January 20, 2022
Growing Camellias  |   New Arrivals   |   Spring Events  |   Come Work at Kerby's
What's Your Mountain Moment?
by Joey Bokor
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If you've ever hiked in the backcountry to a destination like a waterfall or the summit of a mountain, then you know what a Mountain Moment is. It's the feeling of completion, of success and accomplishment that come from all the work you just put into something. It's standing at the top of a peak and looking down at the wilderness below you and knowing that you have conquered something amazing.

The thing is, to have a Mountain Moment, you don't even need a mountain (though I happen to be partial to standing on top of the world). You just need a goal. Not a to-do list, but a lifelong goal that when you accomplish it, you know it is one of the high points in your life.

I recently had one of these moments and to make it even better, I get to share it with you. Since I was three years old, I've played the violin. I started playing using the Suzuki method, subjecting my parents to years of scratchy Twinkle-Twinkle Little Stars before I made my way into more melodious songs. A feature piece in the Suzuki method is the Bach Double Violin Concerto. It comes about midway through the ten books that comprise the method and is a really fun duet that all Suzuki students look forward to playing. I have known since the day that Abby was born that one of my Mountain Moments was playing this duet with her, and since she started playing violin (also at age three), she's heard me playing it. So, without further ado, here is the premiere of our Dad-Daughter Duet. I hope you enjoy.



What figurative or literal mountains, are you waiting to climb? I encourage you today to take a first or next step of your journey. In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

If you can't fly, then run.
If you can't run, then walk.
If you can't walk, then crawl.
But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.


Never give up on climbing your mountain, after all, it's those moments that make life the amazing thing that it is.

Happy Gardening,
The Kerby's Nursery Family


p.s. We are actively hiring for our spring season. Plant knowledge is a bonus, but not required. What is important is that you love talking to people and want to help spread Kerby's values of success, beauty, honesty, happiness, and fun. Click here to learn more.

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Growing Camellias

For nearly 200 years, camellias have been a fixture in southern gardens. As landscape centerpieces or foundation plantings, they pull a garden together and their blooms bring a bit of cheer during the winter, when their color is warmly received.


Varieties: Camellias come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. From formal pinks to loose, ruffled reds, there is a look and a style for everyone. There are also two main varieties of camellias: sasanquas and japonicas. The sasanqua varieties tend to bloom from late fall to early winter and are usually compact, arching bushes. Some of our favorite sasanquas are Kanjiro (a beautiful pink semi-double) and Shi-shi Gashira (a rosy-red semi-double). The japonica varieties bloom in winter and early spring, and include many shapes and sizes, including High Fragrance, a lovely pink flower with a lovely aroma. If you have room for more than one camellia, try planting multiple varieties that bloom at different times for color from October to May.

Plant Characteristics: Camellias are slow growing, eventually reaching six to eight feet tall and four to six feet wide. They need very little pruning, but make sure they have room to grow to their full potential. If pruning is needed, do it in early fall before blooms start to set.

Location: Camellias thrive best in part shade, and in an area that has good air circulation. Four hours of morning sun is ideal. Avoid too much afternoon sun, which is intense and hot, and can cause the leaves to burn.

Soil: Camellias love a rich, well-drained acidic soil such as Black Gold® Garden Compost. The more soil you can turn into the planting hole and surrounding area, the better your camellias will grow. Camellias do not like wet soil, so make sure that the area drains well, even after heavy rains.

Planting: The ideal time to plant camellias is during the fall and winter months, so that their roots can become established before summertime. It's also the time that many are blooming, so you'll get to enjoy some beautiful winter and spring color. For more planting and watering instructions, see Caring for New Plants.



New Arrivals
Red Ruffles Azalea

Compact Color
Billy Buttons

Orbs of Delight

Polka-Dot Begonia

Wow Those Leaves

The Kerby's Houseplant Shop

Send a living gift to your favorite plant person anywhere in the lower 48 states from the Kerby's online houseplant shop. For orders shipping to cold areas, a complimentary heat pack is included to keep plants snuggly and warm on their journey.

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Kerby's Nursery

2311 S. Parsons Ave.

Seffner, FL 33584
(813) 685-3265
www.kerbysnursery.com


Store Hours

Monday - Saturday
9am - 5pm
Sunday
11am - 4pm