Garden of Discovery - November 2002

Even with our ideal weather November marks a time that many perennial plants enter into dormancy. Roses, daylilies and cannas, to name a few, have stopped blooming. However, as these favorites fade one group of plants, the ornamental grasses, are flowering and putting on a subtle show throughout SeaWorld.

Cosmopolitan Japanese silver grass

Ornamental grasses are a relatively new group of plants for American landscapes. Grasses have been used at SeaWorld since the early 1980’s. Simply put, ornamental grasses are plants with a grass-like appearance. They are members of the grass, sedge and rush plant families. Visual impact and ease of care have made grasses a tremendous addition to the park landscape.

At this time of the year many grasses flower. From the showy foxtail flowers of the fountain grasses (Pennisetum sp.) to the feathery plumes of the silver grasses (Miscanthus sp.) these exotic specimens awaken the landscape. Their distinctive blooms and foliage make a striking statement. Flowering is a last hurrah as many of these plants enter dormancy and will be cut back for the winter.

If you are visiting SeaWorld this month be sure to look for these unusual members of the park plant collection. As other plants fade, the ornamental grasses are making a worthy contribution to the ongoing landscape show.

Purple fountain grass

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California Native Plants

Including native plants in your home landscape is an excellent way to bring the wild into your garden and provide an authentic California feeling. Native plants are those that existed before European culture explored and then settled in California. These settlers brought exotic and invasive plants from their homeland, which can out-compete our natives. Native plants are adapted to our climate and survive on the little rainfall we receive. Native wildlife depend on them for food and cover. Therefore, inclusions of native plants into the garden will attract local wildlife.

Many of the states most beautiful native plants make wonderful garden companions. Trees such as the stately oak (Quercus agrifolia) and sycamore (Plantanus racemosa) provide shade and cover during our hot summers. Prominent native trees in the SeaWorld landscape include toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) and Catalina ironwood (Lyonothamnus floribundus). Large shrubs like manzanita (Arctostaphylos species) and wild lilac (Ceanothus species) provide seasonal color and structure in the garden. Perennials such as sage (Salvia and Artemesia species), Penstemon and monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus) are hummingbird delights. Don’t forget our state flower, the California poppy (Escholtzia californica), one of several annual wildflowers that are easily grown from seed.

To learn more about protecting native plants in the wild, or including them in your garden, contact the California Native Plant Society. Local chapters are found throughout the state that host monthly meetings, lead botanical hikes and hold seasonal plant sales.

Wildlife Watch

Monacrch butterfly at Garden of Discovery

Weather Report

November is a highly variable month for SeaWorld San Diego. Mild Santa Ana conditions can push the temperature up into the mid 70’s with relative humidity in the 30% range. Conversely, we may have half a dozen rain events. Average rainfall for the month of November is 1 inch.

Greetings From SeaWorld’s Garden of Discovery

What’s Happening in SeaWorld’s Gardens This Month?

Cosmopolitan Japanese silver grass

Purple fountain grass

California Native Plants

These berries are a tasty treat for native birds.

Catalina ironwood
Native to the Channel Islands

Wildlife Watch

Monacrch butterfly at Garden of Discovery

Weather Report

Greetings From SeaWorld’s Garden of Discovery

What’s Happening in SeaWorld’s Gardens This Month?

Cosmopolitan Japanese silver grass

Purple fountain grass

California Native Plants

These berries are a tasty treat for native birds.

Catalina ironwood Native to the Channel Islands

Wildlife Watch

Monacrch butterfly at Garden of Discovery

Weather Report

Catalina ironwood
Native to the Channel Islands