Garden of Discovery - April 2003

Spring is a wonderful time of the year. Throughout history cultures have placed great significance on the arrival of the spring equinox. It’s a time of hope and renewal. All things are possible even a World Series run by the San Diego Padres!

This is a special time for the SeaWorld landscape. With our winter rains behind us the park is a rich tapestry of color. Many perennial plants are flowering for the first time this year. Roses are beginning to bloom and this first show always seems to be the best. “Dependable perennials” such as bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae), Bougainvillea and Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis species) are also flowering. Visitors to Forbidden Reef find the large Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) in full color. This fragrant vine covers the overhead trellis structure on the north side of the exhibit.

Two park theme gardens deserve note. At the Rock Garden an assortment of plants are flowering. Iris and baboon flower (Babiana stricta) are especially showy at this time. The Rock Garden is located on the east side of the Skytower. The Rainbow Garden looks outstanding. As the name implies this planting features a variety of flowers arranged as bands of color. The Chinese fringe tree (Chionanthus retusus) at the Rainbow Garden is just starting to bloom. Soon this tree will be covered with striking white flowers. The Rainbow Garden borders the lawn area southwest of the Skytower.

Annuals continue to play a key role in the park color presentation. This month the beds are going through a transition. Cool season flowers are being replaced with warm season material. Snapdragons, pansies and Iceland poppies are ending their run. At the same time, marigolds, impatiens and petunias are being planted.

Color is a goal, a mission and a passion for the SeaWorld Landscape Department. With the long days and mild weather of spring landscape color reaches a peak. Enjoy the show.

Images of spring. Color is everywhere.

Top Ten Reasons For Planting Trees

1.		Trees are beautiful and inspiring to the mind and soul.
2.		Trees are home to wildlife.
3.		Trees provide cool, shady places for parents and children to relax and play.
4.		Trees produce oxygen.
5.		Trees help buffer traffic and city noise.
6.		Trees help block the wind.
7.		Trees offer privacy.
8.		Trees compliment architecture and increase property values.
9.		Trees keep soil from washing away and therefore decrease storm water pollution.
10.		Planting trees is an investment in a better future for our children.

The physical act of planting trees is great exercise and a very satisfying experience. Try it out! National Arbor Day is April 25th, 2003.

Science Fair 2003

Being a judge at the San Diego Science and Engineering Fair is always an uplifting experience. To see so many bright and energetic students showing off their finest work under one roof is astounding. All of the students participating are a credit to their parents, schools and teachers. Congratulations to all involved.

The Garden of Discovery team would like to honor the following Science Fair 2003 Participants:

#945		“Mother Earth – The Great Trash Eater” Madison St. Mary’s Catholic School - 7th Grade

#935		“Reuse or Loose It. Effect of Recycled Water on Grass and Flowering Plants” Lauren Santa Fe Christian School - 7th Grade - Teacher – Culley

#1251		“Butterfly Project” Melissa Muirlands Middle School

#1257		“Do These Ladies Really Like Pink? Butterflies and Color Preference” Caitlin Marshall Middle School

#668		“How Do Allelopathic Plants Affect Seed Growth” Brooklyn Wangenhein Middle School

#766		“Stumbling Waves” Tammaso Stella Maris Academy

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Garden of Discovery Outreach

Melanie Repikoff teaches students from Roosevelt Middle School how to plant a garden.

Wildlife Watch

A mother mallard and her ducklings enjoying the pond at the Garden of Discovery.

A mother mallard and her ducklings enjoying
the Garden of Discovery pond.

Weather Report

April is a highly variable month weather wise at SeaWorld San Diego. Warm, dry Santa Ana conditions with high temperatures in the 80°’s can be followed by a winter-like storm that could produce a few rain days. Visitors to SeaWorld can usually expect normal conditions. Daytime high temperatures average about 70° with overnight lows in the mid 50°’s. The percentage of possible sunshine is a pleasant 67%.