Greetings From SeaWorld’s Garden of Discovery

October 2003

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

Fall is a wonderful time of the year. For most of the country fall means cooler days, leaves changing colors, the World Series, football and more. The San Diego version is different. For local sports fans there is the realization that the Padres aren’t in the Series and the Chargers Super Bowl prospects are fading!! Ignoring these details fall in San Diego is a special season. For the SeaWorld landscape it is a time of final growth, subtle changes and opportunity.

Fall for San Diego gardeners is sometimes referred to as a second spring. The weather cools making conditions close to ideal for plant growth. This shows in the SeaWorld landscape. Many of our valued perennial color sources (roses, bougainvillea, daylilies) are still in bloom. Ornamental grasses are flowering throughout the park. The Japanese Anemone look outstanding. Trees have put on quite a bit of growth since spring. The lawns have recovered from the demands of summer.

This is a perfect time for planting. Newly planted perennials benefit from winter rains and have time to establish roots before the heat of summer. The advantages of fall planting have long been recognized in regards to California native plant material. However, most perennials will respond and benefit in a similar way.

A select group of trees in the park take on fall color. Sweet gum (Liquidambar), Gingko and poplar (Populus) are members of the SeaWorld tree collection that show striking color changes as the days shorten. The display is just beginning to take place. Locations are as follows: Gingkos – northeast corner of Forbidden Reef, sweet gum – Mama Stella’s Restaurant entrance, poplars – south side of Pet’s Rule stadium.

The cooler temperatures of fall bring about a significant change in the park annual color beds. Warm season flowers such as marigolds, salvia and petunias are being replaced. Look for cool season favorites such as pansies, snapdragons and iceland poppies to be planted throughout the park.

Fall is indeed a special time for the SeaWorld landscape. The mild conditions allow plants to put on a final show before the onset of winter. As for the local sports scene – who knows! If the Chicago Cubs can make it to the Playoffs perhaps there is hope.

Images of Fall.

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Fall Festival 2003

On September 27th, the Garden of Discovery was bustling with activity. Parents and children made mini-greenhouses and learned about beneficial insects. The value of Backyard Wildlife Habitats was discussed. Puppet shows taught about local wilderness areas and the critters who live there. Monarch and Painted Lady Butterflies were studied and released. Sunspots were viewed through powerful telescopes. The mysteries of the weather were revealed. Winning science projects were on display. A river otter took a swim in the garden pond. Cookies were munched. A wonderful time was had by the staff and our guests!!

Congratulations to the nearly 100 families whose children earned their Green Thumb Awards.

A very special thanks to North Park, Rancho Poway and Ramona Stars 4-H Clubs, Vista Square school, the San Diego Astronomy Association, National Wildlife Federation, California Native Plant Society, Science Fair winners, the Junior Master Gardener program (Scott Parker who volunteered his time), Lake Dixon Lakes Wildlife Rangers and the National Weather Service.

The Garden of Discovery staff was happy to provide an enjoyable educational experience for our guests. Hope to see you at our next event!

Wildlife Watch

Recent entries from our Wildlife Spotters log include:

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Weather Report

October is one of SeaWorld San Diego’s most pleasant months. Average daytime high temperatures are in the mid 70’s with overnight lows in the low 60’s. Normal rainfall for the month is a paltry .37 of an inch. Visitors will enjoy the 68% possibility of a sunny day. Enjoy.

Live weather from SeaWorld

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Garden of Discovery Partners