Garden of Discovery - December 2003

With the holiday season here the park landscape still features an outstanding display of color. Of course, the sources of this presentation have changed with the seasons. At this time of the year annual flowers are the primary players in our color show.

The winter or “cool season” brings a wonderful array of annual flowers. Far from being limited, the SeaWorld Landscape team has many options for the park flowerbeds. In December snapdragons, pansies, Iceland poppies and Primrose to name a few are blooming. As winter progresses look for Ranunculus to make an appearance.

Main entrance flowerbed

The main entrance flowerbed that guests enjoy as they enter the park is in full color right now. This is the largest annual bed at SeaWorld with a mix of over 365 flats of flowers. Currently snapdragons, pansies and Cobbity daisy are the key ingredients for this flower collage.
Beyond annuals, poinsettias are part of the holiday season color presentation. Look for masses of poinsettias at the park entrance turnstiles. They are displayed in beds, pots and even as hanging baskets in this area. At the Anheuser-Busch Hospitality Center large poinsettias are scattered throughout this venue as potted plant arrangements. These delicate plants will be part of the SeaWorld landscape through the month of December.

Poinsettias brighten the park during the holidays

Ten Reasons You Should Have a Winter Vegetable Garden
in Southern California

1		Southern California doesn’t have a winter! Make your East Coast relatives jealous by describing the delicious vegetables you have just harvested.

2		It’s a Bargain. Especially with mother nature providing the water through winter rains you’ll pay pennies to the dollar compared to the store.

3		It’s Easy. Without pests and diseases, a winter garden is much less work than a summer plot.

4		Tastes Great. Everybody knows home grown produce is more flavorful than store bought.

5		Excellent Exercise. Gardening in our mild winter climate will make you feel great.

6		Education for the Kids. Leaning how plants grow is an essential part of every child’s schooling.

7		Improve your children’s diet. Kids will actually EAT these vegetables when they grow them.

8		Priceless. An opportunity to have a parent - child learning experience.

9		Safe Food. When you grow it yourself these is no worry about pesticides or contamination.

10		Variety. Your choices for winter plantings in Southern California include: lettuce, onion, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, peas, cabbage and many more.

For complete winter vegetable gardening information click on the following great links:

·		http://doityourself.com/vegetables/winterveggarden.htm
·		http://houseandhome.msn.com/garden/wintervegetablegardens0.aspx

Winter vegetables growing at the Garden of Discovery

Wildlife Watch

White Crowned Sparrows are a common visitor to the Garden of Discovery.

Weather Report

The weather here at SeaWorld San Diego in December will put a smile on every visitors face. Daytime high temperatures average near 70 degrees. Average wind speed is 5.6 mph. Our percentage of possible sunshine a luxurious 73%. Leave the heavy winter coat in the hotel room and enjoy a sunny afternoon.