Comments on: Meet Our Staff: Gardener Tom Luedtke

By: Amanda

Amanda — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 03:48:46 +0000

Hello,
We visited the Wild Animal Park last week and, at the exit gate there was THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, fragrant, ginormous, honeysuckle-like flowers and vines all over the exit gate. What is this please??? I have googled and googled but no luck yet!

Moderator’s Note: That’s a thriving Pyrostegia venusta, or flame vine.

By: David W. Reed

David W. Reed — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:35:11 +0000

Hello;

I was at the Zoo this weekend with my family- we have been members for over 25 years- and noticed an interesting tree down by the bathrooms at the Mexican food & beverage center. It is loaded with blue “olives”, possibly an Elaeocarpus, and is just 15 or 20 feet North of your Zitherwood tree.

Can you help me identify? Thanks.

Mychael responds: It is a Chiananthus retusus.

By: Nathan Luedtke

Nathan Luedtke — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:44:14 +0000

Tom,

I always enjoy hearing about your illustrious, phenomenal career at the San Diego Zoo. Every time I wander around the zoo, I am so full of pride that you have been a part of such a wonderful treasure.

-Nathan

By: Chris in San Diego

Chris in San Diego — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:15:22 +0000

Hey Tom,

Can you tell me what the name of the two trees are at the top of the stairs, one on each side, when you walk down Fern Canyon? I swear the little name plate said ” yellow jacaranda” but when I do a search for it all I get is the tipuana which these trees are not! It sounds like you may have planted them many years ago, so any help is appreciated.

Chris

Moderator’s note: The scientific name for tye yellow jacaranda is Schizolobium parahybum.

By: GoSanDiegoCard

GoSanDiegoCard — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:06:39 +0000

This is a prime example of what hard work and dedication can achieve. Tom never took his eye off the prize and it has gotten him a life long passion. I think we can all learn something from Tom. Kepp up the good work.

By: Rose N.

Rose N. — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:29:06 +0000

Hi Mychael â€“ Every time we visit the Zoo one of the first things we do is to walk down Fern Canyon on our way to visit the Pandas. We really love this beautiful and tranquil place.

Thank you for introducing Tom â€“ now we know who is responsible for this wonderful display of unique, varied and colorful foliage in Fern Canyon.

Your staffs hard work and skill at landscaping is evident throughout the Zoo and is always appreciated.

Many thanks

By: Lee in Vancouver

Lee in Vancouver — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:19:20 +0000

To Tom and all the other gardeners – you do such a fabulous job! Yes, we all come to the zoo to see the animals, but the gounds are fabulous too. There is something to see at every turn. When you need shade – it is there; when you need sun – it is available; when you are walking from one exhibit to another – there is always something to see and enjoy. Yes, I love the animals but also enjoy just looking at the amazing flowers, vines, trees, and ground cover. Keep up the good work. It is appreciated by everyone even if we don’t say it often enough.

By: Joan

Joan — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:16:25 +0000

It’s wonderful to learn about the dedicated workers at the zoo. All of these workers help to create a positive and enriching environment for the animals. They all deserve our thanks!

Thank you Tom!!!