It could be argued that the Arecaceae, or Palm Family, is the most important genus of trees in the world. From lining grand avenues to producing products used by millions of people daily, palm trees reach into every corner of inhabited land. Prized palms are very coveted and admired in many places where they will grow; in even more places, palms are a major source of food, shelter, and other numerous day-to-day uses.
Have you ever wondered why the San Diego area is such a desirable place to live and work? People who already live here have a good idea. Miles of sandy beaches, a natural harbor ideal for water recreation, and, of course, a perfect climate tops the list. Our favorable climate makes going to the beach enjoyable, and it also helps gardeners at the San Diego Zoo grow plants and trees from around the world. People may visit the Zoo with the intention of seeing live animals, but most walk away feeling very impressed by the living plants and trees they encounter.
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There are many reasons people love to flock to the Hawaiian Islands. For some, the smell of plumeria drifting in the night under a swaying coconut tree could equal paradise, while others find snorkeling with tropical fish in the warm Pacific Ocean a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But for gardeners, botanists, horticulturists, and other plant lovers, the true excitement lies in the flora!
Hawaii is the most remote archipelago, or chain of islands, in the world. Because of this, over the course of millions of years plants have evolved differently than in, for example, Africa or North America. Ocean currents, as well as birds, carried seeds from all points around the Pacific Ocean and distributed them to the islands. These seeds colonized and then morphed into new species more suitable for this new land. Unfortunately, because of the arrival of humans, native plants have been on the decline.
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Fern Canyon is a hidden jewel in the San Diego Zoo. The top entrance to it slowly drops off into this quiet place of beauty. The sounds and smells of a semi-tropical rain forest are wonderfully refreshing. Water spills downward from pool to pool, adding to the sense of having just stepped into another world. The walk can take as little as 90 seconds or become an hour of sitting and relaxing. I often feel a warning sign should be posted at the top and bottom entrances reading ” Warning; you are about to enter the canopy zone — enjoy!”
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The day started like many June mornings in San Diego: foggy, calm, and mild. The Galapagos tortoises, some twice as old as me, slowly ate their breakfast. The Komodo dragons slept in their warm enclosure. All was status quo on Reptile Mesa at the San Diego Zoo; all were unaware of the impending new additions that would soon join them.
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Nestled on over four acres in the northern corner of the Wild Animal Park is the Nativescapes Garden. Eleven plant communities are represented in this unique garden, from montane to coastal sage scrub. This garden was designed, developed, and is maintained by the Lake Hodges Native Plant Club.
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The Butterflies & Orchids event at the Wild Animal Park is winding down (the last day is Sunday, May 7). The Wgasa Bush Line Railway is closed through May 5 and the final phase of construction for the shortened Railway tour is nearly completed; it will open May 6. During this week, there are more up-close animal encounters and discovery stations set up for visitors to enjoy while the Railway is closed.
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There are a lot of things happening here at the Wild Animal Park! Out in the Heart of Africa (HOA) habitat, animals are being shifted into new locations in preparation for the new railway system. Many more trees are being planted in HOA to enhance the exhibits as well. The new railway project is slated to begin this spring. So those of you that are familiar with the old WGASA Bush Line Railway tour have something wonderful to look forward to. Eventually, two separate tours will be available for our guests.
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Employees at the Wild Animal Park and the San Diego Zoo are given the opportunity to experience other jobs thru the Job Loan Program. Employees bid on posted positions that are needed only temporarily. I have been working ” on loan” in the Park’s Horticulture Department as a gardener for three weeks now. The loan will run for five months, then I will go back to my regular job in the Park’s Merchandising Department.
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After boxing ficus (see Patti’s blog ” Borrowed by Browse” ), I met up with Bob, the San Diego Zoo’s eucalyptus expert. He’s been growing and harvesting these trees for 19 years! We headed off grounds to Miramar Naval Air Station, one of the many harvest areas around town. Many of us in California can recognize eucalyptus trees in the landscape. They were introduced to the state in the early 1800s as a source of wood for railroad ties. Eucalyptus species have a lot of oils that protect the tree from pests and decay, so railroad builders figured it would be very durable. As it turned out, the wood splintered easily (definitely not railroad material). The trees, however, thrived in our climate and are some of the most widely planted non-natives in California.
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