Greetings From SeaWorld’s Garden of DiscoveryDecember 2002 ------------------- What’s Happening in SeaWorld’s Gardens This Month?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.
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LOVE FOR GARDENING: This may be the most important tool you could have! Without a love for gardening the work will seem much harder. |
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TROWEL: Can be used in many ways from planting, digging up weeds, turning soil and more. Make sure to get a good quality one, it will save you money in the long run. Look for trowels made of a solid piece of formed metal. They are the sturdiest. |
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HAND CULTIVATOR: This is also good for removing weeks and turning soil. You can use it to make your rows for seed planting. Plus it makes an excellent back scratcher for getting to that itchy mosquito bite! Again, make sure you find one made from a solid piece of formed metal. |
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PRUNERS: This is a must for gardeners. Use it to deadhead (removing dead flower heads after bloom) and to cut small branches. When shopping for pruners always test the grips for a good fit. Sizes and shapes can vary quite a bit. Find one that fits your hand. By doing so you will reduce the stress and/or injury to your hands. The scissors types cut closer than anvil pruners. Make sure to clean, sharpen and lubricate them. Cleaning them helps to prevent spreading diseases from plant to plant. |
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LOPPERS: These are used when pruners just can’t do the job. Good rule of thumb is if it is bigger then ½ inch, use the loppers. This helps to prevent injury and fatigue. Find ones with a good foam or rubber grip on the ends to keep hands from sliding off. |
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HOSE AND/OR WATERING CAN: Depending on how accessible your water source is. The watering can also be used for applying fertilizers. It is very important that the plants get a good watering immediately after planting. |
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SHOVEL: Another must for any garden. Choose from round points, flats, irrigation shovels, D-handled shovels and more. Use the right shovel for the right job such as; using the round point for digging and using the flat for scooping and loading soil. We have found the D-handled shovel very useful. They are about half the size of regular shovels. They are a good in-between size. Sometimes a regular shovel is too big and a trowel is too small, on top of that it’s a perfect size for children. |
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RAKE: Many people think of Fall when they think of rakes. There are many types of rakes. Grass rakes have larger ends to make it easier to rake large areas and shrub rakes have smaller ends to make it easier to rake in tight areas. Bow rakes can be used for heavier jobs such as grading large areas and removing rocks and other items from the soil. |
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GARDEN FORK: When it is time for a new plant bed or to
turn your compost pile you wouldn’t want to be without some
type of fork. There are many different kinds for many different
uses. Using a shovel for turning can be much more tiring than
using a fork. How are you going to carry all these tools around you ask? A wheelbarrow is the perfect vehicle for transporting your tools from one end of your garden to the other. |
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The ergonomic team at SeaWorld San Diego has recommended tools with larger diameter handles, many with foam grips that help reduce stress and fatigue. Keep this in mind when buying tools for your garden. |
Garden of Discovery landscape tool exhibit
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ATTENTION SCHOOL GARDENERS AND YOUTH CLUB GARDENERS!
Announcing: “Way To Grow!”
The California Youth Gardens Recognition Program includes certificates, cash awards, garden gifts, and more!
“Way To Grow!” is a statewide program developed to recognize youth garden projects that:
- Promote agricultural literacy in today’s youth
- Educate youth in Horticulture and Environmental Science
- Encourage a healthy lifestyle, through physical activity and nutritious eating habits
- Involve youth in their communities through community service and leadership activities
- Each group that submits an application will receive an award!
- Each youth participant will receive a certificate!
- Exceptional work will be recognized with cash awards and/or garden-related items!
- Photos of gardens selected as “CA Youth Gardens of the Year” will be displayed at SeaWorld’s Garden of Discovery!
- Gardens awarded the “CA Youth Gardens of the Year” award will be recognized at a special ceremony at SeaWorld in San Diego!
“Way To Grow” Partners
- SeaWorld San Diego
- University of CA 4-H Youth Development, Junior Master Gardener Program
- California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom
- California Department of Education
- JMG
Kids / National JMG Program
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Wildlife Watch
Recent entries from our Wildlife Spotters log include:
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Wildlife Spotted |
Name |
Hometown |
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Butterflies |
Jordan |
San Diego, CA |
| Frog | Arturo | San Diego, CA |
| Red winged Blackbird | Jeff | Ocean Beach, CA |
| Palomas – Doves | Alexandra | Oaxaca, Mexico |
| Bee, tadpole | Sabrina | Murrietta, CA |
| Sparrow | Kourtney | Tierasanta, CA |
Bees are common at the Garden of Discovery
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Weather Report
SeaWorld San Diego boasts some of the finest winter conditions in the Continental United States. Sunny days outnumber rain events by almost 4 to 1. Our percentage of possible sunshine is a cheery 73%. Daytime high temperatures average near 70° with nighttime lows in the 50s. Normal precipitation for December is 1.57 inches. Average wind speed is 5.6 mph. The Winter Solstice is on December 22nd. This is the shortest day of the year.
- Live weather from SeaWorld
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Visit past Garden of Discovery newsletters. Click here!
| Contact | For information on your customized educational opportunity in the Garden of Discovery contact Jeff Hall or Melanie Repikoff (619) 226-3900 ext. 2207. |
| SWCLandscape@SeaWorld.com | |
| Visit | SeaWorld Garden Web site. |
Garden of Discovery Partners
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