Plant Day at the Zoo
Posted at 10:09 am June 5, 2008 by Mychael McNeeley
The Horticulture Department has wound down from preparations and activities surrounding our annual Spring Garden Celebration, which turned out to be a smash. I hope you were able to attend, to walk through the Garden of Senses Trail, take a Botanical Bus Tour, or meander around learning about all things related to plants and conservation at the many booths set up around the front of the Zoo. Maybe you enjoyed a cup of organic fair trade coffee, or a taste of organic wine, or were lucky enough to have a sample of the garlicky pasta whipped up by our chef. Whether you joined us or not, there’s no need to wait until next year to experience the botanical aspects of the Zoo!
Zoo members and visitors often just happen upon what I consider to be the best day of the month at the San Diego Zoo—Plant Day! Those of us who work in the Horticulture Department focus on the Zoo’s flora every day of the week, but we share with the public more specifically the third Friday of each month. Come join us for a terrific day of Botanical Bus Tours and Orchid Odyssey some time over the summer. You won’t be disappointed.
Plant Day at the Zoo includes the opening of our orchid greenhouse to the public. Janette Gerrity, our orchidist, along with some very knowledgeable volunteers, will tour guests through the spectacular collection of plants from Orchidaceae, the largest of the flowering plant families. The Zoo is a rescue center for orchids that are confiscated at the border, and over the years we have built up a spectacular collection. You will be astonished by the beauty and diversity of the flowers.
We also offer Botanical Bus Tours each month on Plant Day. These are, so far, free with admission! Each tour is led by one of our Horticulture staff. Those who lead the tours each have their own unique style and focus, so you could take a tour each month and get a different perspective. Of course, along with that different outlook, depending on the tour guide, we also have new plants in bloom each month, so that adds to the diversity and freshness of each tour. The Botanical Bus Tours have become extremely popular, so get there a little early to reserve your place. Tours get under way at 2 p.m. and load at the bus unloading area. Turn right after entering the front gate and follow the signs.
If you are unable to make it to the Zoo on Plant Day (our next one is June 20, 2008), consider stopping by and picking up a self-guided walking tour map. There are maps available at the entrance and also near the Orchid House. Just past the Kopje, make a left. There you will find a display board with many tour maps covering everything from Fern Canyon to Ficus and Palms.
Other Plant Day Happenings
Throughout the year, we will have events scheduled such as Tropical Fruit Tasting, Pruning Demonstrations, and Botanical Beverages. Check out our “Plant of the Month” near the dining area across from the Reptile House.
For additional Plant Day information and dates…
Mychael McNeeley is a lead gardener at the San Diego Zoo.
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June 8th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Mychael, it’s always a pleasure to read your blogs and, even better to chance upon you at the zoo and talk with you. I have yet, sadly to say, to take the botanical bus tour, since I’m usually at the zoo early and leave around noon. I have high hopes, still, of doing it, and hopefully on June 20th. Each time I visit the zoo I’m more and more impressed with the flora, and feel absolutely awed by the wealth and variety of plant life. There’s still so much to learn!! Thank you so much for your blogs.