theme park tricks

14 years ago

Anyone know what tricks the Orlando theme parks use to grow things that wouldn't survive down the street? I've lived in central FL and I know what will and won't grow there.

For example, we were just at Sea World today and I was amazed at the number of permanant, in-ground plantings that won't survive below freezing.... and they weren't using tricks like pots plunged into the ground. I even saw plumeria near the entrance that hadn't gone dormant. Most of these plants were of a size that tells me they're clearly not being used as annuals either (and besides, it is the middle of winter, albeit a warm one.)

So what is the deal? Do they have heaters in every flower bed? Do they cover every single plant when it gets cold??? Really curious.

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Comments (8)

starryrider
14 years ago
had someone at EPCOT tell me they have warm water pipes underground. I'm sure they have other tricks as well
garyfla_gw
14 years ago
Hi
I once went on a tour of Disney underground. I found it far more interesting than what's above ground. They have there own GH's and all plants are duplicated . Amazing what can be done with an unlimited budget and a small army of gardeners who stay up all night lol gary
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ilovetogrow z9 Jax Florida
14 years ago
I have always wanted to work for Walt. The Green House is one of the best tours there. Disney does it all for Disney. I know there are tricks or plants used as annuals. Would we ever really know if they were or not? They are the experts at Make Believe. I know that there is an Opuntia at Disneyland I want a piece of. I chickened the last time I was there. Paula
irun5k
Original Author
14 years ago
I could see underground pipes giving you a lot of milage. Keep the ground warm and when necessary cover the plants and things probably stay nice and toasty inside.

I am sure they have other tricks though and would love to know them. I know every summer Busch Gardens has beautiful, large Singapore Obtusas up front near the entrance in what has to be pots that are a couple hundred gallon. They're gone in late fall though, obviously they take them via forklift to a big huge greenhouse somewhere.
eric_9b
14 years ago
The parks do use heaters or cover things but not all of it. Part of it is that they have created nice microclimates. A lot of the landscaping is older established hardy trees/shrubs (live oaks, native pines, etc.) And lots of tall bamboos have been planted making great windbreaks. Sea World is in a very warm spot as it is. Animal Kingdom is the best example. When it first opened the landscaping was new and it could get cold out there and cause some damage. Now that the "jungle" has matured it has just created a great warm microclimate. And all these places have lots of concrete and water, it is mini uraban heat island effects.
Carol love_the_yard (Zone 9A Jacksonville, FL)
14 years ago
So here's an interesting-looking book that popped up during a Google search:
Secrets of Disney's Glorious Gardens [Hardcover]

-$8.51 (includes shipping), used on Amazon - see link below.

-$8.53 (free shipping), used on eBay - http://www.ebay.com/ctg/Secrets-Disneys-Glorious-Gardens-Kevin-Markey-2006-Hardcover-/46026133?rt=nc&_aset=0amp;_dmd=1&_dmpt=US_Nonfiction_Book&_pcategid=378&_pcatid=4&_pdpal=1&_rptype=4295&_trksid=p5360.c0.m299&_vc=1

-$0, used at local library (I just reserved a copy!)

It looks very interesting! The Amazon link below allows you to preview quite a few pages. (See "Search inside this book" underneath the photo on the left-hand side.)

Carol M. in Jacksonville

Here is a link that might be useful: Secrets of Disney's Glorious Gardens [Hardcover]
irun5k
Original Author
14 years ago
Carol, this looks like an interesting book, thanks for posting. The reviews are mixed but I think it is worth checking out.
Carol love_the_yard (Zone 9A Jacksonville, FL)
14 years ago
I picked up the book from the library today. It is full of pictures on every page. It is not just a lot of long, tedious text. It has lots of interesting ideas for planters, floating planters, boarders, beds and even has a chapter on trade secrets. If your local library has it, it is worth checking out. The ISBN number is 078685552-5.

Carol M. in Jacksonville