Week 9

Monday morning the three interns started off by wood-chip mulching in flowerbed in front of the skipper garden and along the path in the skipper garden. Then, we weeded by the waterfall in the bird yard, added mulch to prevent future weeds from growing. We also pruned the dead branches out of the Spirea shrubs in the waterfall area. After that, we went on to weed around the giraffe/ostrich perimeter, and zebra/kudu perimeter. We also weeded the flowerbed across from the giraffe perimeter. Then, we went into the picnic area and weeded around the trees in there and mulched after weeding. Finally, we went out front by Schiller and weeded under the pine trees.
Tuesday morning we started the morning off by weeding the orangutan perimeter. Then, we mulched the perimeter and mulched the area behind the waterfall in the bird yard. After that we were told to once again weed the African Hoofstock perimeters. We missed the weeds that were between the fronts or the plants and the asphalt. Then, we went out for a little bit and weeded under the pine trees by Schiller. In the afternoon, our boss felt it was too hot so she told us interns to stay inside and read magazines.

I read the May 2013 edition of American Nurseryman. In this magazine, I read three articles. The first article talked about the increased use of LED lighting in the landscape. I also read an article talking about Ambrosia Beetles. They usually attack dead and stressed trees but have recently they have been attacking healthy trees. The research done has shown that this is due to over-watering of trees. The article said that there is nothing that can be done once a tree is attacked but monitoring can be done in the spring. In order to monitor, a trap can be set and if beetles are caught then the tree should be sprayed with permethrin to prevent an attack. More information can be found at: http://www.amerinursery-digital.com/May2013/May2013/0/0#&pageSet=13. Finally, I read a short article on Little Devil ninebark which is a dark foliaged shrub. Then, I read the March 2013 edition of American Nurseryman. I read an article on Callicarpa Beautyberry. This plant has purple berries which make it appealing to the eye. The article was about the various trials being done to select for the most favorable plant. More information can be found at: http://www.amerinursery-digital.com/Mar2013/Mar2013/0/0#&pageSet=3. I also read an article about the Bohn Farm in Maryville, Illinois which strives to practice sustainability. Sustainability measures include limiting the amount of peat in soil media, reducing runoff from irrigation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing energy, integrated pest management, reducing use of potable water, reducing waste, and recycling organic matter. More information can be found at: http://www.amerinursery-digital.com/Mar2013/Mar2013/0/0#&pageSet=12. I also read an article about Tulipa tarda which is the featured plant of the week. I also read the March 2013 and February 2013 and read an interesting article that researched whether mulch is beneficial to young trees. Research showed that mulch has little benefit relative to water loss from the root zone of newly planted trees, but mulch does help to prevent weeds and looks aesthetically appealing.

Wednesday morning began like any other Wednesday. We started off by mowing some of zoo grounds and up front where it was needed. Then, the three interns went to fix the bamboo fixing and replace the sections where there were a lot of gaps. Then, we spent a little  bit of time reading magazines. I read an article about the symptoms of various nutrient deficiencies and a different article about the various species of Coreposis. After lunch, Amanda and I were potting begonias in the greenhouse and pinching back peppermint scented geraniums so that they would grow upwards instead of spreading and becoming leggy.

Thursday morning we were weeding and putting down mulch around the path and perimeter of gorilla forest to prepare it for sunset affair which is a big donor event. After gorilla forest, we put waders on and went into the frog pond to weed the wall. Amanda wanted me to mention that there were a lot of spiders some were small and others were at least quarter sized. Then, we read for a little while. I was reading houseplant book and found out about some different houseplants and upkeep of houseplants. Finally, all of the interns went and washed the floor in greenhouse to prepare for a greenhouse walk through occurring for sunset affair.

Friday morning the interns began by moving chairs and tables from around the tortoise yard and gorilla forest closer to the cafe patio because they were used for sunset affair and needed to be moved back to the patio for use in the cafe. Unfortunately, the tents were not down yet  Then, I went to water the raised beds in Como Town. After that, I went back to help put tables and chairs in place on the patio but unfortunately the tents still were not down so we had to put up barricades and set up the tables by the bird yard since it was close to 10am which is when the zoo opens. After break, we went and weeded the big weeds out of the cracks in front of the historic entrance and burned the little ones. We also started weeding by the daylily bed. We ended our day by weeding down by the historic lily pond.

Tulipa tarda is the featured plant of the week. Tarda tulip is an early riser , normally blooming from early March to April in zones 3-8. It's easily grown in average, well-drained soil in full sun. The plant prefers a humusy soil mix but according to the author they have done well in her clay soil. Bulbs should be planted 4-5" deep in the fall and once blooms are spent foliage should be left in place until it yellows. Each flowering stem produces 3-6 star shaped blooms that emerge white with a yellow eye. Individual blooms are upward facing spanning 2.5-3" across held atop 4-6" stems. The glossy green foliage is strap-like reaching 5-7" long. Tarda tulip is perfect for rock gardens, naturalizes well around trees and shrubs, and provides a layer of color at the front of the border.