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Gardens of Disneyland

We all know that Disneyland is one of most fun places to visit on earth,
but you might not have realised that is has some of the best gardens in America.

Disney gardeners in fact have such a good reputation that American nurseryman frequently try out new varieties of plants at either Disneyland or Disneyworld. They know the plants will be treated very well, by skilled professionals, and the bonus for the gardening enthusiast is that you often get to see varieties at Disneyland before they become available at the local nursery.

There are eight themed areas in Disneyland (Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Main Street USA, New Orleans Square, Tomorrowland and Mickey’s Toon Town). Each area is landscaped to fit into the style of that section of the park.

There are more than 800 species of plants, from 40 different nations. The Disneyland panorama includes about 5000 trees and 40,000 shrubs. More than 25 different varieties of grass are found in Disneyland, including 3 acres covered by five different turf grass varieties. Each year, approximately 1 million annuals are planted. Grounds are watered with help from more than 50,000 drip emitters and sprinkler heads. Not surprisingly, it takes 65 landscaping staff to maintain the parks’ gardens!

Trees range in size from one foot tall (30cm) Dwarf Spruce Trees in Story Book Land to the 75 foot (23m) tall Eucalypts at the park’s perimeter. A Mickey Mouse portrait has been created at the park’s entrance and is always kept in top condition – with annuals that are replaced nine times every year.

Topiary and Hedging
Topiary and hedging are striking features throughout Disneyland. Hedging is used in many areas, to define garden beds, provide screens, direct traffic flow and to create special effects. Some hedging is quite unusual, for example, a wave created in the top of the hedge and a variety of sculptured effects cut into the hedges.

Topiary comes in all shapes and forms, and some of the plants used are surprising. For one visiting Australian, it was particularly interesting to see Australian plants (including Callistemons, Lilly Pillies and She-Oaks) shaped into topiary. The It’s a Small World ride in Fantasyland has a diverse collection of remarkable topiaries (including many different types of animals) at the entrance. There are inspirational ideas and effects for everyone.

Container Plants
Hanging baskets and tub plants feature widely throughout Disneyland, and every specimen is in excellent condition. Baskets are mostly multi-planted (i.e. they include several different types of plants, in the one container). The style of container and the plant varieties used are sympathetic to the theme of the area in which they are located.

Recycling
Disneyland has an extensive recycling program in place. Currently, per year, they recycle around 223,000 kg of office paper, 1.4 million kg of cardboard and 4,200 kg of aluminium cans. Disneyland is open 365 days a year, with extended operating hours in peak seasons.

Gardens of Disneyland

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