Bridging the Gap Between Land and Sea
Mary Catherine Ballou | Horticulturist
Each spring, the horticulture team at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden removes winter annuals to make way for plants that thrive in summer weather.
Annuals—plants that typically do not return after their growing season–play a pivotal role at Riverbanks, especially inside the walled portion of the Botanical Garden, where the main annual beds are located. Flanking the canal that runs from the upper to lower fountain, these triangular areas, combined with the canal beds and containers, result in a color and texture-filled display in the heart of the Garden.
This year, an underwater theme takes center stage, with each annual bed complementing its counterpart across the canal, varying in plant selection and design, and incorporating some non-annuals into the mix. The installation, entitled ‘Seascapes in the Garden,’ consists of the horticulture team’s creative interpretation of three distinct underwater biomes: coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and kelp forests. While the annual bed installation occurs in mid-April after the threat of frost has passed, work on this project began months ago. This year’s design features plants that reflect aquatic seascapes, alongside marine life sculptures handcrafted by horticulture staff using manipulated, welded, or sculpted metal objects.
For example, the design for the coral reef beds is informed by visual similarities between succulents (fluid-filled plants that generally prefer dry conditions) and coral reef organisms that dwell underwater. Look closely to see a school of fish, or perhaps a shark, suspended within these beds. Seagrass resembles many land grasses, conjuring images of flowing meadows. Kelp forests, found in cold Pacific waters, offer a stunning vertical display where various sea life, including eels and turtles, seek food and shelter. These biomes provide critical habitats for countless ocean life, with the sculptures placed in specific beds that demonstrate their preferred habitats. Each handmade sculpture is based on an animal that commonly calls these seascapes home, suggesting a whimsical analysis of habitat, form, movement, and connection. The biomes where these animals live act as crucial working parts within the broader oceanic environment, contributing to the harmonious balance necessary for a healthy, yet fragile, ecosystem.
The horticulture team aims for the sculptures to enhance the plantings within these annual beds, while the overall goal is to incorporate beauty in the landscape with an opportunity to explore the relationship of life on land and in the sea, ultimately raising awareness of the importance of marine habitats and efforts to sustain them. Conservation initiatives found within the Riverbanks community include our Aquarium's active participation in the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project, which works to protect struggling coral reef populations. Enjoy the chance to immerse yourself in a garden of seascapes this spring and summer, while reflecting on the importance of the ocean and its vital connection to our world.
