09 Nov, 2009
California Green– New Plantings, Centennial Geraniums, Nature Paintings
Posted by: Beach Reporter In: beaches| california| events
New Plantings, Centennial Geraniums & Mary Morell Nature Paintings Highlight News at Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach, CA
On Friday, Nov. 10th, nursery volunteers will be planting colorful Golden Monkeyflowers, Pacific Coast Irises and Blue-eyed grass in the incredible new Angel Stream, part of the rainwater harvesting system, which captures and recycles water and provides it to plants and animals at Shipley Nature Center on the Northern Edge of Central Park West, 17851 Goldenwest St., (between Slater and Ellis) in Huntington Beach.
Also, you now can purchase the beautiful 2009 Huntington Beach Centennial Geraniums for $6 a pot. Created by famous breeder Jim Zemcik, the HB Centennial is a cross between an ivy and a zonal geranium and will be a prolific bloomer 12 months a year. The flowers are very large and bloom in an orange hue on extremely long stems. The pretty plant grows to about 3 feet in diameter and 13 inches tall, when planted in the ground. It was introduced to the World on January 1, 2009 in the Rose Parade, as a featured part of the city’s float. Now you can have it in your own garden.
Well-known Artist Mary Morrell’s striking watercolor prints of hummingbirds and butterflies bring nature’s splendor to life on the walls of the Shipley Gift Store. The colorful artwork of the HB resident also is available on handpainted t-shirts, rocks, gift cards, and prints. One of the neatest things we saw were her Holiday Cards featuring birds with cute Santa Claus caps. You definitely need to go and check these cards out. Portions from each sale of Morrell’s art go to help the non-profit, volunteer-run Shipley, which plays host to thousands of school kids and others from all over the place. But Shipley still is one of the best hidden gems in California–a wonderful place that every HB resident and tourist should visit. In the 18-acre nature preserve, an ecological sanctuary for California native plants and wildlife, you will see some of the more than 200 species of birds, migrating Monarch Butterflies (visiting Milkweed plants Spring through Fall), and artifacts from local Native Americans, and so much more.
“It’s definitely an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life,” said Shipley’s Carol Williams. “Here you can create your own mini-vacation while strolling on our paths lined with native plants. You’ll be amazed by the peaceful, tranquil setting. You may see wildlife in the Coastal Live Oaks and Blue Heron and Egrets enjoying the grasses, Cattail and Tules. You’ll notice the scent of Redwood foliage. We invite you to come, enjoy, learn about and become involved in this wonderful place.” Shipley is open from 9-1, Monday through Saturday. Find out more at www.shipleynature.org
-C. MacDonald
