In his proposal for Walt Disney World, Walt Disney called for landscaping in an endless variety of form and color; landscaping that would serve as a living backdrop for adventure and recreation.
As a part of this “outdoor stage!’ close to 1,000 different species of plant material from all over the world are used in the Magic Kingdom theme park, the four Walt Disney World resorts, and the City of Lake Buena Vista. And each year nearly 800,000 annuals are planted, including ginger lilies, giant bird of paradise plants, honeysuckle, hibiscus, blue passion flowers, yellow cassias, wild purple bougainvillea and an array of pansies, just to name a few.
“Our trees, shrubs and continually blooming flowers are a most important part of the total scene!’ says landscape superintendent Jim Ellis. “We are constantly aware that we are designing backdrops for some of the world’s largest and busiest ‘stages’ where guests are also a part of the scene. Our plantings must help create the environment of the past, or the future, or of fantasy and, in themselves, add extra visual pleasure for our guests.”
Jim explains that both the color and texture of plants are what constitute their particular theme. “In Fantasyland, we use a lot of pinks, purples and whites, and foliage that is lacy and soft. In Tomorrowland, we try to use bright colors, and more contemporary designs and color combinations.
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