Bonfante Gardens release/newsletter

Bonfante Gardens Newsletter #1 | Park Opens March 25

Docent Talks - The Beautiful Camellia

Did you know? Forming a permanent green backdrop to Bonfante Gardens are the Santa Cruz Mountains, the second smallest mountain chain in California. When the Spanish explorers first saw these mountains, they named them “Sierra Azul” (Blue Mountains). Each spring, you can see our lovely California Lilac (Ceanothus) growing on the mountains. Perhaps their lovely blue color is what the explorers saw and hence, the name.

The Camellia. Camellias are grown successfully out of doors in the United States from Long Island, NY, down along the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf Coast, and along the Pacific Coast from California to Washington. Camellia colors range from white to deep red, and prefer dappled partial shade. They require protection from wind and sudden changes in temperature. The camellia plant usually survives occasional temperatures as low as +10 degrees to 0 degrees F. Perhaps you saw the “wave” of camellia shrubs along the walkway in Camellia Garden during Holiday Lights. This shrub is Camellia sasanqua, ‘Yuletide.' The flowers are bright red with a vibrant yellow center. Did you know these shrubs were dropped in place by a crane as the Park was being built? In fact, the crane operator only had 2” of space on each side, was unable to see the area because the roof the Garden had been built first and he had to be directed by radio for the placement of each shrub!

If you have a Camellia shrub in your yard, try making chocolate leaves to decorate your cakes. Simply take several camellia leaves, wash and dry them well, pour melted semisweet chocolate on the underside of the leaves and refrigerate. When the chocolate has hardened, peel off the leaves and discard.

Volunteer at Bonfante Gardens as a Docent

Know a lot about trees? Want to learn? Love kids? Then we would love to have you come and volunteer at Bonfante Gardens through our Docent Program. To join, you have to be at least 18 years old, willing to donate at least 8 hours of your time to the park, and commit for a full season. To learn more, call 408-840-7210 and ask for Richard or Marie.

Park Introduces New Premium Season Pass

Don't look now -- you've just been upgraded! To thank all of our devoted passholders for their continuing patronage, the park has revamped the season pass program to include not just unlimited access to the park (when it's open, of course), but also a variety of new benefits and special events never before offered by the park.

The new Premium Pass features unlimited admission to the park, free parking at Bonfante Gardens, special days when you can bring a friend for free, discount admission to Holiday Lights 2005; a 20% discount at participating in-park restaurants and shops, free admission to the Just for Kids Imagination Days (more details on this coming in April) plus other special programs and discounts throughout the season!

The new Premium Pass is on sale now for just $59.99 when you buy four or more or $67.99 when you purchase three or less. Visit the park web site for more details.

Birthday Packages – New in 2005!

Bonfante Gardens now offers special birthday party packages for groups of 25 or more. Each party package includes discounted admission, a private decorated outdoor patio to host your party, and an ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT menu including special birthday cupcakes! For more information contact us at 408-840-7100 or use our online Inquiry Form.

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts Camp at the Park

While it may not be a surprise that Bonfante Gardens is a great place to experience nature, what you may not know is that it's also a great place to spend the night. No, we're not suggesting that you hide in one of the Artichoke Dip ride cars until all of the docents go home for the evening -- we mean that the park is a great place for Girl Scouts and Boy Scout to camp out with their troops!

Bonfante Gardens is the best-kept secret when it comes to experiencing the great outdoors. With uniquely manicured trees, plants and flowers and a even monorail that travels through the beautiful Monarch Garden greenhouse, this park allows curious campers to seek an overnight experience in a unique and safe environment.

For the adventure seeking Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops, these gardens are perfect locations to pitch tents under the stars, and take a self-guided tour to view exotic plant life and waterfalls. The 2005 Bonfante Gardens Camp Nights feature dinner, lunch and breakfast; a special “Camp Night” participation patch; an on-stage showcase; and an opportunity to enjoy all of the 19 rides and 21 attractions.

To learn more about camping opportunities for boy scouts, girl scouts or even your church group, contact the park at (408) 840-7100.

Employment Opportunities at Bonfante Gardens

Are you looking for a great summer job? Bonfante Gardens is accepting applications for our 2005 season. Don’t just be employed this summer, be fun employed! Apply today at our Human Resource Department. For more information call our job hotline at 408-840-7110.

Get Married at Bonfante Gardens

Have your wedding in one of our beautiful outdoor wedding facilities including Claudia's Garden and Creekside Terrace. All wedding packages include an on-site wedding coordinator, bridal rooms, park photo opportunities, free admission and parking, set-up, sound system, and wedding arch. For more information or to schedule a site tour contact us at 408-840-7100 or use our online Inquiry Form.

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Upcoming Events

Friday, March 25
Opening Day: Bonfante Gardens opens for our 5th Season. Our 2005 Season is filled with some exciting new additions including new events, new attractions, and much more.

Sunday, March 27
Easter Egg Hunt: Children 12 and under hunt for special holiday candy between 2:00pm and 4:00pm visiting 9 Circus Trees in search of the Easter Bunny.

Saturday, April 23
Red Hat Society Day: Bring your chapter of the Red Hat Society to Bonfante Gardens for this special day. Chapters can mix and mingle while enjoying the beauty of Bonfante Gardens, take a private garden tour, and sit for an afternoon garden tea.

Saturday, April 30
American Camp Assoc. Camp Fair: Looking for the perfect summer camp? Information booths about Northern California premiere summer camps will be on display, along with fun games, activities and camp songs.
Girl Scout Camp Night: Bonfante Gardens welcomes our first group of Girl Scouts for a special overnight experience in the park. Download our Registration Form for more dates and details.

Saturday, May 14
May 14, 2005 - Cub/Boy Scout Camp Night: Bonfante Gardens welcomes our first group of Cub/Boy Scouts for a special overnight experience in the park. Other organizations can plan their private camp nights.

Contact Us!
Do you have questions about the new Premium Pass? Need to know something for your upcoming trip to the Park? Have a comment about the newsletter? Send us a note!

Stay tuned for our next issue in two weeks!

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