Learning Sheds
Placed throughout our park grounds are four Learning Sheds, which are modeled after old-fashioned packing sheds used for sorting and packing apples. These Learning Sheds keep the learning going with eight video vignettes we produced to tell our guests some of the inner workings of Gilroy Gardens. Videos include how we keep our water clean without using harsh chemicals, how we move really BIG trees and another telling the story of Axel Erlandson, the man who created our world-famous Circus Trees.
Learn more about geology and seismic activity through displays and a very unique, 4-foot-long analog seismometer! Our sensor (located near our Coyote Lake) has detected earthquake activity as far away as South America, and sometimes shows wave activity on California beaches. The photo to the left shows a 5.6 earthquake on our seismograph.
Visit this unique display and see how trees affect our weather, climate, and natural surroundings. Also, Guests have the opportunity to view Gilroy Gardens’ local weather station.
Come learn about the wonders of the Pacific Redwood Tree. Found only in the Pacific states these big trees are an amazing sight. Using the 6-foot Redwood Tree display, which is more than 1000 years old, you will learn how all trees grow! The photo at left shows our redwood slice during re-sanding and re-varnishing.
Bugs May Bug · Circus Tree Display
This shed has several videos, including Good Garden Manners. In addition, you'll see our display of Circus Tree memorabilia and photographs showing some of them at a very young age up until more recent times.
Learning Shed #1:
Rocks On The Roll! · SeismographLearn more about geology and seismic activity through displays and a very unique, 4-foot-long analog seismometer! Our sensor (located near our Coyote Lake) has detected earthquake activity as far away as South America, and sometimes shows wave activity on California beaches. The photo to the left shows a 5.6 earthquake on our seismograph.
- Quicksilver tells the story of the New Almaden Mine---where our big coaster got it's name.
- Rock Stars tells about geography and some of the different rocks found inside our Park.
- Water tells about the water system at Gilroy Gardens.
- Good Garden Manners stars Professor Earl the Squirrel who tells us proper etiquette when in the Park's gardens.
Learning Shed #2:
Leave It To The Leaves · Weather Station · Water CycleVisit this unique display and see how trees affect our weather, climate, and natural surroundings. Also, Guests have the opportunity to view Gilroy Gardens’ local weather station.
Learning Shed #3:
Big Trees! · Redwood RoundCome learn about the wonders of the Pacific Redwood Tree. Found only in the Pacific states these big trees are an amazing sight. Using the 6-foot Redwood Tree display, which is more than 1000 years old, you will learn how all trees grow! The photo at left shows our redwood slice during re-sanding and re-varnishing.
Learning Shed #4:
Bugs May Bug · Circus Tree DisplayThis shed has several videos, including Good Garden Manners. In addition, you'll see our display of Circus Tree memorabilia and photographs showing some of them at a very young age up until more recent times.
- Why Trees Are Important shows several children answering just that question!
- The Man Who Talked To Trees relates a short story about Axel Erlandson - the man who created our world-famous Circus Trees.
- Topiary tells how ours are created.
- Good Bugs tells us which bugs are the best in the garden!
- Good Garden Manners stars Professor Earl the Squirrel who tells us proper etiquette when in the Park's gardens.
