Pets and plants

With the exception of the trip to Mom’s my vacation last week was a stay-cation. I really just needed the time around the house. But Dave and I did take one day for a little trip out. A neighbour told me about a garden centre I just HAD to visit. It was an hour and a half away, but she promised it would be worth the drive. Not just for the plants but…

a petting zoo too!!! In truth, there wasn’t much you could actually pet, except the goats, but the goats certainly were down for it.

We went early, so there wasn’t many people there and this little black goat just fell in love with Dave. He followed him everywhere while the other goats were totally indifferent to our presence. That is until I put a token in the food dispenser…

Then it was pure goat chaos. I got mobbed by goats – I couldn’t even get any pictures. In fact, I couldn’t even get the feed in my hand and down low enough for them to eat it. They just knocked it right out of my hands. And this pretty fawn coloured one – she was smart enough to stand up and get the little bits left in the dispenser.

In addition to goats, they also had…

Chickens, a couple Shetland Ponies, Pigs and Llamas. None of those you could pet though. (Apparently you can at certain times, but not when we were there).

There were also many animals you couldn’t pet at any time.

Like this big, beautiful American Alligator.

Or these Red-Footed Tortoises.

They also had a variety of lizards, and some birds including a couple macaws, some conures and a Cockatoo. I couldn’t get decent pictures of any of them though.

But what I REALLY wanted to pet…

LEMURS!!!!! Don’t they just look so pettable???? Who am I kidding – you know I wanted to take both of them home!!!

I think Lemmy would love a pair of Lemur playmates, don’t you???

After the petting zoo, I of course took a stroll around the nursery/garden centre area.

And their prices are AMAZING!!!! Some things were HALF the price I’ve paid at local nurseries. Despite the deals I was a very good girl and only came home with four new plants.

A Pellionia (aka Watermelon Begonia). A lovely hanging vine (I’m going to have to put some more hooks in the ceiling somewhere.)

This beautiful bright yellow orchid. I have a pale yellow one already, but this bright one was just so eye catching.

A Carrion-Flower (aka Starfish Plant). This one is similar to my Lifesaver Cactus, with slightly different leaves and flowers.

And a Sarracenia!! (Pitcher plant). A few months ago I bought a venus fly trap and FINALLY managed to keep it alive. So I thought I’d give this one a try too!

After petting and getting plants, we hit a couple thrift shops on the way home (but I can’t show you because they are Christmas presents) and had a late lunch early dinner at one of our favourite diners.