Recently we welcomed a new member to the Kerby’s Nursery staff. Maybe you’ve met her in person when you’ve come in or seen her in our social feeds. It’s our new kitten Pepper. Her name is sort of a combination of Dr. Pepper because it is my favorite soda, Habanero Pepper because that is my favorite pepper, and, well, she is kind of the color of the spice black pepper. If she was a show cat (do they have cat shows like the AKC Dog Show?) I’d name her “Lady Peck of Pickled Peppers,” just to hear the announcers have to say it, but to keep it short, I just chose Pepper. She showed up one day, meowing away in the greenhouse. She was hiding among a jumble of pots and soil and various bits and pieces that we’ve accumulated over time. She got scared when she heard people and ran into the tube of a leaf blower. She got herself good and stuck in there, but we were finally able to wiggle her out. And I promise we didn’t have to turn the leaf blower on. I think you’ll agree she is an awfully pretty cat and quickly won the hearts of all the staff!
Our current nursery queen Precious isn’t quite sure what to think of this new addition. So far, she has given her only looks of exhaustion and ever so slight amusement as she walks past Pepper’s enclosure in the storehouse. Pretty soon, we’ll see what happens when they actually meet, but since Pepper is only 12 or 13 weeks old, we’re going to let her get acquainted with Kerby’s a little first. I’m sure before too long the two will be the best of friends, along with the other neighborhood cats that seem to make Kerby’s their home at night!
We hope you’ll come in and say hi to Pepper (and us too!). Today’s Teaching Thursday is all about cat-friendly plants, and these cooler January weeks are the perfect time to work on your indoor gardening. A new shipment of house plants should arrive before the weekend, and our Greenhouse is a nice warm spot, even on cool afternoons, to pick out a little bit of green to add to your indoor spaces. So come see us and help us make Pepper feel welcome as our new Kerby’s cat.
