Maddy and I were walking through our garage the other day when I saw something wriggling on the floor. We have an older house and, unusual for Florida, our garage is sort of a basement, with three sides completely underground. That makes it a popular spot for a variety of the local fauna, most notably lizards and skinks, so I figured that was what it was, but it didn’t run away as fast as those little guys would have. And that turns out it was because it had no legs. It was a tiny little ringneck snake. He was small, maybe four inches long, and really hard to pick up with my not-so-small fingers. Maddy took a good look at him, and then we released him into our backyard.
It gave me a chance to tell Maddy about a time that I took a little ringneck snake into school for show and tell. I brought the little snake in a small critter cage. My teacher let me keep it on my desk in class, and somehow I was able to get it to coil up around my pencil and do my schoolwork with it there. I’m sure I released the snake at some point, but it was a great opportunity to freak out some of my fellow students. I’m not sure what Kim would do if the girls tried to bring a snake into the house during their school lessons. Well, actually I AM pretty sure I know what she would do… snakes are not welcome in our house. Which is why Maddy and I found this stowaway a great spot outside. He slithered right into the pine straw and disappeared.
Over the years, I’ve had quite a few different types of pets, many of which have made an appearance in Life Lived Outside. Dogs and cats of course, fish (and a variety of different sea creatures), hamsters, parakeets, finches, and chickens. So not only have plants been a big part of my life, but pets as well, and that’s the spirit that underlies this weekend’s Plants and Pets event. We of course expect to see lots of dogs, but whatever type of animals are a part of your household, all are welcome.
So bring your llamas, goats, and bunnies, your iguanas, turtles, and snakes, your cats, dogs, and miniature pigs out this Saturday to celebrate Plants and Pets from 9 am to 1 pm. Brutus Bone Broth is sponsoring our Pet Obstacle Course as well as providing treats and giveaways for your furry friends. We know it’s important for you to be both a Pet Parent AND a Plant Parent, so we have our “Pet-Friendly Plants and How to Keep Pets Away from Plants” seminar at 10 am in the Greenhouse. We also have MIX 100.7 with radio personality (and animal advocate) Katie Sommers onsite from 10 am – noon. Lightning Jack will create summer vibes on the steel drums while Tikiz Shaved Ice and Ice Cream Truck serves up refreshing treats for purchase. Take a silly picture with your pets at the complimentary photo booth, and talk with the Humane Society, Animal Luvrs Dream Rescue, and Community Pet Project about pet adoption and their missions to help pets and pet owners in the area. Our annual Yard Sale is still going on, too. We’ll see you and your pets this Saturday!
P.S. Don’t forget Yoga in the Garden coming up next week on Saturday, September 2. It’s a peaceful time in the Greenhouse where you’re surrounded by plants, giving attention to your body and mind. We’ve had a number of repeat attendees – come and see for yourself why they think this is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning! In addition to yoga, each participant receives a houseplant to add to their collection and a 20% Off Coupon (see coupon for details). Tickets are available here.
