Mother's Day at the (Plant) Farm

Since the girls were little we've had a Mother's Day tradition of heading out to Henry's Plant Farm for an afternoon of flowers, vegetables and fresh country air. This year was no exception, even if the weather was overcast and cool and the trip took some of our surplus gasoline. It's always worth it.

There's so much to do and see at Henry's. When you first arrive you will most likely be greeted by one of the free-roaming peacocks, who will eye you suspiciously and decide if your vehicle would make a good perch. Then, it's off to the trails and gardens.
Henry's has wonderful garden paths to explore. The peacock might even follow you if he thinks you're up to no good.
And don't forget to stop at the pretty rock pond filled with Koi fish.

After the trails it's time to get your wagon! Of course, wagons are good for pulling sisters AND plants.










Then you can start visiting the hoop-houses, one by one. There's a hoop-house for sun-loving annuals.



And, of course, there's a kitty in there that you must pet.











And then look at more annuals.

Don't worry, kitty is still following you.

There's a corn crib and cornstalk pony for the kids. But sometimes the corn attacks!





Which means Mommy must come to the rescue!
Then it's on to the vegetable and herb hoop house.
With such a large variety (including heirlooms) your empty wagon starts to look like this:




And there's still the shade-loving annuals to get to! You might even find something for the mister.






And once you've filled two wagons...
...you can go pet the goat and donkeys!



And if the donkey starts eating your shirt, the girls will come to your rescue.

Or not.


After you've paid (a very reasonable sum) and loaded up your purchases, don't forget to check out one more area...

The Whomping Willow and the pond beyond.
















Which leads to the obligatory stick-throwing and pestering of the geese.





But then it's finally time to go home and leave the kitty and the flowers and the donkeys and the willow and the pond behind.

But you still get to take your memories.
--Rational Mama