Petting zoo with baby kangaroo, beekeeping demos for kids
After the success of last year’s spring garden show, Destrehan Plantation will host the second annual event from Saturday, April 20 through Sunday, April 21.
But this time, it’s for the dogs as well.
The Spring Garden and Pet Show, put on by the plantation in partnership with the River Road Historical Society, LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Master Gardeners and the St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter, will showcase plant nurseries and vendors selling unique items for porches, patios, yards, gardens and pets. Non-profit rescue havens also will be at the show with dogs and cats available for adoption.
Melissa Monica, who handles media and public relations for Destrehan Plantation, said the idea to include a pet show came about after some guests brought their pets last year even though only service dogs were allowed.
“We let them in,” she said. “I’m a dog enthusiast and I follow St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter. I wanted to help them out by having a place for them at the show with rescue dogs available for adoption.”
While 52 vendors have signed up to sell their merchandise at the event, the Spring Garden and Pet Show also will include educational presentations on gardening, insects, wildlife and pet care. The presentations will cover many topics, including those on learning to live with wildlife, question and answer sessions with a master gardener, bird watching and how to plant a tree in the right spot.
“The exhibits this year are from the Greater New Orleans Bonsai Society. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will have an exhibit on invasive pests programs and insect display cases,” Monica said. “Silent Voices Raccoon & Wildlife Rehabilitation will have an exhibit on wildlife education and rehabilitation.”
There will also be plenty of children’s activities, including a petting zoo on Saturday that will include a baby kangaroo, an arts and crafts activity tent and beekeeping demonstrations. A country store will include copies of the 2024 Farmers Almanac, gardening gloves, tools and nature-themed toys such as bird callers, bird houses and wheelbarrows for children.
“We will also be selling Peggy Martin rose bushes and groundcover rose bushes,” Monica added.
Three musical acts will perform during the weekend, with harpist Megan Kwiatkowski playing on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and Nola Dukes Jazz Quarter taking the stage afterwards from noon until 3 p.m. Peyton Falgoust will put on a solo acoustic performance from noon to 3:15 p.m. on Sunday.
A food court will include spring drinks both with and without alcohol.
Monica stressed that the Spring Garden and Pet Show will have something for everyone.
“Adults can enjoy shopping for plants, porch, patio, yard, and gardening merchandise,” she said. “They can enjoy the educational presentations throughout the day. Children can enjoy the activity tent with spring themed arts and crafts.”
Admission to the show cost $5, with children five an under getting in free. Dogs are welcome at the event, but they must be leashed. The festival will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day.
