One of my absolute favorite places to hang out with the kids is right in Hampstead at Pender Pines Garden Center. We love to take our time on the grounds, walk around say hi to all the animals and pick up a plant or two.
Pender Pines is a local garden center with all types of plants but we really enjoy all the pets on the premises. There’s a large koi pond and a dock you can venture out onto with a quarter to feed the fish and ducks. Inside the greenhouses are a variety of birds. Our favorite is Pedro the macaw who reminds me of my Dad’s Catalina macaw. Even though we have a yellow-bellied slider turtle of our own, we always check out the turtles at Pender Pines too.
There’s another big pond in the woods of Pender Pines on your way to the larger animals. On the back half of the property, you’ll see emu, goats and alpacas! Make sure to raid your fridge or stop by to grab some treats for these guys. They love apples, carrots and leafy greens. Make sure your food isn’t moldy and you don’t toss over more than they can eat. If you forget treats, there’s a quarter feeder out there.
In the mood for a few photo ops? Check out this little house facade and daisy display on the back half of the property. There are a few other displays to the right of the parking lot as you walk back toward the building.
Previously for fall they’ve set up a pumpkin patch, pallet maze and seasonal photo ops. For winter they put out lights and decorations throughout the property.
It’s really hard to leave this place without a new plant, lucky for me they offer a military discount!
