My plant loving mom used to drag me to the Austin's Plantarama on Hartford Ave. I was a kid and the place was absolutely magical. I used to feel like I was exploring a real jungle. I am so glad I never saw it through the eyes of an adult and only through the eyes of a child. Going to Austin's is one of my fondest childhood memories.
I always loved going. I also thought it was like a real jungle too and you are right it probably wasn't as "magical" to an adult as it was to children.
I will never forget this place! I was in second grade (1967) and our class....probably with other classes took a field trip there. I was in awe of my teaching assistant Ms. Pitcher. Of course she was probably all of 21 but just a sweet heart. She sat with me on the bus all the way from North Kingstown to Johnston which at 7, felt like an entire day. I remember seeing my first venus fly trap....wow.....good memories!!!
Yes, I was very sad the day I drove out there and found it was now a condo. It is hard to believe the number of exotic species it housed and sold. The (Monstera deliciosa) specimen took up the entire greenhouse. And some of the staff were trained horticulturists and very knowledgeable. Too bad it has never been replaced in RI.
My plant loving mom used to drag me to the Austin's Plantarama on Hartford Ave. I was a kid and the place was absolutely magical. I used to feel like I was exploring a real jungle. I am so glad I never saw it through the eyes of an adult and only through the eyes of a child. Going to Austin's is one of my fondest childhood memories.
ReplyDeleteI always loved going. I also thought it was like a real jungle too and you are right it probably wasn't as "magical" to an adult as it was to children.
ReplyDeleteI will never forget this place! I was in second grade (1967) and our class....probably with other classes took a field trip there. I was in awe of my teaching assistant Ms. Pitcher. Of course she was probably all of 21 but just a sweet heart. She sat with me on the bus all the way from North Kingstown to Johnston which at 7, felt like an entire day. I remember seeing my first venus fly trap....wow.....good memories!!!
ReplyDeleteI remember the monkies too, what memories
ReplyDeleteYes, I was very sad the day I drove out there and found it was now a condo. It is hard to believe the number of exotic species it housed and sold. The (Monstera deliciosa) specimen took up the entire greenhouse. And some of the staff were trained horticulturists and very knowledgeable. Too bad it has never been replaced in RI.
ReplyDeleteI went there as a child with my father. I LOVED the jungle atmosphere.
ReplyDelete