After an unseasonably warm winter, many gardens and yards in the area are growing and blossoming well ahead of schedule. Outdoor enthusiasts who are also pet owners are delighted with the early onset of spring, enjoying their outdoor living spaces while watching their pets run and play.

The veterinary and toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline would like to keep pets safe this spring and summer by informing pet owners of potentially harmful substances, flowers and plants that are dangerous to dogs and cats.

Tropical bedding plants, unusual perennials, trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses are among the offerings that will be available for purchase during the 11th annual Bloomin’ Zoo Garden Festival.  The Zoo’s Botanical Department has been busy growing and preparing these unique items for the festival that is taking place from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on May 5 and 6.  Folk music will add ambiance to the event as visitors make their selections from among the largest available collection in the history of the Bloomin’ Zoo Garden Festival.

Due to the extremely warm spring, the strawberry crop is coming early, according to Paul Mayse of Mayse Farm Market on St. Joseph Ave.

"We will be picking strawberries to sell in our Market by mid to late week," Mayse said.