On March 11, the Garden Club will visit the Leaf & Feather Farm, a nursery aviary located at 50598 W. Mayer, Maricopa. Every plant, tree and cacti is home grown in AZ. The nursery aviary is maintained by owners/operators, Bob and Dan, who started this business as a retirement project in 1998. They are extremely friendly and most helpful. You will find they are well educated about all their plant selections as they believe in good old fashioned customer service. Also, the price marked on the container or sign is exactly what you will pay because the tax is paid by the farm. It is amazing to see this serene, verdant oasis in the middle of the desert.
The feather part of the business includes many macaws, Amazon parrots, cockatiels, parakeets, finches, peacocks and racing pigeons. The bird cages are scattered under the towering trees that shade the entire property. You will also see a lot of free range chickens roving through the property. Their sole purpose is to eat bugs. Be advised to wear sturdy shoes as you will be meandering through the “dirt only” property.
They are open from October through April from 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the rest of the week is used for work projects.
Lunch will be at the Raceway Bar & Grille owned by Rand and Jeanna DelCotta, 49237 West Papago Road, Maricopa. This fun family restaurant has a variety of menu items offered as well as a lot of collectibles to view.