More than a garden centre Feeding animais at the carnival petting zoo is one of those memories that cildren and parents alike cherish for years. John Brouwer's Garden Centre bas a menagerie of animais that let you experience that moment any tirne of year, seven days a week. Brouwer started hi s zoo many years ago as a hobby but now provides a fascinating add-on to bis thriving nursery and landscaping business tbat ensures a memorable family experience. In addition to the deer that pop into bis ads every week, the zoo contains sheep, donkeys, chickens and a number of peacocks. Zoo admission is $1 but with eacb admission you get a Brouwer buck wbich can be used for merchandise in the garden centre. So it really doesn't cost a thing. The garden centre keeps four parrots -- Marigold, Captain Blue, Sammy and Alfie -- to greet and entertain their patrons. A large cage bouses a large number of cockatiels, tropical finches, and budgies. Outside on tbe pond and roarning Con'suit the Durham travel guide The 1994 Durham Region travel guide is full of ideas for short getaways or longer family vacations. While saluting the rich heritage of Durham Region -- Iocated immediately east of Metro Toronto and including lakes Ontario, Scugog and Simcoe -- let's not overlook t he water-based resources and exceptional fishing. The marxy beaches, camps and resorts make for ideal family vacations. Intriguing history, antique- hunting, hiking, bird-watching, farmers' markets and skiing offer even more year-round travel options. In 1994, there are sorne 400 festivals and special events, ail part of the 'Celebrate Durham '94' celebrations. Included amon g thein are the Tour de Djurham, di fferent cycle tours through the region and Autofeet, open to al pre-1974 cars. The 1994 travel guide and quarterly event calendars can be obtained by calhing 869-3763 (Toronto line) or (905) 668-8000. 16 Whib)y Free Press ail ýover the grounds are swans, ducks and Canada geese. Brouwer's also bas a pair of rare trumpeter swans and is working witb the Ministry of the Environment on a breeding program to re-establish this species in nearby swamps such as Cranberry Marsh. The buge grounds are a showcase of John Brouwer's skill as a landscaper. Annuals, perennials, shrubs, evergreens and shade trees line the patbs and surround the ponds and gazebos of the park-like setting - an ideal setting for an afternoon stroll or a family picnic. If it rains you can go back inside and enjoy the six-foot tropical waterfall (complete with banana tree) beside the snack bar. Ail of this is in addition to one of the finest selection of plants in the area, much of it under "glass' in an extensive network of greenhouses including their new perennial showca se. A knowledgeable staff is always on hand to help you turn your own garden dreams into reality. Brouwer's is a year-round operation with sometbing to do in every season. A large and magical Christmas display is mounted during November and December and once it's cold enough there is skating on the pond with music and bot chocolate. And, of course, the animais are there ail year round. Safari Days upcomi*ng In celebration of its 75th anniversary, the Bowmanville Zoo has joined forces with the Children's Aid Society of Durham Region to present 'Safari Days' on June 17, 3 to 9 p.m. Funds raised from the event will be used for the sexual abuse treatment program operated by the Children's Aid Society. 'Safari Days' je a family event with free activities including two animal kingdomn shows, elephant rides, a tug of war with an elephant, children s carnival rides from 3 to 7 p.mn., animal encounters and draws for prizes. Local storyteller Enid Decoe will also be present for two story times duririg the evening. The Bowmanville Zoo, established in 1919, ie Canada's oldest operating zoo. Hundreds of animale, many of them rare and endangered, are featured at the zoo, committed ta the conservation of endangered species. Located at 340 King St. E. in Bowmanville, the zoo has extended ite regular hours for this event. Advance tickets sales are available from the Children's Aid Society, Midtown Mail, Oshawa. Ail advance ticket sales offer a discount off regular admission prices. To order or for more information, cali the CAS at 905-433-1551. JOHN BROU WER GARDEN CENTRE