Wow! From what you say I wouldn't go there at all, children or no children. Nobody needs to be treated like that. Too bad because you said it's a nice place. Oh well, there are plenty of other places to get plants, without the nastiness of an owner.

Oh yes, I've heard about Cady's Falls Nursery but haven't managed to get there yet. They are especially known for their vast variety of conifers. I was surprised to read this reaction to a visit to the nursery along with your children.

But having children myself (now grown up), I wonder if there were some contributing factors to the annoyance spoken by the owner or manager? Did you drive those 3 hours to get there without any stops for the kids to get out and run around a bit? Did you go there without having any lunch first for the kids? Did they run around unsupervised? -- you may not have been aware of it, but maybe they were doing damage to some of the gardens. "...gone off the path..." - maybe it was more than simply stepping onto the grass?

I don't mean to apologize and excuse the person for being rude, but I know kids and I know easy-going parents who don't truly supervise what the children are really up to, and who are totally surprised when someone points out misbehavior.

It would be a shame for us gardeners to dismiss and reject a well-known small VT nursery for one bad word from a visitor.

Have any other NE gardeners visited Cady's Falls and had a good visit?

Carol

I know the owners of Cady's Falls very well and it's hard to believe they acted as Vic447 described unless the kids were running throughout their beautifully maintained gardens. A few weeks ago we brought our grandson with us and told him to stay on the paths which he did. They do have a sign requesting children be controlled by parents. If you have the opportunity to visit Cady's Falls - do so you won't be disapointed. For more info check out their web site. Google Cady's Falls Nursery.