If you're a local, you may have seen little creatures with succulent appendages hiding behind store windows, at Paseo Nuevo's Arts & Crafts Makers Market (first Saturday of each month), or elsewhere around Santa Barbara. Artist and owner Joe Rockwell has brilliantly come up with this idea and craft to juxtapose wild succulents/cacti that love our coastal California weather with childhood toy animals, clothing and pots. He may refer to it as "botanic menagerie." I absolutely love the animals with spikey, colorful or wildly fun assets that the succulents offer. They make the perfect gift for those of all ages (especially for birthdays, as a thank you or a get well--smile provoking, or the Holidays), supports a local business, and can be mailed to others out of state. You can follow and purchase these pets through Joe on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/succulent_zoo/) or Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/succulentzoo?ref=l2-shop-info-name&fbclid=IwAR3VCpVaw8oc-WpqPLuqps5AcYno5m-FPtUHFigf6nlU42PtjXtDpVFY0_E). You can also kill two birds with one stone (no pun intended) by going to Plum Goods (https://www.yelp.com/biz/plum-goods-santa-barbara-2?osq=plum+goods) on State Street to see a wide selection of critters too. Also, congrats Joe on being featured in the SB News Press Home & Garden section in January 2019! Even though I don't have a green thumb, they are fairly easily cared for with a water spray bottle. Best part is you don't have to take these pets out to pee or clean up after them. Win, win! read more