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ROOKERY BAY

ICONIC SELECTION OF

GIFTS DISCOUNTED
DURING PRE-HOLIDAY SALE AT PALMETTO PATCH

by Rita Bleasdale

J ust in time to beat the holiday
crowds, the Palmetto Patch Nature
Store at Rookery Bay Environmental
Learning Center launches its annual pre-
holiday sale on an iconic collection of gifts.
The sale, with across-the board 10 percent
discounts, runs through December 15.

Palmetto Patch stocks a delightful array
of items made, grown and created locally,
that reflect the Rookery Bay character. Many

A range of puppets,made in America,also represent Rookery Bay’s creatures – river otters,
alligators and sea turtles. Perfect as stocking stuffers, the finger puppets ($10 and under)
and hand puppets ($25 and under) will add a whimsical touch to any holiday occasion. An
unusual find at Palmetto Patch is a selection of walking sticks, hand-carved in Texas, made
from a variety of woods including sassafras, oak, hickory and cedar ($34 down to $17).

Michael LaRochelle, store buyer, merchandiser and manager, markets gifts at highly
competitive prices. The store’s rare and one of a kind items sell at prices below those quoted
on Amazon, whenever possible. His favorite item at the moment? Colorfully-lit jellyfish
lamps, best-sellers since they arrived at Palmetto Patch several months ago ($25-$65). “They
are this generation’s take on the 1970s lava lamps,” he explained.

As shoppers should expect from a store located in a Learning Center, there are a
multitude of gifts, especially for children, with scientific and educational themes. Most
popular is a series of sticker activity books, eco-pens, and sea turtle necklaces all under $5.
As well, sustainably sourced/organic chocolate bars, exotic natural teas from Tea Forte, and

products are aquatic and garden-themed. A
popular item is honey made at five hive sites
within Rookery Bay Reserve by a third-
generation beekeeper. Shoppers will find
hand-painted satchels, totes and purses
featuring local fauna, decorated by award-
winning Naples artist Muffy Clark Gill ($60
and under). Another local talent, Marjorie
Pesek, offers layered imagery artwork kits,
suitable for children ages five and older,
depicting local critters ($30 and under).
Tatine Candles are some of the finest, all
plant luxury gifts, very difficult to find; as
they are each made to order.

70 Life in Naples | December 2015