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Monday, March 18, 2024 - 10:09 PM

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

First Published in 1994

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF
UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

Rabbits-on-WSPA-show

The Hayward family is preparing for another event filled year and have released their new Garden Gate Rabbit Park calendar for 2014. This beautiful introduction to their adorable rabbits every month is a conversation piece guaranteed to make smiles! The pictures include the name of the rabbit breed featured and also raised at the rabbit park. Share the joy of this special gift of amusing rabbit poses- a result of their amazing work with purebred show rabbits. Collect the extraordinary keepsake photographs by Loretta Hayward in this 10th Anniversary celebration of Garden Gate Cards their family business.

The Glenn Hayward family has been raising purebred pedigreed rabbits for over 23 years promoting their benefits, care and showing of domestic purebred rabbit breeds as well as preserving rare heritage rabbit breeds. Their stories, interesting experiences and rabbits are shared whether they are presenting programs at the public libraries, events, and schools or in private birthday parties and special gatherings! Scouts earn badges, various 4H and rabbit club meetings spark the imagination and ambitions.

The rabbits are truly challenging according to photographer and author Loretta Hayward, “My rabbits do not sit still like some people think. I pet and talk to the rabbits as I prepare them for posing but their busy noses are sniffing everything while their ears move and they anxiously explore the setting. I have to be ready for those unexpected leaps any time. It takes 75-100 photos to actually get one great shot I can use to illustrate my cards, calendars or books of stories and poems.”   Some rabbits are celebrities since they have been with the Haywards on TV with Jack Roper on “Your Carolina” (Channel 7) and with Joe Gagnon on Fox Carolina (Fox 21). The rabbits have enjoy getting pets and hugs whether it was from an ARBA judge, our state representative, Miss South Carolina or Santa Claus!

A visit to Garden Gate Rabbit Park’s website page www.gardengatecards.us  is an opportunity to meet more of the family, rabbits, and friends. Special news is shared through their newsletter and on their home page. Events include local and state rabbit shows, public programs, and special appearances with book signings everyone can attend. Library programs (Pickens and Anderson County libraries in 2013) are very popular and include Laurens County and Henderson County in 2014. “New Discoveries” is the newest book by Loretta Hayward in the series of “On the Banks of Durbin Creek” story books. The story of the amazing wildlife and world along Durbin Creek is told from a “rabbit’s eye view” and wonderfully illustrated with colorful full page pictures. Incredible details of close up encounters with wild life and dozens of creatures often camouflaged in the forests of South Carolina will fascinate readers and be part of the collection of treasured favorites of the family.

The rabbit park is opened a few months of the year to visitors by scheduled appointment only. This private rabbit park is an extraordinary “opportunity of a lifetime” where families and special groups visit with the rabbits of many fascinating breeds and varieties. The exciting programs and presentations are wonderful learning experiences. Appointments include time for family pictures to be made with the bunnies.  Celebrate their 10th year in the Garden Gate family business along with the Hayward’s by purchasing their anniversary calendar for  $11.99 which supports their rabbit park. Purchase two or more for gifts ($10 ea).  For information please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 864-876-3914. Books, calendars, note cards etc. are available online and at Vaughn’s Country Store, 109 Trade St., Simpsonville, 967-8984.

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