That may have been one of the changes with the update/game release worldwide. It seems many items were unlocked before, when the game was only available to select people.
The people who have the pond started playing recently. I downloaded the game when it was only available to Australia.
I play all the games but these days I have been showing more interest in Farm, Bakery, and Pet Hotel Story. But I do check the other games like three times a week. =)