Pumpkin Patch
Our Pumpkin Patch was a huge success this year. Since this was our first year, we did not know what to expect. We have to thank each of you for the wonderful comments and participation in this new adventure for us. So that you will know and can plan for next year, we only planted one acre of pumpkins and gourds this year. Plans are now in progress for a four acre field next year. YES we will be having another PUMPKIN PATCH next year. We will endeavor to have new and exciting activities for the young at heart to enjoy.
Thanks again, customers, for your loyal support and encourgment.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank each of the vendors that helped to make our first ever farm festival a huge success. We have had a lot of compliments and good wishes. We are now convinced that this was a much needed agricultural experience and that we should offer it year after year. Without your commitment to this event, this farm festival would have never been possible. Our deepest appreciation is extended to each of you for your friendship and your desire to promote local agriculture in Craig County."
Thanks
Sue Bostic
Growing gourds can be a very exciting and interesting adventure. The instructions that follow are based upon our zone and tell how to dry clean and craft your gourds.
Drying
A gourd will go through a skin decay molding process-this is normal as long as the gourd is still hard and not mushy to the touch. Do not get discouraged if your gourds look terrible and may even smell. Small gourds dry faster than larger ones. Some really large gourds can take up to June the following year to dry completely. Your gourd is completely dried when it weighs only ounces. Sometimes you can shake it and hear the seeds inside. For most gourds they should be dry around March or April depending on the size.
Cleaning
At this point, your gourd is ready to be cleaned and crafted. We recommend putting your gourd out in a good soaking rain for a few days or another option is to weigh down your gourd and completely submerge it in plain water for two days. Afterwards clean skin off with either steel wool or a wire brush. Once you have cleaned your gourds, keep dry and out of the weather until you are ready to craft it. Sandpaper may be used to touch up rough spots.
Crafting
Very much like a fragile piece of wood - you can do anything to a gourd you can to wood. You can dye, paint, cut, wood burn, etc. your gourd. We have not found any paint, shellac, dye etc. that cannot be used on a gourd. Please remember though, like wood, a gourd will burn so we do not suggest putting a candle or open flame around it.
A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'
The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.' God picks you from the
patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.
Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the
seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face
and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'
This was passed on to me by another pumpkin.... I liked this enough to share
it with
all the pumpkins in my patch.
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This site was last updated on
February 16, 2011
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