Sitting idly on my back porch on Saturday evening, a crazy idea idea popped into my head: Would Hazel and Robbie like to plant a pumpkin patch?
Excited, I immediately dashed a text off to Annie: If you have time tomorrow, I’d like to bring over the makings for a pumpkin patch – a small one – and help the kids plant it.
Minutes later Annie replied: I told the kids, and they squealed with delight.
I was busy congratulating myself for being the world’s greatest grandpa, when cold reality hit me. What do I know about a pumpkin patch?! Thus far my gardening has produced about a dozen tiny (but delicious) strawberries and a few basil leaves. And I’ve killed nearly all of the plants I started from seeds last February. I’d best be growing some humble pie.
A quick web search was promising: The basic requirements are about what I expected – dirt and pumpkin seeds. No problem. We live five minutes from Walmart’s home office and it’s showplace store #100. I’ll just stop there on the way and pick up the makings.
Forty years of life with Marie has taught me the value of planning. I went back to the internet and was stunned to learn that the only pumpkin seeds Walmart had were for eating. Not only that, all I could find anywhere was, “Order pumpkin seeds online and get free delivery in only a few days.”
Panic set in. I had promised a pumpkin patch and all could offer was dirt. Hazel loves red bell peppers and Robbie cucumbers. Maybe plant those now and have a second planting when the pumpkin seeds arrive.
Sunday I set out shopping for the dirt and poor substitute plants. It’s hard to get excited at 83 years old, but my joy was as great as the kids’ when I discovered that the store with dirt also had pumpkin seeds. So our pumpkin patch has pumpkins, red peppers, cucumbers and as a bonus, some squash that Annie had picked up free from the library.
What will sprout? Stay tuned. Right now I’m glowing with the wonderful time we had.
It sounds like this gardening adventure was as exciting for you as it was for the kids. This real life story could be the start of a children’s book. I’ll be waiting to read the next chapter.
Thanks, Nina. That means a lot coming from you.
I absolutely adored your pumpkin patch story. this is going to leave a smile on my face and a giggle in my heart all day.
Outstanding web page. another big smile and a giggle.
Sending loads of love and hugs to you and Marie and your wonderful family.
Thanks, Pat. Your giggles are classic – you have such a beautiful childlike heart.