I know I know, it's July 1st…
But just for like, 1 smidgen in time, can we pretend it's perpetual autumn?
And jump through the looking glass into those magical feelings?
The ones fall conjures up?
I am talking to you pumpkin people.
You know, the reeeeal pumpkin lovers?
Not those that look at the photo below and say, "yep, a bunch of squash."
No no no no.
I am talking about.
Honest to goodness…
Pumpkin lovers.
The ones who nearly pass out and squeal in delightment at the sight of a punkin babe.
Cuz, that's the mode these babies have me in.
You see, it's hot here.
No, not hot.
I mean, burning up.
Crazy cakes hot.
It's that wicked heat pressure that builds up, and brings in those monsoon storms.
Now, every year as that heat goes wacko, the vines have a break through moment and go bonkers.
That (above) is what happened this weekend.
(Oh, I just heard thunder! Oh please please let it rain, it hasn't rained in months and months)
In the morning you see a female squash blossom.
And the next morning, it's already a pumpkin baby that's plumped up the size of a baseball.
And then, there is the real magic pumpkin vine.
The one that has over 10 pumpkins on it.
The one I didn't plant.
Yep, it was time to bring a few in this morning.
I was so excited cutting them off the vine, and putting them in my old radio flyer wagon.
Then I noticed, something attacked my Rouge Vif d'Etampes pumpkin, and tore it off the vine before it could turn red. Giving it a little bite as well.
(vines that froze over the domed garden during winter are slowly coming back, hooray!)
That's okay though.
I might cook this one.
Eeeek.
I am squealing over the pumpkins below that are growing with extra long stems.
Oh my!
The heat just has everything going crazy.
Growing like mad, as long as I am loyal to my early morning watering.
I left some of Lovee's silver leaf nightshade.
He loves the purple flowers.
It grows in the back here every year, so glad to know what it is now.
(thanks for the tip Hexica)
Some sunflowers self seeded in the domed garden, and are smashing their heads at the top.
Poor things.
Oh and…
The dinner plate dahlias are blooming.
9" across on this one.
I am going to try to press it between big books.
Two pumpkins are still alive and well from last autumn in my pumpkin patch.
I can't bear to eat them really.
Plus, they are so inspiring.
Sharing that sort of fall enchantment, that gives you butterflies and creative waves.
Makes me want to get the book out…
You know.
Magic things inside book.
That was a huge pumpkin wasn't it?
It's a fairy tale pumpkin.
Which are known for being the very best for eating.
The flesh is a brilliant orange, and tastes so beyond good.
If it looks like it might be going soft, I will cook it for sure.
And save the seeds for next year.
But for now…
We have little fairy tale pumpkins from the self seeded vine of punkin gifts.
And if that doesn't make any pumpkin lovers giddy, then by golly, I don't know what will?
Wait I know what would – if I sent you one.
I bet.
Now I best take my grubby, wavy, makeupless, garden tending self off to do some chores.
Squinching my face up behind the camera is where you will always find me it seems.
Pumpkin LOVE!!
For some reason, the pumpkins are giving me just the kick I need to get my Mad Tea Party planning under way.
I have nary and idea of what I will be conjuring up this year.
You?
I best get my thoughts in order asap.
What ever shall I do?
See you soon,
Love, V
ps:
Ahem…
My indoor children of the fur, note the word indoor –
They refuse to be out in the heat.
I can't blame them.
Poor dears.
So, I let them do whatever they want.
Although, they don't ever bite or destroy things like my friend's dogs.
They just want to be huddled around me, sleeping and being massaged.
This one eats off a spoon like a person.
Literally, no joke.
Not licking, but forms his mouth and takes spoonfuls of food correctly.
Puts his head on a pillow.
And does all sorts of human things.
Miles.
He's on summer vacation I think 🙂
I couldn't find him, until I found him.
That sweet Miles.
Meanwhile…
Matty's hiding.
(brownish reddish dog)
He hates pictures.
I'll leave him alone for now.
He gives me little growls when I am pushing too hard, and he isn't in the mood.
He is easily annoyed, haha.
But I hug him and kiss him anyways.
(I love that ornery boy)
He scares Miles.
Then Miles jumps on my lap, and puts his head in the crook of my neck.
It's all gone to the dogs my friends.
🙂
I am so in looooooooove with all of your pumpkins (squashes, whatever! lol) My gf gave me some seeds and I’ve been intending to plant them but we’ve had 4 straight days of rain and arrrrrgh – I can’t get anything done in the garden. I’m so over it!
That said, your post gives me such a Halloween and fall frenzy and honestly, that’s my fave time of year. You’ve given me some extra inner-ooomph with the pumpkin post. Must get it done. I wonder if pumpkins will grow after July 4th? Or if that’s too little of a growth time for Florida? Arrrrrgh?!!
Misha,
I am not certain… I plant mine in early spring…. and they slowly inch
up and then explode in summer.
I do plant mine rather early. Maybe just plunk them in dirt this
evening, and see what happens???
Where did THIS book come from?! I have never seen it before, have you been hiding magic powers up that paint covered, lace trimmed sleeve of yours? But yes, I am one of these pumpkin lovers you speak of! I can’t buy candles that aren’t fall spicy pumpkinny scented. They have no appeal to me.
I have veer so many secrets ;)) Oh yes, you pumpkin girl!! I knew it
😉 Can I have your puppy? Yes, okay thanks
🙂
Oh thank you for posting this! I am a year round pumpkin lover and share the same butterflies. Despite the heat here in Virginia I am proudly using my pumpkin hand soap and have a few trinkets on display from the Witch Museum in Salem, MA where I visited last year. A little bit of Halloween every day! 🙂
*sigh* pumpkins!
Oh how I adore pumpkins. All year long. Any color. Any shape. Any size.
I have a beautiful pumpkin from last year in my studio. First, it was the color of a tangerine, now, it is turning green. It looks like orange and green sherbet right now.
Last year, I found a conjoined pumpkin and I felt like the luckiest gal in the world. I saved it for as long as possible. Even to the point of moldy goo. But alas ~ I had to dispose of it last month. I am still crying over that pumpkin.
xoxo
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
Send one to meeeeeeeeee!
Did I hear you say a magical tea? Dear me, where have I been… Hiding and scullking under a tree…yes that would be me ‘-).
Your wee little pumpkins are ever so cute, but tell me please, can they play a flute? Never mind if they can play a flute for they are a delightment too be sure…rooty toot toot! Alright enough with the dumb rhymes, says you…I agree says I.
I found growing in my mulch the teensiest little pumpkins ever. They’re about a quarter inch tall and growing like mad men. We (that would be the hubby and I) had to build up the dirt around the mulch pile so they’re wee little flesh wouldn’t break off the stems. Happy little pumpkins indeed.
Ok, my beloved Fanciful friend-ling, I have spent much debate about joining your mad tea and me thinks I shall join…will you sign me up please? Thank you most kindly.
Xoxo cori
Kim, is it a kabocha pumpkin?
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 7/1/2013 4:47:20 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
if I can part with one, and you are extra good 🙂
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 7/1/2013 4:50:08 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Oh Cori Cakes!! Hooooray!! and yes indeeeeeeedy! Love the
rhymes… xoxo
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 7/1/2013 4:54:37 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Oh Great Pumpkin Love 🖤🖤🖤 I love pumpkins, but I love the crazy stems best of all. Think of me while collecting them please! They are inspiration for crazy crafts. I, too, am already in the mood for Autumn.
I LOVE your garden chair adorned with gargoyles! Cute-cute.
**blows kisses**
Deb
Ohh Vanessa, I just sat down enjoying a cup of tea, whilst reading over this blog of yours….
Arent pumpkins just soooooooo lovely!!!!….all so very perfection in there own way….so delightful to look at, and wow…how big they grow from but the most tiniest of all seed.
They are just one of Natures little gifts She gives us all.
Hope you get some rain soon, to ease the crazy heat you are experiencing. Its Winter here in Australia, I soooo love the cooler months. But Im madly getting seeds and pots ready for September, being our Springtime…
Take care and keep safe
Kind Regards
Caron 🙂
Lovely Caron, I e-mailed you today but the e-mail bounced back. I am
not sure i have your correct email ? Thank you for being a super kindred
kind spirit!!! xoxo
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 7/1/2013 8:48:53 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Squeeaaal! Pumpkin lover right here 🙂 Love your pumpkin pictures, as always. Who cares that it’s only July?
I am out in the green house every day now, willing my green babies to grow bigger. So far there’s only a few of them, and they are only maybe 4 inches across. But come Halloween, I’m hoping for great big orange ones!
Oh what sweet, darling pumpkins! How beautiful. What what what? Who would call them “just a bunch of squash”? They are magnificent orange globes of succulent sweetness gifted to earth by the gods themselves. 😉 I thought about growing them here in the Bahamas, and even had a vine, but they never fruited. I thought perhaps the heat was too much for them, but seeing your beauties flourishing in the heat lets me know to give it another go.
Your pumpkins are wonderful… actually wondrous. I love all the different sizes and shapes. Last year I went to a pumpkin patch with the children that I work with. The owners told us that we could pick any pumpkin we wanted to take home. I picked the wartest (spelling not sure of) one I could find. It had pumpkin warts all over it. I put it on a shelf and forgot about it. I found it about a month ago and it had dried out. The color got a little lighter but it looks the same and it is a little lighter in weight. It is sitting on my computer desk. I will e-mail a photo of it soon.
Matty and Miles are beautiful pals and protect you at all costs. Such loyalty. Mr. Lovee fits in there too. He supports you in all you do. You are blessed.
This is the post that gives me hope! I told you about my 13 mounds of pumpkin seeds I planted. They’re all growing well it seems but no fruit or blooms yet. In the east I can’t plant my seeds as early as you can (although I might try it next year on a few just to see what happens! I’m so so in love with the pumpkin patch. I can’t wait to see what happens with mine and in the mean time I’ll just come here and gaze and dream of your pumpkin garden. 🙂
love & blessings
~*~
ps…you are the inspiration for my pumpkin garden to begin with! 🙂
I don’t know what’s cuter…..the idea of Miles eating off a spoon or pumpkin babies! and what an exotic chair the pumpkins are resting on…….
I signed a lady up last month who raises pumpkins for Halloween……she makes over $3,000…..but she said it wasn’t growing the pumpkins that was the most fun ~ it was watching the children totally enchanted with the magic of it all when they’re running around her pumpkin patch.
Maybe your pumpkins do tootaloo on flutes……:)
I will be so good! Just you wait and see.
Helloooooo there sweet Vanessa!! Just wanted to stop by and say Hi! No it is never too early for pumpkins and thoughts of Fall. Your vines are amazing!!! Been thinking of Halloween already, my favorite time of year. Your posts are lovely as always and can’t get enough of your gorgeous pictures. Thanks for sharing your world and have a great Fourth of July!!
Take Care,
Tracy M.
P.S. LOVE that black carved chair your pumpkins are in. 🙂
Vanessa:
My sherbet-y pumpkin looks more like a fairy tale pumpkin, only a bit taller. Not as flat as a Cinderella pumpkin.
xoxo
Kim
Dearest V, I have not been feeling well for a few weeks now, a mysterious illness.
Yet I must say your post do cheer me up and bring me to a place where I can feel joy of life.
The pumpkins are delightful.
The dinner plate dahlia’s are to dream for.
Do you trim your dahlia buds so as to have a lovely large waving flower?
I too have dahila’s this year and would love to hear a secret or 2 about them from you.
Sending you primrose wishes, GG Pinkose
hahahaha!! 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 7/2/2013 9:37:33 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Gathering props for the Mad Hatter to visit next week in my garden house.
Oh your pumpkins are spectacular! My vines are just beginning to grow.
I have one of those beautiful fairy tales pumpkins from last year, but it
is very small. See you next week in the garden.
I guess you’ll just have to make iced pumpkin juice for the Mad Tea Party as it appears that it will be a very hot party! In the truest sense of the word ‘hot’!
Some short ‘knickers’ without the Victorian dress would be the sensible attire for the Mad Tea Party too! And a hat with one of those whirly-gig spinners on top for ‘air’ conditioning! And several water spraying ‘misters’ set up along the borders of the roof to keep cool with would be a good idea too, and maybe a small wading pool so Alice can have her Caucus Race while swimming! I am sure your furry boys would love the wading pool.
I have some ideas for the party and I must make haste to get them done! And start taking photos at Laurelwood for the pre-party planning!
Can’t wait!
Ta! Ta!
The Cheshire Cat
=^..^=
OH me oh my!! I wish we could grow pumpkins!! We live under a canopy of oaks and maples….and everything I’ve planted this Spring (of the even slightly sun-needing sort) is stunted and (mostly) eaten up by all the slugs!! Eeeeeek….I do have one pumpkin plant that looks okay…but I really doubt it will produce any fruit, alas. I guess next Spring I will stop tricking myself into thinking we can force sun plants to live in nearly fully shade and just plant more hostas! tee hee. It seems herbs and pansies do well here too…so I’m happy with those. Also, I would love roses….again….sun! eeeeek! We do have ever so much lovely moss though!! : ) And mushrooms…..tee hee! Happy gardening to youuuuu!! Your gardens are swoon worthy!!!!
I am defiantly a true pumpkin enthusiast!! In fact my Mom calls me her pumpkin girl because my Mom was carving a pumpkin when she went into labor with me, haha!!!! So I am an October child and love all things fall/Halloween like, especially pumpkins. A few months ago I discovered a very big pumpkin plant where I had planted some pumpkin seeds from a Halloween pumpkin the year before. I was so happy to see that it had four giant blossoms on it and I really thought I might get a pumpkin to grow but alas a giant never ending storm killed my precious pumpkin plant :'(
(cue the girly screams & squeals) This is just the life-line I needed as we enter another heatwave (with bouts of molding up humidity and flooding rains in between) and while I think, ‘4th of July already?!’ the heat makes me long for Autumn which while only 2 months away seems eons instead! Oh pumpkins, how I *adore* them!
Pumpkins!!!!! I so long for fall – that is truly my time of year. I love everything about it. The leaves, the crispness of the air, Halloween, and pumpkins!!!!! 🙂 I never tire of seeing them. My dogs are enjoying their indoor summer time, as well. Thankfully, we have air conditioning. So they can relax in style!
I had no idea Pumpkins came this early. I guess it’s a bit of whisper of autumn in summer for all of us. They do look so pretty.
Hi Vanessa,
I was wondering what kind those two surviving pumpkins are? They are different, with deep grooves and are kind of matte and brownish. I haven’t seen that kind in Sweden but I think they are gorgeous, so I was hoping to get some seeds from somewhere 🙂