Visions of Pumpkins are In Her Head

My gardening friend next door had visions of pumpkin patches in her head, when we planted the mini pumpkin seeds. She has been to pumpkin farms and I'm sure she thought we would have many to carve. We planted the seeds in two flower pots. One large and one small. The large one is at her house and I have the small one.We have shared in the work of taking care of them this summer. We have watered and watered and fed and fed. Her pot was really drooping this morning. "Audra have you watered your pumpkins lately?" was my question. "I keep forgetting, remember I'm just a kid, you have to remind me," was her answer. So we filled the watering can and went over and watered the drooping plants. After we finished, I said, "I have a surprise for you." We walked across the lawn to where my pot where three seeds were planted. I bent way down and pulled back the leaves..

There on the ground, was the tiniest of pumpkins. She was so excited and said, "Can I pick it?" After all the waiting for this one little wonder...she wanted to pick it!! No patience. She is only 6... a very young gardener. She will learn from this experience that gardeners must be patient. The outcome is so rewarding. We will pick this little treasure when it is orange and ripe. It may be the only one...but next year we will plant them in the ground. She will learn too that gardeners are always planning for next year.

Balisha