Silken was the frosted air, rushing through the trees, quaking every leaf as the ripened, caramelized sun flickered through the canopy.   A shower of crimson, gold, and tangerine foliage glided through the cloudless, turquoise sky, gathering  underfoot, mirroring the trees above.

Autumn offers a feast for the senses, glazed in saccharine sweet, honey drenched tones and flavors.  And nothing quite embodies the season better than the almighty pumpkin.

If you haven’t picked your “carving” pumpkin yet, we’ve put together an easy guide to pick the best, longest lasting pumpkins:

  • Look for pumpkins that are consistent in color with solidly attached stems.
  • Pumpkins should produce a hollow sound when you tap on them, not a thud.
  • Stay away from pumpkins with mushy flesh or stems.  You should be able to apply a fair amount of pressure with your fingers without the flesh giving in.  Don’t forget to test the bottom as well.
  • Pass on pumpkins with bruises, scrapes or holes.
  • Look at the top of the pumpkin.  If the color is dull, the pumpkin may have sustained frost damage.

To keep jack-o-lanterns looking fresh, keep them out of direct sunlight in a cool place.  Cover the pumpkin in a damp cloth to keep it from drying out, and never leave outdoors if there’s a threat of frost.

Got a winning pumpkin?  Send us your pics!  We’d love to share them.  Reach out to Sweeney’s today!


Plant of the Week

First Editions Pumpkin Hypericum

Lovely, upright shrub that produces cheery yellow flowers in Spring followed by clusters of glowing orange berries in Fall.  Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 24-36″ tall and 24-36″ wide.  Excellent cut flower (berry) for Autumn arrangements.  Rust and deer resistant.

“Only the knife knows what goes on in the heart of a pumpkin.”

-Simone Schwartz-Bart

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney