Shifting from fall to Christmas decor is never a pleasant task. However, there is one thing I truly enjoy. I look forward to gathering up all my pumpkins and gourds and offering them to all the little creatures of the forest.
I just crack them open with a shovel and leave them in the edge of the woods. Lots of animals like birds, chipmunks, squirrels and deer will enjoy the treat.
It’s a small gesture but I like helping my critter friends and doing something useful with items that would otherwise only be discarded.
Why, hello October! It’s so good to welcome the Autumn season here in southern Ohio. The weather has turned decidedly cooler and it’s beginning to look and smell like fall.
Last night, my cousin Sherrie and I strolled through a corn maze lit with Jack O’Lanterns at Walker Farm near Logan, Ohio. I recently interviewed the owners for a story at work so I was more than happy to say yes when Sherrie wanted to go.
The sky was magnificent and the company was good. I can’t imagine a better way to kick off what I hope will be a festive, busy season.
I spent a morning this week wandering around Franklin Park Conservatory. They are ready for fall – including their annual Pumpkins Aglow event which takes place evenings this month.
It was a gorgeous, unseasonably warm blue sky day and was perfect for examining pumpkin displays, fall mums and even their outdoor model railroad collection.
Here are a few pictures from this magnificent day. There are a handful of displays with skeletons in action.
Then there are the trains in a magnificent outdoor model railroad that celebrates miniatures, trains and nature.
Are there any Thomas fans in the house? They even have a Thomas engine for the littles to enjoy.
And a black cat or two mixed in for good measure.
But my favorite things here are the pumpkin houses. This one is especially nice.
I doubt I make it back for Pumpkins Aglow this season but would encourage you to go check it out! Get your information here.
If you’re in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio and in need of pumpkins, mums and other outdoor fall decor, be sure to stop by Ava, Hunter and Hinslee’s Produce Stand just outside Logan.
The prices are good and the products are great quality. Plus, you’re helping a good cause. You see, the profits of this family business benefit the kids’ college funds. The kids are little and cute and it’s awesome to see a family teaching the value of hard work and saving money while learning to care for their merchandise and embrace an entrepreneurial spirit.
They had a yard full of mums of all colors when I stopped last night. However, I saw on Facebook this will be the last shipment of mums for the year. They’re four for $20, a real bargain considering their size and health.
Specialty pumpkins are eight bucks while others range in price from two to six dollars. Small gourds are a dollar each. I wanted to buy a fistful of these little guys. At .25 they were a bargain but I couldn’t think of a thing to do with them. That never stopped me from buying stuff before so that’s an unexpected regret!
They also have Indian corn and hay plus tomatoes, peppers, honey and jam. I picked up a jar of tomato jam that was made by a Lancaster company and can’t wait to try it.
They’re located at 14111 Old Mcarthur Road, Logan and are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are two more things you need to know. This is a cash only business and you either need to bring exact change or be prepared to donate your change. You see, you pay by the honor system. You tally up what you have and drop your money in a tube.
There was another lady there filling up her Jeep with mums and pumpkins, joyfully picking out just the right ones. She said it was her third trip there because she likes to decorate outside for fall. Her husband would probably have a fit because she was buying more but the neighbors like it and she’s supporting a good cause.
Besides, we agreed that fall is the best season and we need to celebrate early and often. So go get you some pretty things for the porch or pick up some peppers and tomatoes for homemade salsa and help those youngsters get to college!
When I was a kid, pumpkins were just the round, orange orbs that you carved into jack-o-lanterns.
Today there’s a huge selection of pumpkins and gourds most anywhere you go. This stack of pumpkins with their wide, flat shapes, interesting textures and muted colors is perfect.
This has been an unusual fall.
When I was a kid, pumpkins were just the round, orange orbs that you carved into jack-o-lanterns.
Make the Journey Fun 