Visit to Martin Gardens Pumpkin Farm~

 After mat makers, Karen suggested lunch & a visit to Martin Gardens Pumpkin Farm outside Randolph, IA.  It was a picture-perfect afternoon. The temperature climbed into the mid-80's, but a nice breeze helped.  A little warm & humid after the rain.  Overnight a thunderstorm had rolled through & most of our area received anywhere from the .65 we had at home, to almost 2" of badly needed moisture.  The amount varied widely, even in town.  A friend just a few blocks away had over 1.5".  It was enough to freshen the air & wash the dust off everything.

Corn cribs, now growing pumpkin vines!

It was impossible to miss the farm!  We could see all the colorful pumpkins from when we turned on to the gravel road!  The two corn cribs were covered with still growing vines!  The cribs were connected by a wire walkway going behind the little gift shop.

Vines & pumpkins everywhere!

The four of us were on a mission!  Ardith wanted something unique & orange.  Juanita was looking for stackable pumpkins, the latest craze.  I wasn't sure what I wanted but decided on unique & soon found a few I couldn't leave without.

Ardith, Connie & Juanita~ (Photo by Karen)

With so many pumpkins to choose from - there were over sixty varieties - it took us a while to look around & be sure we had seen them all.  Small wagons were available, which came in handy for hauling our loot.

A wagon full of pumpkins, gourds, squash etc.!

The old wagon pulled up front, was a perfect way to display the amazing colors & types we had to choose from.

Connie, Juantia, Ardith & Karen~

By the time we felt sure we'd checked out every pumpkin, we all had a wagon with at least 3-5 larger varieties & some small ones too.  Finding pumpkins that stack was not an easy task, but Stephanie had several already made up.

Still on the vine~

We had been the first to arrive, but by the time we were done shopping, several more cars had pulled in.

A beautiful view~

Lights were hanging from the trees & I'm sure it's stunning at night!  It's a good thing Karen has a new car with plenty of cargo room!  I think it was riding a little low in the back on the way home!  Such a fun afternoon & gracious hosts.  If you live in the area, make it a must visit on your calendar!  Now to get busy with our fall decorating!