Aug 12, 2010

Pumpkins and Perseids


I'm not sure what's going on with the pumpkins.  I'm sure they are mocking me.  I've always had great success with growing pumpkins.  Rocking pumpkins, if I do say so myself.  But something has happened in the past three years that makes me wonder if pumpkins are done with me.  Perhaps I've had my pumpkin success and must move on.  I'm not sure.  But I do hear snickering from time to time as I walk past the "pumpkins" in my garden.  Which are actually ornamental gourds. 

I bought pumpkin plants.  I know I did.  Two years ago my pumpkins turned into zucchini.  Lots and lots of zucchini.  I figured it was a fluke and bought plants at a different garden center last year.  They didn't fruit.  I got plenty of leaves and flowers - just no pumpkins.  This year, I tried another garden center, and I have two huge plants full of ornamental gourds.  What the hell? 

At any rate I'll have more than my share of gourds for decorations this year.  And will have to spend a fortune at the farms stands for pumpkins...

In desperate need of a laugh, I went out to the movie Dinner For Schmucks.  Mission accomplished!  I laughed my mascara off.

What I am now looking forward to is the Perseids meteor shower tonight.  I'm setting my alarm for early Friday morning 3:30-ish, in the hopes of catching some of the falling-star action.  Friday also brings the 13th - and the draw for the prizes in my Lazy, Hazy Days giveaway.  So if you haven't entered, run over and leave a comment on the post.

I'll be seeing you under the stars tonight!




13 comments:

Kathy said...

My mother told me to pinch off all the flowers save one per vine. Otherwise there are too many to grow properly. However, they shouldn't be gourds or zucchini. I use seeds for the most part. Okay it was an accident. The seeds were in the compost. But I had some lovely pumpkins a few years ago.

Eliza said...

I'll be skywatching tonight too, it's too cloudy here though, I'll be watching for a break in the clouds in hope.

Anonymous said...

The no pumpkins thing I can answer. Sadly, we planted squash and zuchinni this year and got a lot of really nice plants but no squash. Turns out.....we have no bees this year. Don't know what happened to them, but they're gone. And they are the reason we got flowers and leaves, but no squash. Pumpkins would be the same. And I've heard that bees have a tendency to migrate and then come back every so often.

Don't know what to say about the gourds though.

mxtodis123 said...

I'm glad you reminded me. I never miss it. Alas, though, it is very, very cloudy here.
Mary

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Have you somehow angered the Great Pumpkin?

Chris 'Frog Queen' Davis said...

Sorry to hear about the pumpkins...I guess I need to send you some of my magic pumpkin seeds :)

Cheers!

Dede said...

I have never been able to grow pumpkins. It doesn't matter if they are seeds or plants, nothing happens. Once they got about the size of cherry tomatoes and then died. I am so done with trying to grow them. Wishing you a terrific night!

(((HUGS)))

The Artful Gypsy aka Wendy the Very Good Witch said...

Well I am in the same pumpkin boat as you. I just did some internet recon this afternoon and learned that our problem could be pollination. We have a huge vine and flowers, even the occasional punkin', but they kept falling off. Apparently we also have lazy bees...ha! I must say that I laughed about your 'pumpkin' plants producing zucchini and gourds for you. It sounds like you have some crazy mixed up garden spells going on there...heh! I'd be happy with gourds right about now! :o)

suzanne said...

Hmmm . . . perhaps there's a practical joker at your garden centre who's been switching labels? Otherwise, blame the bees. We have plenty of bees this year and so far, two growing pumpkins. Big improvement over last year's crop of zero! :)

mermaid gallery said...

Pumpkins are always the most exciting crop to grow. In Hawaii my friend grows them and they climb the trees and then hang their fruit throughout. Looks wild. Gourds are beautiful too!

Heather S-G said...

Well, that's some strange forces at work there, isn't it!? Perhaps you're meant to take up crafting birdhouses or vases this year...that would be cool. ?? =)

Wendy said...

I think the fairy godmother has decided it's time for you to move on from pumpkins to something more exotic, casaba melons anyone? Or try the following great tips that other people have suggested. I SO want to see "Dinner for Shmucks", I love Steve Carrell. See you under the stars.

Wendilea said...

I feel for you Rue... I can't grow them either. I think I'm guilty of smother love when it comes to plants. Have a blessed and starry night!