Recently, I enjoyed a conversation with my friend Stacie about her “unusual pumpkins” family tradition during the fall holidays. Since talking with her, I have a renewed interest in learning more about the different types of pumpkins that are available. In fact, with this renewed interest, I may even add to our gardens next year a “Not Your Mama’s Pumpkin Patch” featuring more than one type of pumpkin! And will add the Peanut pumpkin variety to the patch for sure!

All Things Pumpkin – Peanut Pumpkin

Most of us are familiar with the traditional Jack-o’-Lantern type pumpkins used to carve scary faces or a unique design, then proudly displayed during the fall season. But what I have discovered from my friend Stacie is that there are many different types of pumpkins, with varying sizes, shapes, colors, and textures. Some pumpkins are chosen for their meaty content for pies, others simply for decorating, while pumpkins like the Peanut pumpkin variety are chosen both for decorating and slicing, drizzling with olive oil and spices, then roasted for a delicious side dish.

What is your favorite type of pumpkin for decorating?

Thank you, Stacie, for sharing your story with us about an unusual and large pumpkin discovery many years ago that turned into a fun family tradition. Your story has inspired me and I am sure will inspire others to seek out an unusual and interesting pumpkin!

Stacie’s “All Things Pumpkin” Family Tradition

(Story by Stacie, Oregon, USA; Written and Edited by Sandi Herron; Artwork by Samantha Posey of Ambient Art)

In October of 2003, while driving down a country road, I stopped at a small, out-of-the-way roadside market. The market featured fresh produce, squash, corn shocks, but the most interesting thing I accidentally discovered that day was a very unusual pumpkin. It was flat and deeply ribbed with varied colors of deep to light orange. And it was no small pumpkin either! Weighing about 40-50 pounds, it was without a doubt one of the largest I had ever seen!

After mulling it over in my mind, I decided the exceptionally large and unusual pumpkin would be perfect for my doorway display. Unusual. Different. Huge. Squashed. And certainly not your ordinary pumpkin!

Loading the huge pumpkin was a challenge, but I finally maneuvered it into the back seat of my Volkswagen Beetle and headed home. Being careful to miss any bumps in the road for fear the monstrous pumpkin would come flying across the seat, I drove slowly, but I could hardly wait to get home and to see the expression on my husband’s face. Did I mention that I also had a bale of hay and my dog Charlie tucked somewhere inside that VW?

The nip in the air and falling leaves of gold, orange, and red inspired me for fall decorating, and by the time I arrived home, I knew exactly how the prized pumpkin would be displayed!

I was pleasantly surprised by all the compliments, comments, and questions I received that first year of decorating my doorway entrance with such an unusual pumpkin!

What began that fateful day as a one-time spontaneous purchase has turned into an “All Things Pumpkin” tradition for our family throughout the years. Finding our unique pumpkin each year is never premeditated. I just seem to be at the right place and the right time!

Stacie recently visited a local market in her area to find pumpkins, fresh vegetables, and beautiful peppers that she will use in her decorating during autumn. Her discovery this year for her unique pumpkin is called a Peanut Pumpkin, named because of its peanut-like skin texture and color.

Take a look at this assortment of pumpkins and squash. Stacie’s pick, the Peanut Pumpkin, is the pumpkin she will feature in her decorating this year.  Stacie found some beautiful peppers to use in her Fall decorating.  The “Peanut Pumpkin” is named for its peanut-like texture and color.

An assortment of pumpkins and squash. Front and center is Stacie’s pick, the Peanut Pumpkin, the pumpkin she will feature in her decorating this year.

Stacie found some beautiful peppers to use in her Fall decorating.

The “Peanut Pumpkin” is named for its peanut-like texture and color.

Meet Samantha Posey of Ambient Art – Photography & Design

We are introducing our newest contributor to our group, Samantha Posey, a talented artist who provided the beautiful illustration for our story, “All Things Pumpkin.” Samantha’s designs include photography, pastels, and oil paint. She is passionate about capturing the whimsical and childhood moments in life. Visit her Facebook page to learn more. Ambient Art – Photography & Design