You don’t have to hit me over the head: dying vines and abundant squash bugs spell harvest day. I plucked my ‘prize’ pumpkin a week ago, fearing the worst, then made the worst come true. My garden lovely rolled out of my arms and with an unmistakable thud, landed hard and cracked down the middle. It was a sad pumpkin day. Since the squash bugs continue to nibble unabated, I figured it was a matter of time before they moved on to the rest of the patch. Three once-viable pumpkins have since turned to mush. Generally speaking, I would have left them to grow a bit oranger, but I didn’t want to take the risk. So…here they are.
Pumpkins
I have two late-season arrivals, all shiny and yellow that I’ll leave in place for now. It’s still August, so they may be viable. One of the two is sitting out in the open, practically inviting trouble but the second one is hiding under the vine. Shhhhh.
You can’t see me!
Little yellow pumpkin, hiding under the vine
Oh and before I forget, I’d like you to meet Frank. He’s quite the character, but the way he’s been ‘running on’ I don’t expect him to hang around for very long.
Frank
Be sure to stop by tomorrow to meet Frank’s cousin Shelley.
Gardening Nirvana 
Oh, poor Frank! That is so clever – and turns a disaster into comic relief too. Two birds with one pumpkin, so to speak 🙂
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Thanks, Pauline. Yes, the ‘ole ‘when life gives you lemons’ in this case pumpkins. I was amazed that the staples worked…so glad they did. Hubby will laugh when he sees what I rummaged from his work bench.
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Classic! You may have inspired a new trend.
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LOL, Ogee. That made me smile.
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I was going to ask you if one of the boys made Frank but I see from the comments above that you mad him. That is so cool! I would never have thought to do that even with Halloween looming.
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Thanks, Liz! It came to me this morning when I was photographing the whole pumpkins. I’m glad you like it. 🙂
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Wish Frank could hold on until October! If the pumpkins don’t work out, there is always pumpkin beer at least.
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I was just thinking the same thing. Frank will be soup or fermented beer by then for sure. Be sure to stop by for a pint. Bring your penicillin.
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Aw, that’s seriously too bad about Frank…but I love the way you fixed him up, so wonderfully creative! 🙂 That’s so horrible about the squash bugs, is this a pest that you’ve had trouble with before? I would hate to try to deal with them!
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Hi Sheryl,
I’m glad you liked Frank. It was really a shame, but I’ve had fun making the best of it. Too bad it wasn’t closer to Halloween. This is the second year I’ve had squash bugs (I’ve been growing pumpkins for about 10 years). I planted them in a different bed (and they sprouted completely from compost) so they may have over-wintered in the composting bin. Once they take hold…ugh!
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Haha! Great! 🙂
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🙂 Thanks, Eleenie!
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Pingback: Pumpkin Harvest, Cousin Shelley | gardeningnirvana
Is Frank the one you dropped (or tripped over) when trying to multitask? Either way, LOVE his new look!
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Yes, one and the same. He rolled right out of my arms and went…splat. Poor Frank.
I’m glad you like his staples. Orange and blue do work well together.
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As Victor once said about his creation, “”the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.”…..LOL, that may be a little too dramatic. You’re so funny! Are those light bulbs in Franks head? Maybe you could put a candle in him and put him out in the Curbside Garden, he deserves to be front and centre! 😀
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Boomdee! I was just thinking of you and here you are.
Drama is good, especially when you’re talking about a pumpkin named Frank. Love the quote!
The ‘bolts’ on the side of Frank’s head are radio tubes. Mike has all sorts of treasures on his work bench. He had exactly two.
I wish I had thought to move him curbside earlier. You are full of good ideas. Sadly, Frank is not long for this world. He is oozing all over the back patio, poor guy.
🙂
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Awww, you were thinking of me? That’s O-so-sweet xox. My good gravy, I haven’t been sitting down much over the past 5 days. I’ve been writing the same post for two days. I need a holiday! WAIT a minute! I AM going on a holiday 😀 ❤ ❤ ❤ one more month !!! can't wait xoxox
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Oh I can’t wait! I hope we have perfect weather while you are here.
I’m looking forward to reading your post. I’ve really missed your lovely words and pictures. xox
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