Incorporate Heirloom Pumpkins from Pickin' Patch Farm into Your Fall Decor

Heirloom pumpkins and gourds are the perfect way to add unique colors and textures to your usual fall display. Richard and Colette Witt, owners of Pickin’ Patch Farm (22813 Highway ZZ, Marionville), have around 20 varieties of heirlooms growing at their farm for customers to choose from. Heirloom pumpkins and gourds come in a wide variety of colors, textures and shapes. They can range in size from smaller miniature fruits to 25-pound gourds. Place small and medium-sized heirlooms together to create festive centerpieces, dress-up a mantel or decorate your front porch. The best time to buy them is late September through October, and the Witts say that heirloom pumpkins and gourds can be used for fall displays all the way through Thanksgiving. If kept in a dry, indoor environment, they can last several months before rotting, and if you choose to decorate your porch instead of your living room, heirlooms will tolerate the outdoors as long as it’s not freezing.