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A sneak peek! Autumn’s Colors will bring a Pumpkin Playground and Curious Cucurbits Display

Autumn’s Colors at Longwood Gardens is just around the corner! And if you’re in search of a great family photo backdrop, you’ll have to plan a trip and bring your camera to our Idea Garden which will feature a Pumpkin Playground and Curious Cucurbits Display this fall.

Starting September 17, the Idea Garden will feature a Pumpkin Playground complete with over 50 pumpkins for kids to touch and roll in a bed of straw, including straw bales for climbing.

Beginning October 1, a Curious Cucurbits display will also be added to the Idea Garden.  This display is set to feature pumpkins, squash, and gourds, which are members of the Cucurbitaceae family.

“We think children and families will be most impressed with our display’s largest pumpkins—which will weigh in at about 700 pounds,” says Section Gardener Harold Taylor.

Ranging in size, color, and shape, these autumnal fruits will provide a festive backdrop for photos of family and friends.  Over 150 varieties will be displayed in a range of colors, including orange, white, red, tan, pink, and green.

“I think what people will find most interesting is seeing the many different types of fruits in one display with each variety labeled,” says Taylor. “This is not something commonly seen or offered in the northeast and we’re thrilled to be able to create an engaging display that also serves as an educational purpose.”

Both Pumpkin Playground and the Curious Cucurbits Display will be open for exploration through November 1.