They did well and I had designated a pumpkin area especially for them. I was thrilled when son of Max started to appear. It was mid July and he was growing well- until the shrivel started to appear. No outward reason for the affliction, so I started to nurture.
Two daily doses of extra water and tomato feed in an attempt to inflate my afflicted squash. Turning, supporting and clearing of leaves seemed to have little impact on the beleaguered squash, until one day- it was clear that son of Max was beyond help. A giant slug had managed to reach him and a giant hole had appeared in my only giant squash.
A short and unceremonious removal to the compost followed his demise. So shallow was my need to compete- I turned and noticed daughter of Maxine- growing well in the shadows, nephew of Max also growing. I started to feel pride in my pumpkins and remembered at last, that squashes are not just for Halloween- I turned my attention to my sad and neglected butternut squash, I fear too late. I remembered that I like those. I became aware of patty pans, turks heads and a multitude of smaller squashes on all of the other plots, who had all been ignored in the name of competition. Then I realised, I actually don’t care about winning the largest pumpkin- not because I know I have no chance- but because this year I have missed out on so many more varieties. Next year I shall dedicate a spot on the plot to the squash, I feel aptly named as they seem to squash anything within range. No more giant pumpkin for the sake of competition, as it seems I have learned that size isn’t everything.
Magazine/January, 2013 3