Visitors to the garden at Tyntesfield, near Bristol, will be able to see 33 different varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourds on visits from Saturday 24th October – Sunday 15th November.
Despite the team of 11 property staff and 200 garden volunteers being reduced to just 4 members of staff overnight when lockdown was introduced, the remaining team have carefully tended to the pumpkin patch throughout the summer and have grown an impressive crop.
The display is different every year, and in the past has included items from Tyntesfield’s vast 60,000 item collection. This year, there will be even more autumnal elements, including hops, plaited onion and garlic, all grown in the garden at Tyntesfield.
It is believed that in the UK, over 12 million pumpkins will be wasted this year. Last year, Tyntesfield donated the leftover vegetables to FareShare South West, the largest food redistribution charity in the region, which combats food waste by donating good quality, in-date surplus food to frontline charities and community groups. The charity will again take in the pumpkins and redistribute to support those who need it most, this year.
“The seasonal squash display has become a real moment in the calendar at Tyntesfield” said Charlotte Langley, Kitchen Gardener. “It’s great to see visitors getting excited throughout the summer as they see the pumpkins swell to incredible sizes, and then their joy when the display is complete. This year, we’ll be labelling each variety, so visitors can get to know these weird and wonderful veg a bit better“.
Visitors are invited to share their pictures of the squash display on social media, using the hashtag #tyntesfieldsquash.
As well as the seasonal display, visitors can take in extensive autumn colour, believed to be one of the most colourful in recent years. The Cow Barn and Pavilion cafes are open, along with the woodland play trail. Tyntesfield is open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm. Pre-booking via the Tyntesfield website is advisable, and essential on weekends and school holidays. For more information please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield.
(Photos courtesy of Bob Fowler).
