What’s autumn without a few pumpkins and gourds decorating your front stoop? And don’t forget … Halloween will be here before you know it! Throughout history, many different cultures have carved lanterns out of vegetables like turnips, gourds and pumpkins. The carved pumpkins we in North America have become accustomed to are based primarily on an Irish tradition, though the Irish didn’t actually have pumpkins. It’s not quite certain what the original purpose of a Jack O’Lantern was. In fact, some say they were to represent the spirits, while others say they were used to scare spirits away. Regardless of the history and intent, there’s something special about visiting a pumpkin patch on a brisk autumn afternoon and picking out the perfect pumpkin!
Here are some of Surrey’s fabulous pumpkin patches:
Rondriso Farms
8390 172 Street
Take a hay wagon ride down to the patch where you’ll find some of the biggest and coolest pumpkins around! Rondriso also features a full assortment of pre-picked pumpkins, mini-pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks and hay bales available for sale at the farm stand, not to mention a grand assortment of winter veggies! For a mooo-ving experience, make sure to take the kids down to the barn where they can meet the cows and calves as well. Hay wagon rides go from 10:00-6:00 on weekends and holidays, and are available on Mondays to Fridays from 3:00-6:00 throughout the month of October. Opening September 30. Visit their website for all the details.
The Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch
18507 20th Avenue
The folks at Hazelmere grow a wide variety of pumpkins! Each year they test plant new varieties – some perfect for carving, others for colourful displays, and pumpkin pie! The earlier you visit, the more choice you’ll have, as the more unusual pumpkins tend to get picked first. This year, keep an eye out for a row of yellow pumpkins! Admission includes a hayride to the pumpkin patch, a mini corn maze, and access to the farm animal interaction areas and play areas. Opening September 23, the Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch is open on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm (including Oct 2 and Thanksgiving Monday) and on weekday afternoons from October 3 – 27.
Port Kells Nurseries
18730 88th Avenue
It takes a lot of pumpkin seeds to grow the perfect pumpkin patch! And every May, the folks at Port Kells Nurseries plant well over 10,000 seeds in 9 growing fields, and grow 80 different varieties of pumpkins and gourds! With that many potential pumpkins popping up come October, the Great Pumpkin must surely reside here! Admission is free and includes access to the outdoor play areas, animal attractions and the cedar maze. Opening October 1.
Arts Nursery Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch
8940 192nd Street
Visit Arts Nursery’s 10+ acre nursery anytime between September 23 and October 31 to enjoy a casual outdoor stroll amongst 60+ scarecrows and the pop-up pumpkin patch. There will be plenty of fall photo opportunities, lots of locally grown pumpkins, and the creativity of their talented scarecrow-building team on display! And if you love the scarecrows so much that you want one to take home, you can purchase your very own Scarecrow Building Kit. Enjoy live music and indulge in delicious food truck treats while you pick the perfect pumpkin.