The fourth annual Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch is scheduled for September 13–15 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska. Photo: Sarah Pace
This time of year, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is known for its elaborate displays of pumpkins, squash and gourds. With more than 400 varieties grown, harvested and arranged around the grounds and sold at the AppleHouse just down the road—visitors know that the arboretum’s gourd game is strong.
But have you ever been to the Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch? Set for September 13–15, this fundraiser, organized by the Arboretum Auxiliary, features more than 7,000 pumpkins that won’t rot. In fact, you can purchase and display these pumpkins in your home 365 days a year.
Created by a highly skilled, juried cadre of glassworkers from around the U.S., each of these works of art is made with furnace-fired glass that’s dipped, spun, rolled, molded and blown into incredible gourd shapes.
Even if you don’t buy a pumpkin, it’s a thrill to watch the glassblowing demonstrations that take place throughout this three-day event. Reserve a time slot for your visit at arb.umn.edu.
Sarah Jackson is a media specialist at the arboretum. She lives and gardens in Minnetonka.
