Guy's Pumpkin Patch carves out a success
Guy Farms had a sell-out event at their Pumpkin Patch in Boardsmill this year, the fourth event for them since they decided to open their farm. They had previous and new visitors from all over the country including Meath locals but also visitors from Leitrim, Sligo, Laois, Galway, Donegal, Cork and Dublin, keen to choose their perfect pumpkin.
In what was an optimal year for pumpkin growth, this family run business pulled out all the stops to welcome people to the farm with a five acre maze in a maize field, lots of fun games in the polytunnel and coffee shop with local homemade tray bakes and pumpkin soup. Talented face painter Carol’s face painting and murals was on hand keeping all the kids happy with her spooky creations. Guy Farm selected Meath Hospice Homecare Movement as this year’s beneficiary of a donation from face painting proceeds. Delasheen Dairy was also on hand to offer their local flavoured milk and ice-cream and Nags with Notions cooked up gourmet pizza each day. Local 14 year-old entrepreneur Morgan Reilly also had a stand selling her wonky dog treats made from unused carrots at Guy Farm. In addition to the amazing array of pumpkins, what really had everyone talking and sharing on socials was the exceptional bale art on display. Visitors couldn’t get over the creativity showcased through silage and hay bales which was the vision of Brigie Guy and her exceptionally talented daughters Ann, Bríd, Edel and Niamh. The whole event was a family affair with over 30 members of the hard-working Guy family and friends pulling together to ensure an amazing event was offered to visitors.
John Guy says that this year was an unbelievable year for pumpkin growing, the dry summer and little frost meant that the pumpkins thrived.
"We planted approximately 20,000 seedlings and introduced some new varieties to the 20 or so we already had. The ultimate carving monster pumpkin was extremely popular, and all the cooks were mad to get their hands on a yellow squash variety we introduced. We are thrilled to see the event grow each year and were overwhelmed with the sell-out demand for tickets. We were so grateful to our family who helped pull off the event and unbelievably happy to see people visit our farm and spend the day relaxing”.
Having successfully grown carrots for over three generations, the innovative idea to grow pumpkins was the brainchild of John and Barbara Guy’s three children Sean (15), Eimear (14) and Conor (11), who bought some pumpkins from an honesty box, carved them out around the kitchen table and saved the seeds. They were surprised how well they grew and decided to open their farm and the event has grown each year since. The Guy family were delighted from the overwhelmingly positive feedback this year, even on the rainy day’s visitors loved the experience, especially kids who had a blast playing in the puddles and real farm muck.