October 3, 2019
Traditions
by Kimberly Bokor
Listen by Kimberly Bokor
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| A truck full of pumpkins. |
Our drive is full of traditions like a picnic basket full of Publix subs enjoyed at rest areas along the way, multiple bags of candy corns and the requirement that we sing 'way down upon the Suwannee River' at the top of our lungs as we drive over it. Those seemingly small traditions have added up to years of wonderful memories.
Over the roar of traffic and the wind whipping through open windows (did I mention there's no A/C) we get the chance to talk without interruption, a luxury we rarely have at home with two chatty little girls. We keep our eyes peeled for landmarks like King Frog and the Plantation House, signs we know mean we're getting closer to our destination. We always pull into the same hotel after dark and wake up before dawn so we can be the first to pull into the farmer's market and get top pick of this year's pumpkins. We walk through hundreds of pallets of pumpkins and squash looking for the most unusual shapes and colors. Once we've made our selections we have to figure out how to carefully fit them all into our truck without breaking any stems. That is no small task. Then we begin our trek home.
We are always excited to pull back into the nursery with the truck filled to the brim with pumpkins and squash bearing wacky names like Warty Goblin and Jarrhdale, and some with skin that looks like someone had a little too much fun with peanut shells and a glue gun. We tumble out of the truck, our legs and backs stiff from the hours of sitting.
As simple as it is, this annual tradition reminds me of how grateful I am that we get to do what we do. We love gardening. It is our passion. With or without a garden center we would choose to spend our time outside in the dirt. But the best part for us is that we get to share it with each other, with our children and with you. Happy fall, I think it is going to be amazing.
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Happy
Gardening, The Kerby's Nursery Family 
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The Weekly Special
6" Pot Size
When you hear the word Mum, I'll bet a rush of autumn memories fill your head. As we roll into October, get your fall decorating going with beautiful mums. This week, all 6 inch mums are just 2 for $10.
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Offer valid through 10/10/19 Cannot be combined with other offers. Exclusively for Kerby's Preferred Customers |
Garden Tip
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Pumpkin Varieties Fall in Florida. It's kind of like summer, but with pumpkins. And you wouldn't believe how many cool kinds of pumpkins there are. We are always amazed when we are at the farmer's market by the colors and shapes that they come in. Take a look at what we found and then come check them out on display in the Kerby's Pumpkin Patch. Happy Fall Y'all! |
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The Cronus Big Stem is not your average jack-o-lantern. These large pumpkins are a perfect orange and nicely shaped for maximum carving surface. | |
| Cinderella pumpkins are an heirloom pumpkin from France. They get their name because they resemble Cinderella's coach. The deep reddish-orange is gorgeous for decorating a front porch. Stack flat pumpkins of different sizes and colors for amazing front porch style. |  | |
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Having One Too Many can result in bloodshot eyes (at least that's what I've heard) and the unique red and orange veins on this cool pumpkin are how it got its name. | |
| The Green Stripe Cushaw has beautiful stripes on a long neck that comes out of a bulbous body. The fun shapes are a perfect addition to a colorful front porch. |  | |
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If you are into ghosts and ghouls, why not add a Warty Goblin to your pumpkin porch. The knobbly green warts scream Halloween. | |
| If I was a farmer and I saw this Peanut Squash growing in my patch, I would think I had done something wrong. But I promise it is natural and not contagious. It sort of looks like someone glued peanut halves all over the outside of a perfectly good pumpkin. Cool and grotesque at the same time. |  | |
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If you are trying to escape before midnight, try this Fairy Tales pumpkin out. I don't think it will turn into a coach, but you can always ask your Fairy Godmother to try. | |
| Sometimes a fall display doesn't need vibrant color at all. White and green pumpkins create an elegant look while still keeping the autumn spirit alive. The Jarrhdale is perfect for creating this autumn elegance. |  | |
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The Flat White Boer is another of the flat pumpkins that are great for stacking and the pure white color keeps your autumn elegant. However you mix and match your pumpkins have fun and get outside and Make Fall Happen. | |
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New Arrivals
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Camellias Fall Camellias are Here 10" Pot - $29.99 |
Black-eyed Susan Beautiful Autumn Flowers 6" Pot - $7.99 |
Thryallis Tough Shrub, Bright Flowers 10" Pot - $14.99 |
