In Essex, a unique spectacle is capturing the attention of locals and visitors alike. Jonathan Lukies, a seasoned farmer at Cammas Hall Farm near Chelmsford, Essex, has turned the humble pumpkin into a work of art, creating a stunning mosaic display that stands out in the increasingly competitive world of pumpkin farming.
Over the past decade, Lukies has been running a pumpkin patch, a venture that has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. As more farmers join the trend, standing out from the crowd has become a necessity. Lukies' answer? A pumpkin mosaic that cost over £10,000 and took 1,000 hours of meticulous craftwork to create.
This extraordinary vegetable-based artwork, featuring 3,500 pumpkins in a variety of colours, is more than just a feast for the eyes. It's a testament to the creativity and innovation that local farmers like Lukies are bringing to their trade. "Every year we have to have something original," Lukies said, reflecting the spirit of competition that's driving the industry forward.
The shift towards pumpkin patches as a source of income is a response to the struggles faced by the farming industry. As Lukies explains, "Farming is searching for other streams of revenue." With more people favouring handpicked pumpkins from patches over supermarket-bought ones, it's a trend that's paying off.
It's not just Lukies who's thinking outside the box. Ross McGowan, a farmer at Hatter's Farm in Takeley, Bishop's Stortford, has also been running a pumpkin patch for the past five years. This year, his farm has introduced a pumpkin-themed haunted house and glow-in-the-dark patches to attract visitors.
Emily French, a partner at Foxes Farm Produce in Colchester, has been running a pumpkin patch for nine years. Despite a challenging season due to heavy rain, she's managed to keep up with demand, even supplying other farms that haven't had crops.
These farmers' stories are a testament to the resilience, creativity, and community spirit of Essex's farming industry. Their innovative approaches to pumpkin farming are not just boosting their businesses but also offering locals a unique, memorable experience. So why not pay a visit to these extraordinary pumpkin patches and see the magic for yourself?
Image: Cammas Hall Farm
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