From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Rhode Island

I have been around this crazy hobby since late 1980's and have experienced many changes. Weights we once strived for in sixty days we now get in thirty. A THOUSAND POUNDER USED TO BE SPECIAL NOW? ITS NOT EVEN BIG FOR A 150 SQ FT GARDEN - WHO WOULD HAVE THUNK IT thirty five years ago?
Even though i no longer grow i cant help but get excited to see so many accomplished growers in our hobby.
Who knows i may get the urge and come out of retirement for one more go round.
Very impressed with the hobbies growth all over the world. What started in Canada, grew into the USA and, now being lead by growers in England and beyond, showing no signs of stoppage.
a big thank you to Big Pumpkins.com. The GPC and dedicated growers for bring our hobby to the brink of 3,000 pounds.
Pap

10/4/2022 8:51:03 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

lots of changes in the 35 years i have been growing, what started out as just a handful of growers and weigh-off sites, with a few newsletters to spread the information and results, has now blossomed into a world-wide obsession with the internet helping to spread it.

10/5/2022 6:48:53 AM

Salem, Ohio USA

Amen to Pap. Hope your Bills do well. Big Al

10/5/2022 7:54:04 AM

Westmoreland, KS

I think i'm hearing PAP for 2023!

10/5/2022 8:48:43 AM

Torrance, Ca.

Always nice to see you post on bp Pap! Your posts years ago use to inspire and excite me every time I'd read one! They still do to this day so thanks for posing!

You have stories that could fill 1000 pages here on bp!

Keep the words of wisdom coming!

It is funny how 2000 pounds is pretty normal each year now! I don't remember 1000 pounds but I do remember when Ron hit 1500 and we thought that was impossible,,, then 2009,,,, and what a seed that 2009 was!!

Keep checking in on us!:)

10/5/2022 9:57:06 AM

President - GPC

Lord OlderbunZ, Your words of wisdom have always inspired, Thank You for all the wiZdom you have provided this hobby over years.....

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

- Martin Luther King Jr.

10/5/2022 10:18:24 AM

Gourd Zone, WA

There arent many healthy addictions in life, I think this is as close as it gets/ as good as it gets. More screenhouses and fewer pesticides? I want everyone to enjoy this hobby until they are at least 90.

10/5/2022 1:00:46 PM

Colorado

Paps, it would be Cool to see you come out of pumpkin retirement. You've always been my favorite heavy hitter.

10/5/2022 5:34:52 PM

Nova Scotia

Great to hear from ya "pap". From Windsor, Nova Scotia the home of "Dill's Atlantic Giant" it certainly has been very many exciting times with amazing weights. So many tremendous dedicated growers out there today around the world who share their passion and knowledge to future growers. Cheers Danny, family and farm.

10/5/2022 7:00:46 PM

Littleton, Colo

Cmon Paps…. Like Cojoe said, come grow another!! Do it !!
“ You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream “
C.S Lewis

10/5/2022 11:38:31 PM

Anchorage Alaska

Pap ,,you have always been a true mentor.. to all

10/6/2022 12:18:08 AM

Rhode Island

If asked what i accomplished most out of this hobby it would not be the weights attained, but the hundreds of children and families we helped through the ORANGE ANGELS FOUNDATION annual seed promo sale.
For seventeen seasons the OAF was made possible because of generosity and support from all those heavy hitter seed donors, Friends, loyal clubs and individual purchasers that made it all possible.
Pap

10/6/2022 10:08:58 AM

Lymington

Hi pap your a legend in my eyes will never forget you beating us into 3rd place in 2116 by just 11lbs actually might have only been 9lb 😄 it was our pleasure we got to be on tv with you in New York. Thank you for all you have done for our hobby and your fantastic charity.
Stewie

10/6/2022 3:19:42 PM