News Release
For Immediate Release —Septmeber 22, 2008
UT AgResearch & Education Center Rings in Autumn with Spectacular House Made of Pumpkins
(JACKSON, TN) – The colors of fall will soon be evident in our fields and forests as well as on the grounds of the University of Tennessee’s West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, as one of the largest exhibits of pumpkins in the country will once again be on display. For six weeks, a house comprised of more than five thousand pumpkins will grace the Center. UT horticulturalist Jason Reeves and his team designed this remarkable work of art that heralds the harvest season.
“Visitors are truly in for a treat this year,” says Reeves. “A house made entirely of pumpkins is a huge undertaking. It will definitely be something to see. And there are a few surprises that both kids and adults will enjoy.”
The display will showcase 80 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and winter squash. All fruits used in the display were grown at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center as part of an on-going effort by UT AgResearch scientists to assist farmers and consumers alike. Current studies focus on increasing pumpkin yields and controlling diseases that damage pumpkin plants and create a short shelf life.
“As autumn displays become more popular, crops like pumpkins are in higher demand,” Reeves says. “It’s important to the producer to know which varieties perform best in West Tennessee. And it’s important to the consumer to know the unique varieties that will remain beautiful in displays throughout the fall season.”
The pumpkin display makes a fantastic background for fall photos, and cameras are welcome. The display will be open to the public beginning Thursday, October 9, 2008 and will be available daily to visitors through Thanksgiving weekend. It is located in the main parking area at the UT West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at 605 Airways Boulevard, Jackson, TN.
The West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center is one of ten unique facilities devoted to making strides in agricultural research. The Center is operated by UT AgResearch, as part of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.
For more information, visit the Web site: http://www.westtennessee.tennessee.edu or call 731-425-4768.
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Contact: Ginger Trice, UTIA Marketing and Communications, 731-425-4768