Interactive Workshops 

Have you ever considered having a pumpkin patch staff member speak to or run a hands-on workshop with your favorite organization or group?  Kathy’s Pumpkin Patch has done a wide variety of workshops, both on and off site, and would like to be a part of your next workshop.  Previous groups/organizations we have spoken to or done hands-on workshops with are: The Girl and Boy Scouts, 4H Groups, Rotary Clubs, Women in Agriculture, Master Gardners, Book Study Clubs, church groups, etc. Aside from our many workshop topics available, we are also able to tailor our presentations to meet your needs and specific request/requirements (i.e. Scout badges, 4H group projects). We would love to add your group name to our list!  Current workshop topics available, that are appropriate for youth, adult clubs, or intergenerational groups, include:

Apple Gourd Birdhouses
Create a birdhouse from an apple gourd!  Choose the gourd you like and we will help you create a perfect home for a visiting wren or purple martin.    Approx. Time: 30 minutes

Dried Hard-shell Gourds
Learn how to dry one of our beautiful hard-shell gourds.  Choose one of our “already cured” gourds and we’ll teach you how to properly clean them and give each one a bit of color, luster, and shine.  Approx. Time: 30-60 minutes

Pumpkins, Squash, and More
Would you like to know about some of the more outrageous produce at the Patch?  We’ll share the origins of some of our more unusual heirloom squash and pumpkins, tell some good “naming” stories, and provide your members with lots of good cooking and eating tips and several recipes to take and try at home.  Approx. time: 60 minutes

Soap Making with Luffa Sponges
Take one of our homegrown Luffa Sponges and learn how to properly clean and cure it.  Our staff will assist each one in making a bar of herbal scented homemade soap with a luffa center.  Great for cleaning up after a morning in the garden!  Approx. time: 30-45 minutes

Harvest Baskets
Bring a favorite basket from home or choose one of ours!  Let us help you create a harvest centerpiece from our huge selection of squash, gourds, and mini pumpkins.  We have broom corn, bittersweet, hedgehog gourds, and pumpkin peppers to give each creation that special finishing touch!  Approx. time:  60 minutes

Community Sustained Agriculture - Eat locally
Have you always wanted to feel more connected to the food you eat—know where it comes from and who grows it?  We’ll share some of the history of the Buy Fresh/Buy Local and CSA movement here in Iowa, and bring you up to date on new ways to eat “locally” here in southeast Iowa.  And of course, lots of recipes to share and tips on cooking with fresh summer fruits and vegetables.  Approx. time:  30-45 minutes

Making Music—Gourd Style
Come make an African beaded gourd instrument called a Shekera.  Choose an interesting hard shell gourd and we’ll help you color and prepare it.  Then you’ll choose the colorful beads you like and learn how to weave!  It can be as simple or as intricate as you choose!  Approx. time:  1 ½ hours

Please call or e-mail the Patch to schedule a time when you would like one of the patch members to speak to your group.  Scheduling with us two weeks prior to your workshop is greatly appreciated.  We ask mileage reimbursement, craft expenses (if workshop appropriate), and a $25.00 speaking fee per event.  We look forward to speaking at one of your group/organizations real soon!  319-470-1558 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it