Archive for October 29th, 2010

The World’s Largest Pumpkin Becomes World’s Largest Jack-O-Lantern

Posted in Programs and Events on October 29th, 2010 by Plant Talk – 3 Comments
Rustin Dwyer is Visual Media Production Specialist at The New York Botanical Garden.

Scott Cully has held the Guinness World Record for largest jack-o’-lantern multiple times. In fact, there have been ten record breaking pumpkins in the last 11 years. Eight of those record-breakers were turned into jack-o-lanters, five of which were carved by Scott! Not a bad career, huh?

His last record was set on Sunday, October 31, 2005 and here we are –exactly five-years later– where he will try to break his own record by carving the current World Record-holding pumpkin, a 1,810.5-pound behemoth grown by Chris Stevens of New Richmond, Wisconsin.

He won’t be alone, though — botanical artists Michael Anthony Natiello (the artist behind the 500 carved pumpkins currently decorating the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden) and Sara Mussen are on had this weekend to decorate the two other prize winning giant pumpkins on display next to the record holder. Here’s a short video with Scott talking about the process (hint, wine is involved).

Let the Carving Begin!

Posted in Programs and Events on October 29th, 2010 by Plant Talk – Be the first to comment
Ann Rafalko is Director of Online Content.

Scott Cully was out at the reflecting pool in front of the Leon Levy Visitor Center bright and early this morning to begin carving Chris Stevens’ World Record-breaking giant pumpkin.

Here’s some shots (and a short video!) from our early morning rendezvous.

Head below the break for some exclusive shots from this morning’s seed harvesting and carving extravaganza!

Inside the Giant Pumpkin

Posted in Programs and Events on October 29th, 2010 by Plant Talk – Be the first to comment
Ann Rafalko is Director of Online Content.

Yep, that’s right ladies and gents. The giant pumpkins are so big, a man can fit inside. Matthew DeBacco from team-pumpkin.org climbed inside Steve Connolly’s 1,674.5 pounder this morning to harvest some seeds. He reported that it was nice and warm, and that if it were on the Lower East Side it would rent for about $1,500 a month!.

Check it out!