Dumfriesshire's pumpkin paradise for spooky season

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Dumfriesshire farm has become a pumpkin paradise just in time for Hallowe’en.Tenant farmers Stuart and Chloe Graham are back with their hugely popular seasonal picking fest called The Patch at the 366-acre Uppercleuch Farm on the Applegirth Estate near Lockerbie.It will be the third year the innovative pair are inviting families in to choose their own pumpkin for a Hallowe’en jack-o-lantern and enjoy farmyard activities – which are better than ever this year.They have also hosted a first Date Night on the farm as part of the celebrations, offering pumpkins and pizzas under the stars.It has been a learning curve for the couple, who first planted 800 pumpkin plants at the start of June 2022 and then again last year.This year, they planted 1,600 in a bid to keep up with demand from the visitors.However, the rain has taken its toll on pumpkin-growing and they have had to buy in 400 to make up the difference – so there will be plenty to go around.Chloe, who is managing farm life around her two young sons, Angus and baby George, said: “We are thrilled to be running our pumpkin patch again and expect to see some old faces and new ones too.“We have limited parking – which is why we ask people to pre-book only – so it means we are not a massive enterprise and visitors have told us they like that and it makes them feel special because they are not constantly queueing and get to try everything.”It is a great opportunity for families to make happy Hallowe’en memories in a fabulous setting and there are things to do both indoors and outside to add to the experience.Chloe said: “As well as the pumpkin picking, there are outdoor activities for all ages including farmyard games such as bowling, welly throw, bale run and a Nerf wars