Deep Roots , Strong Growth
According to Armstrong Farm ’ s owner , Keith Armstrong , the Armstrong family farm can trace its roots back to 1868 , when they first began farming near the current location of the farmstand in Pownal . Over the course of several generations , the Armstrong family expanded its operation to include summer corn , maple sugaring , gourds , and pumpkins . The Armstrongs began selling gourds and pumpkins from the farmstand in the early 1980s , and they have continued to grow the business organically since then . Keith Armstrong attributes their continued success to word-of-mouth promotion from tourists and locals alike , many of whom are enchanted by the gorgeous setting and the phenomenal assortment of gourds , pumpkins , and fun Vermont food products .
Today , the farmstand operates from mid-summer to Halloween , and offers a diverse array of seasonally-shifting products and vegetables , including their eye-catching gourds . The process of preparing the ground for planting starts in April , when the fields at the North
Bennington farm are plowed , harrowed , and smoothed with a Perfecta field cultivator to ready the seed beds . At the end of May , the planting season for the gourds begins . After the gourds are planted with an efficient , pneumatic agricultural machine known as a “ vacuum planter ,” small stalks with green leaves spring out of the soil over the next several weeks . Eventually , these seedlings grow into vines that stretch and intertwine over the land . “ We space them out by about fifteen inches because we want to give them space to grow ,” notes Keith Armstrong . “ We don ’ t want them to have to compete with each other for space .”
At the end of a country lane , there is an enchanting room in a historic barn waiting for you . Plan your next escape now
Bask in the glorious colors of nature , perfect for photography and wildlife observation .
• 8 guest rooms in main barn
• 3 bedroom , 2 bathroom cottage
• 160 acres of scenic lawns , gardens , and hiking trails with streams
• Heated outdoor swimming pool windhamhillinn . com • booking @ windhamhillinn . com • ( 802 ) 874-4046
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