Ever since the rainy season began, our garden seems to have burst into life.

Only recently I noticed pumpkin vines growing out of our compost.

It was a surprise.

What had once been little more than clay soil had gradually become fertile through years of kitchen scraps, garden trimmings, and compost.

Now pumpkins were growing where we had never planted them.

When my mother-in-law came to look at them, only the large leaves and bright yellow flowers had appeared.

Small bulbs were beginning to form beneath the flowers.

She smiled but told us not to get our hopes up too much.

After all, she has been growing vegetables for most of her life.

So we kept our expectations low.

Today I decided to take another look.

The first two pumpkins had grown much larger than I expected.

Curious, I gently lifted more leaves.

Hidden beneath the vines I found two more.

The pumpkin plant had wandered far beyond the raised bed, weaving its way through the garden, around one of our trees, and back again as if it had a mind of its own.

Now I find myself wondering whether they’ll grow large enough to harvest.

And, if they do, what we’ll make with them.

Pumpkin soup immediately comes to mind.

Perhaps pumpkin cake.

I’m sure there are plenty of other possibilities.

For now, though, I’m simply enjoying watching them grow.