In a world full of instant everything, nature invites us to slow down. At Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch, each season delivers a quiet lesson in patience and presence. From wandering the pumpkin patch to feeding a baby goat, it’s a place where the fast pace of life fades. This blog explores how nature—and a visit to our greenhouse in Iowa—helps us breathe, reset, and savor the moment.
Everything Has a Season—And That’s a Good Thing
Nature never rushes, yet everything gets done. On the farm, we witness that every day. Pumpkins take 90 to 120 days from seed to harvest. Flowers require the perfect mix of sunlight, water, and soil to bloom.
In the 1980s, Fred Howell responded to the farm crisis by planting a quarter acre of Strawflowers and Statice. He dried them and arranged the blooms in the family’s 1910 barn. That thoughtful act grew into something much bigger: a business that celebrates patience and beauty.
That moment planted the seed for Howell’s today—a place where growth happens at its own pace and good things take time. Every field, bloom, and patch shows that results worth having don’t come instantly.
Waiting for crops to grow helps us appreciate the journey. The process itself becomes the point. It teaches us to be okay with things taking time and to find joy in progress.
Sensory Moments That Anchor Us
On the farm, every sense wakes up. The crunch of straw under boots, the chatter of goats, and the scent of soil in the greenhouse all draw you into the moment.
Tasting a warm caramel apple or hearing laughter at the duck races can pull even the busiest brain out of overdrive. These small moments turn ordinary visits into something deeply grounding.
Unlike screen time or scrolling, these experiences involve your whole body. That connection is what brings presence. You’re not just watching life happen—you’re in it.
Kids Lead the Way
Kids don’t need instructions on how to be present. They leap into the corn pool with no hesitation. They examine every pumpkin like it might be the best one in the whole patch. When they make mud pies, it’s a serious job.
Children are fully engaged. They don’t split their attention. They explore, ask questions, and respond to what’s around them.
Adults can learn from that. At Howell’s, you’re invited to slow down and experience things the way kids do—curiously, joyfully, and without rush.
Nature Is the Best Teacher
Nature isn’t just a peaceful backdrop. It’s one of our greatest teachers. Each season models something new—how to grow, how to change, and how to let go.
Change Is Constant
Nature reminds us that nothing stays the same. Flowers fade, leaves fall, and crops get harvested. And yet, everything comes back. It’s not loss—it’s a cycle.
At Howell’s, we see this every year. Spring brings color and new growth in the greenhouses. Summer is alive with baby goats, wiggle cars, and chalk drawings. Fall brings crisp air, ripe pumpkins, and a maze you can lose yourself in. Then, winter comes, and the farm takes a breath.
These rhythms teach us that we don’t need to be productive all the time. There’s a season for everything—including rest. Seeing the land rest gives us permission to do the same.
When life feels overwhelming, these changes show us that hard moments will pass. Like the seasons, we shift and grow.
The Playfulness of Presence
Being present doesn’t always mean being quiet or still. Sometimes it looks like laughing until your stomach hurts. It means getting lost in the moment, fully immersed in fun.
Let Loose and Laugh
At Howell’s, joy is everywhere. Slide down a hill. Race your friends on trikes. Hop on a swing and feel the wind.
We have grain wagon hoops, paintball, obstacle courses, hamster wheels—you name it. These aren’t just kids’ activities. They’re reminders that play isn’t just allowed, it’s encouraged.
Play invites us into the present in a way that few other things can. You’re not worried about tomorrow when you’re aiming a corn cannon or jumping on a pad. You’re just having fun. And that joy stays with you long after the day ends.
Bringing the Farm’s Lessons Into Everyday Life
The farm can teach us a lot, but the real magic happens when you bring those lessons home. Nature’s wisdom doesn’t need acres—just attention.
Simple Ways to Stay Present
Try growing something, even if it’s just a basil plant on your windowsill. Watch it each day. Notice its small changes. Or leave your phone inside and take a short walk. Listen to what’s around you.
Eat a meal outside. Watch the light shift. Start your day with five minutes of quiet. These habits help you tune back in.
Shopping at a farmers market or cooking with seasonal produce also connects you with the earth’s pace. It turns everyday routines into moments of reflection.
A trip to Howell’s greenhouse in Iowa might be what sparks this shift. Even one day outside can remind you what matters. Slowing down isn’t falling behind—it’s finally catching up with yourself.
Slow Down With Us
If you’re craving less rush and more real, we’d love to see you. Come for the pumpkins, flowers, or goats. Stay for the sense of peace that settles in when you walk through the fields.
Every season offers something different. Our events change with the weather, but the invitation stays the same. Come connect. Come laugh. Come breathe.
The fresh air is always free. Bring your kids, your date, your coworkers, or just yourself. And yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to take a turn on the trike.
There’s always something blooming at Howell’s. And there’s always space for you at our greenhouse in Iowa.
