Carol Ann Isaac may be a new gardener, but look at her go!

A member of the Urban Crop Circle, a Sustainable Ballard project, she participated in a group seed purchase that included tromboncino squash (they generally grow rather straight with a bulbous end, hence the trombone).

If you’ve never tried this type of squash, it’s a nice surprise. Ever get tired of mushy zucchini in a stir-fry? This guy holds his own and remains firm.

Flavor? Yummy. Plus, the seeds are located in a small pocket in the round end, leaving the rest for good eating.

Now, Carol’s squash is a little orange, and at first we suspected cross-pollination. But a little research has shown that they are a relative of the butternut and tend to the orangy color as they get larger.

She recently took a specimen to Nicklesville, the traveling camp for homeless folks, with a smaller version that was only about three feet long. Residents took turns posing for phone-camera shots with that one.

I’d say Carol’s neighbors better look out over the next couple of weeks; she plans to harvest this big boy very soon.

Rhonda lives in Ballard and is the Urban Crop Circle Project Leader for Sustainable Ballard. She and Jim garden in a tiny yard and always find something to eat. Questions, Comments, Ideas? You can reach her at Rhonda@sustainableballard.org.