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Symbols of Plenty

26.11.08 | Ilona Erwin | 2 Comments



Earlier in the season I posted some pictures of gourds from a roadside stand. It seems like gourds are an icon of harvest and their colors and wildly varied shapes lend themselves to crafts and decorations.
They are not hard to grow, my mother used to plant some in her postcard patch of garden and we had our own harvestings in October for little cornucopias, etc. at Thanksgiving time. I think every craft store and most groceries carry them for sale.
I live in Amish country, and the Amish seem to enjoy making frugal use of things, including gourds. There are plenty of birdhouses, and feeders made from a certain type of variety, Lagenaria siceraria.

Gourds are lovely just on their own in groups of a single variety or a combination of many types. Some people paint them- I’ve seen amazing ones at the Berea Artisan center. And there are decorated gourds that have been woodburned. Some of them have a high level of artistic craft! Amazing world of gourds -interesting (maybe little known) facts.

A Few Growing Tips

via Seeds of Knowledge

  • gourds can be grown in hills as you would grow squash and pumpkin, gourds that are left lying on the ground will flatten on one side and may be susceptible to rot.
  • Once harvested, they will need a cool, dry place to complete the drying process.
  • Let your gourds ripen on the vines as long as possible. Wait until the stem turns brown, but harvest before frost.
  • Thin-shelled gourds dry best when hung in a mesh bag.

I especially like the Turk’s Turban type, Cucurbita maxima. that is the one pictured at the top of this post.

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About Ilona Erwin

I was a garden blog pioneer, and began writing on this blog in 2003. Before that I had begun a garden website that has been at its own domain since 2006, Ilona's Garden.

I still love writing, gardening, and art after all these years, although travel and grandchildren have become a big part of my life, now.

DISCLOSURE: I may be an affiliate for products that I recommend. If you purchase those items through my links I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Thank you, in advance for your support! Privacy Policy

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Comments

  1. Msrobin says

    November 26, 2008 at 11:34 pm

    I grew some gourds in my garden one year, and was very proud of my harvest. I put a basket full on the front porch, and the squirrels ate every one! I didn’t even know they were edible.

  2. Ilona says

    November 27, 2008 at 2:11 pm

    Those darn squirrels! If it isn’t tulip bulbs or birdfeed , ti’s gourds on the porch….

    I had no idea they’d do that.

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Oh, hi there!

I was a garden blog pioneer, and began writing on this blog in 2003. Before that I had begun a garden website that has been at its own domain since 2006, Ilona's Garden.

I still love writing, gardening, and art after all these years, although travel and grandchildren have become a big part of my life, now.

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