Monday, January 20, 2014

Gourds - What inspires me!


 Today, let's talk about gourds! They are easy to grow and fun to decorate!


(First of all, I have to send a special thank you to Linda Ashmore my mentor in gourd decorating!)


  Thanks, Linda!  ;-)

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There are so many sizes and shapes. 

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With all the different varieties, gourds can be grown just about anywhere.  They do need something sturdy to climb.  We use cattle panels attached to T-posts.


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They are truly beautiful plants!  I usually purchase my seeds thru Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.
 

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Once the gourds are grown and harvested, just toss them in a spot where they can dry.  We have an old milk barn on our property and we just pile them on a box in the corner.  The better the gourds are ventilated, the quicker they will dry.  Once dry, give them a good scrub and it's time to be creative!

The possibilities are absolutely endless!  Below are some of my projects.  Just click on the link to see the entire DIY post.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Check out these Gourd-o-Lanterns by Angie at God's Growing Garden!
 
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Fun stuff, huh?
 
 As you plan your gardens for Spring, find a spot for gourds!  In the meantime, come over to my Stone Cottage!  I have plenty.  We can make all kinds of crazy things! 
 
;-)  -Marci
 
 

7 comments:

  1. You've got some great photos and ideas here! Thank you for linking to Super Sunday Sync!

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  2. I do love all the beautiful and useful things that can be made from gourds. I tried to grow my own a couple of years ago with no success. Seeing your post has inspired me; I might have to give it another try.

    Best wishes for a wonderful week!

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  3. I've grown these a while back now, they do grow into interesting shapes.
    Merle..................

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  4. Oh wow! I love your decorations. I would have never considered decorating gourds. I have seen them but just saw them as different and didn't look beyond that to the possibilities.

    Thanks so much for sharing on Turn It Up Tuesday! We love having you! :)

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  5. I have grown a ton of gourds and love drying them! Cleaning them?...not so much! But..I have some ready to paint when I have more time! What a fun post!

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  6. I think I am going to have to add gourds to my list of seeds I need to buy. I usually buy from Baker Creek too!

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  7. I have always gotten gourds from my mother each year, but this year I'm going to grow some of my own. I just put them out as decor in autumn, but now you've got me considering the possibilities. Hmmm...

    Share with me! Blog Hop every Friday!
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