Autumn is definitely upon us!

October skies are clear and bright now and the evenings hold a hint of crisp chill that has already affected the flowers and trees.

The maples are beginning to change from bright greens to scarlet and rust. The fall bounty is evident in the stores and farm markets all over the area. Pumpkins, apples, squash, nuts, and gourds are on display in all their cheerful, autumn colors.

When the russet leaves begin to drop later in the month, find a beautifully shaped and colored one, feel its cool, crispness and you hold the essence of the season in your hand.

Decorating for this time of year usually includes pumpkins, especially as we draw closer to the end of the month and Halloween. But, there are some other items of the Autumn harvest that make great decorative pieces. Fall leaves in a vase or pitcher, apples in baskets or bowls, or an assortment of walnuts or hickory nuts in the shell, can all add visual appeal around the house indoors or out.

Gourds can also be used in many different ways to decorate. Gourds come in such a range of sizes from small to large and they also come in a variety of colors and some very unique shapes.

Gourds that work well for decorating are:
1. Flat Top Bushel gourds. These are a round, medium sized gourd with a flattened top.

2. Apple gourds. About 7 to 9 inches in diameter with an apple shape.

3. Tobacco Box. This is a rounded gourd about 8” to 12” in diameter.

4. Basketball gourd. This is a very round, medium sized gourd.

5. Canteen gourd. The canteen gourd is a rounded but flattened gourd about 7 to 14 inches in diameter.

6. Kettle or Birdhouse gourd. This one is rounded at the bottom narrowing to a rounded short neck.

7. Curly Dipper gourds are rounded at the bottom elongating into long, thin, curling necks.

8. Bottle gourds have a round bottom with a thin neck and a short rounded protrusion above the neck.

9. Swan gourds have a rounded bottom with a thinner elongated neck that curves to one side and down.

10. Mini gourds. These can come in various colors and shapes and range in size from 2 – 10 inches in length.

Any of these types of gourds can be used for some very fanciful decorating. Mini gourds are very attractive in baskets or bowls and can be mixed with colorful fall leaves, cranberries, or nuts. Wire mini gourds to a grapevine wreath and add silk, flower mums for a great fall door hanging.

Larger gourds also make great fall accents. With their interesting shapes and colors, groupings of larger gourds are so attractive on your porch, patio, or deck or they can be displayed on straw bales or in baskets.

Try something a little different for Halloween this year. Along with carved or painted pumpkins, add some painted “jack-o-lantern” type gourds. The shapes of the gourds will truly spark some very imaginative decorating and the various colors are great with the deep, rich, oranges of the pumpkins.

October garden tip:
October is a great time to plant bulbs for spring blooming. When planting tulips, crocus, or daffodils, instead of planting them in rows, toss four or five bulbs among your flowers or on the ground where you want blooms next spring. Plant them where they fall and enjoy a more natural looking display next spring. Also, planting tulips and daffodils among perennials with foliage that grows up in the spring, will help hide the leaves of the spring bulbs as they die back in late spring.

If you have garden questions or tips for other gardeners, send them in to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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