Oh, My Gourd

Every summer we enjoy growing a couple of new things to keep the gardening season fun and interesting. This year MrsP wanted to grow birdhouse gourds, which have a thin hard skin that’s perfect for crafts. It was recommended to plant the seeds directly in the ground and grow them on a trellis. They’ve been slow to start but after nursing them along five gourds are finally taking shape with this being the biggest • After delivering a variety of garden veggies to a friend, MrsP suggested we stop at our favorite garden shop. Of course we couldn’t just look! Their pumpkins weren’t on display yet but they were loaded with mums and lots of late season annuals and perennials • To keep our bees busy we picked up a large pot of multicolored zinnias (swallowtail butterflies like them too), a couple of small mums, and a vanilla hibiscus to add to the red and pink ones we already have. They’re gorgeous and just coming into bloom • Speaking of swallowtails, the largest one has left, but I counted eleven in the dill-fennel jungle, and then a twelfth in the parsley :) Yes!! I know, we’re obsessed and already talking about adding a swallowtail bed next year! • Oh, My Gourd!!