Karen McLoughlin, Delaware County Master Gardener, gave us a fascinating look into the world of gourds at our Second Saturdays workshop this month. Karen’s power point presentation included examples of beautiful gourd art, types of gourds, pictures of her gourd garden, and instructions on how to grow, dry and prepare ornamental and hardshell gourds for use as an art form.
After the presentation, we were treated to a display of some of Karen’s gourd creations. We learned that gourds come in all sizes, shapes, patterns and colors. Each gourd has unique scars and blemishes that enhance its natural beauty.
Each participant had the opportunity to select a dried gourd and prepare it for decorating. After the gourds were cleaned and scraped, the creative fun began.
We lined up at the work table to drill holes for birdhouse entrances and hanging hooks. After the holes were drilled, we shook out the seeds and fibrous insides. Next was the toughest decision—how to decorate our gourds.
Dried gourds can be painted with water colors, acrylics and oils or stained with inks, dyes and even shoe polish. They can also be carved, filigreed and embellished with interesting designs by using woodburning tools, pen-shaped electric drills and clay sculpting tools.
Talk about a creative activity! Gourds can become birdhouses, Christmas tree ornaments, wall hangings, spoons, bowls, decorative containers and whatever else develops when your imagination runs wild.
Karen said gourds were America’s first art form. That statement intrigued me, so I did a little online research. I discovered that decorating gourds was an ancient tradition in Africa, Asia and Central and South America as well as among native American Indians. Gourd art is still flourishing worldwide and in America, especially in the south and southwest. I was surprised to read that there are juried shows for gourd art.
I’m so glad I attended Karen’s workshop. I didn’t know so many beautiful items could be made from gourds. Thanks, Karen, for this exciting look at the world of gourds.
If you’d like to learn about gourd art, go to American Gourd Society.
For other upcoming Master Gardener workshops on a variety of topics, check out our Second Saturday schedule. Workshops are held each month at our Smedley Park Environmental Center in Springfield, PA.
Do you have a gardening question? Call our Delaware County Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
September 29, 2007: Master Gardeners Fall Fest & Plant Sale
We've planned a great day for you--interesting workshops, self-guided tours of our beautiful display gardens, our spectacular fall plant sale and our popular frugal gardener sale.
October 13, 2007: Scarecrow Making
Our annual scarecrow making workshop is a fun family event that is enjoyed by kids of all ages. You bring the clothes, a hat and a pillowcase--we supply the rest.
Registration required for all events (except plant sale). Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website
