Decorative gourds

Gourds are among the oldest of cultivated plants, dating back to 2200 B.C. They were commonly preserved and used as containers or carved into scoops. Gourds today are grown in a variety of types and sizes from small ornamental gourds to large birdhouse gourds.

Gourds can be made into a variety of creations. Learn how to dry and clean gourds for crafts to use in making different DIY craft projects!

Tutorial on cleaning the inside of a gourd using various tools (common household items and commercial tools) to make it look smooth and professional.

Ornamental gourds grow wide enough to make a natural birdhouse, but first you have to dry them. Drying (or curing) the birdhouse gourds will leave you with a hollow shell for birds to move into. Provided you have dry and sunny weather, you...

Who would have ever thought that gourds have other uses than just being a ‘plant’? Of course, we have heard about other fruits being used for something else –

Show your individual sense of style and express your creativity through homegrown gourds! This step-by-step tutorial describes how to dry artistic gourds for inside and outside display.

Some of the articles on these pages were written by Chuck Abare. My thanks to him for sharing some of the knowledge he’s gained from his years of study on this subject. I consider Chuck to be an expert on Purple Martins, and using natural gourds for their housing. He has helped me greatly with designing suitable lodging for this wonderful ... Read More

Dried gourds are perfect for all kinds of crafts, from making birdhouses to creating the perfect fall-themed display. Even better, it's very easy to dry your own gourds for decorating. It can take anywhere from a few weeks up to several...

***GOURD*** (Annual Decorative Veggie) "Penguin" variety 3+ seeds/pack This variety of gourd is a large gourd type with a wide array of "neck" sizes & lengths. Fun to paint or decorate. Get the kids involved in gardening; this is a fun way to start. This one's fool-proof! Indeterminate vine. ~~~LEVEL of EXPERIENCE NEEDED FOR THESE SEEDS: Beginner Experience ~~~

I have always been drawn to the natural world for inspiration. My fascination with gourds has been my most recent passion. Gourds, with their earthiness and almost infinite variety of shape and form,communicate to me and I listen…