October 27, 2007

• My harvest of gourds was plenty and they all came from just one plant that I NEVER planted. 
  The plant began so innocently....and then it seemed to take on a "route"   of it's own...climbing all through my herb garden and up an evergreen bush/tree that is growing next to the step that leads to our front door.  The vines grew up onto the roof and along the gutter.  One day we walked out the door and part of it was drooping down in front of the door causing us to duck to get by.   I did redirect that vine!  I did not have the heart to pull it out because, though I knew it was either a pumpkin or gourd,  I wasn't sure which one it was and I wanted to know.  Left to itself it had vines that went in every direction and looped all through my garden.  One good thing is that I did not have to weed once it got going.   It draped over the fence and then clear on the other side it draped over there and then it crawled up over a bench and up the brick and siding to Elisabeth's window.  She could see the first gourd developing right in front of her window where morning glories (that I did plant) were competing for space.
  There are pictures of it...but cannot find them anywhere.  But I did finally take it all down and cut off all the gourds I could find.  There were 46 of them for sure from one plant.
  I have a good idea for next year and I am looking forward to, this time, planting on purpose and having some control as to where the vines go.  I know the bees were happy!  The yellow flowers were so pretty.  I am sort of sad I took it down. The weather has been unseasonably warm so the tiny baby gourds would have probably had time to develop.  It's done now...no going back.
  Elisabeth called this first picture a "Chorus of Gourds." 

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  I am just sorry I do not have the photo of the vines everywhere.  It was truly amazing.   It does feel good to have it all cleaned up though and actually be able to walk through the garden instead jumping my way through trying not to step on gourds.  One thing I did notice though...we have a bumper crop of praying mantis this year.  Yippee!!!  I love to have those in my garden.  Looks like I need to do some repainting too. 

  It's been raining for days now and the lack of sunshine can really get to a person...but sitting here with the window open right next to me, the rain sounds comforting...it is pouring through the trees and onto the puddles. Kind of sounds like soft music. Feels like I should go make up a pot of some PA Dutch Pot Pie....the soupy kind with thick home made noodles...not the kind in a crust.  Oh and how about some of the home made bread Elisabeth has made....this Bosch mixer we got her for her birthday/Christmas has been a huge blessing.  She is making so many loaves at a time!
  My dh is coming down with something....he went to work feeling totally miserable.  The pot pie will taste good and warm him up on this damp and dreary rainy day.

  You all have a blessed weekend!

  
  

  
  

  
  

  • 9:09 am
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