Pumpkins and Gourds: From Garden to Decor

You can join Mason County Master Gardeners for a free, one-hour Zoom class that provides the basics about growing gourds and pumpkins. People can learn to create a table decoration using pumpkins and succulents to highlight a Thanksgiving table.

The "Through the Garden Gate" workshop, titled "Pumpkins and Gourds: From Garden to Décor," starts at 10 a.m. Nov. 6.

Gourds are one of the earliest plants domesticated by humans, dating back 13,000 years. They have been used as water containers, rattles, eating utensils and even birdhouses. Today, gourds are turned into art pieces as they are carved, etched and painted. Gourds and pumpkins are also used as ornamentals, especially to enhance fall decor.

Master Gardener Dee Ann Kline will guide class attendees through the steps in growing gourds and pumpkins. They need to grow in an area with full sun and take the entire summer growing season to mature (75 to 140 days). They are heavy feeders and grow best in rich organic soil. Pumpkins and gourds need plenty of room to grow because their vines like to spread. Gourds can be trained to grow on trellises or fences.

In our workshop, Master Gardener Dorothy Skans will teach you how to clean and dry gourds so they can be used in art. Master Gardener Laurie Williams will demonstrate how to make a Thanksgiving table decoration using a pumpkin, moss and succulents. We hope you will join us for this fun fall event.

If you would like to attend, go to mgfmc.org. For additional information, go to or http://www.facebook.com/masoncountymastergardeners