GARDEN NEWS 8/6/2010

Well, yes, everything has caught up with me and I have been delinquent on this news.  So, here's the update.  The blackberries have suffered from sunburn, even with all the rain.  I did not use bird netting this year, and I think that may have helped - even though it is quite a hindurance when it comes to berry picking time.

The red raspberries are setting, had 3 this morning!  Unfortunately, the little black bugs are ready and waiting.  Am trying to find something that will deter them.  Will keep you posted.

Have hand pollinated some gourds, even though female flowers are far and few between.  Not sure why, as I have seed from numerous places, as well as my own.  The weeds have not helped the growth.  This may be my biggest downfall. Hope for a late frost and a wonderfu Indian Summer so the gourds can mature!

Am still working on updated pics for this site - but my camera is not up to the task.  I will continue to take pictures, especially of the gourds I am preparing for Beaux Arts and the Orion gourd festival.  These are all "fall" flavored(!), even though they could be displayed year round.  This is my favorite time of the year, and my favor of earthy colors bodes will with Mother Nature!

Cannot believe it is August, again......
Enjoy all the wonderful fresh foods of the season!
RHONDA

New things for a New Decade!

My home is open for gourd viewing by appointment for those who are interested in gourd purchases or ordering a commissioned piece! Please call to schedule an appointment: 563-508-1853.
 
It is possible to purchase and ship items from this web-site.
Prices will be listed on the site, sales will be over the phone with immediate shipping available.

This web-site is being re-worked with new item displayed with prices, so please pardon some in-accessibility during the next few weeks.  I will try to do maintenance during the early hours of the day to minimize
inconvenience.

If you are looking for a speaker for your garden club or art class, I would love to share what I know about growing, cleaning, safety, and the art of the gourd!

Current 2010 show list:

September 11 & 12, 2010 Beaux Arts Fall Fair.  I am booth # 28, on the Figge Plaza in downown Davenport, come by and say hello.
I will have my fall creations of unique gourd art for sale, as well as my kaleidoscopes and a new line of gourd jewelry I have been developing.

September 25, 2010 The 3^rd annual "Gourd"-eous Day in the Country in Orion Illinois.
This is the best gourd festival in Iowa. It's free to park, free to enter, with free activities for the kids, free demonstrations and education for adults, gourd supplies, gourd art for purchase and great food available at the Orion Lion's Club tent.  Enjoy the countryside setting and the fun atmosphere of a family oriented day. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  I am giving a demo of a variety of gourd tools that I use.  I will share some tips and some tools will be available in my booth.

December 4 The First Annual Left Bank Art League Christmas Art Fair, located in the Keppy building at the Mississippi Valley Fair Grounds.  If you want to impress someone for the Holidays, or treat yourself to a work of art for 2011, this is the opportunity of the year.  Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for your shopping convenience.