Gourds are fun and easy to grow. They have also been a part of human culture for a long time. Archaeologists have found evidence of their use as early as 13,000 B.C. Long used as vessels, musical instruments, and even tools, there is a growing interest in them as decorative objects. 

They come in a variety of shapes and looking them up on Pinterest reveal the wildly creative nature of the human brain. This Saturday, April 24, Bruce Downs, of Down's Farm Market, who has been growing and crafting gourds for years, will share his experiences at Arnold's Garden Center at 11:00 am. More info   

Why are weeds weeds? Mainly because they are so successful at dispersing their seed. Some use wind. Some use animals. Some use just sheer force.

How Ecballium elaterium squirts - BBC Earth
How Ecballium elaterium squirtsEcballium elaterium, also called the squirting cucumber, they disperse 20 to 40 seeds per pod at 95 km/h within a range of 6 m.From Earth Unplugged - BBC Earthhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIHzl2h9a8
Posted by Trust Me, I Am a Seed "Scientist" on Friday, April 10, 2015

Early Spring Color

Yes, spring officially arrived but where is it? It always seems painfully long between its official arrival and its actual appearance.

Cold tolerant annuals are a great bridge to that gap. The most well known are the colorful pansies and violas that have hit the racks of garden centers including ours.

Pictured are some samples of containers we've done or you can grab a flat and create your own. They can also go in your beds. And yes, you can bet it will drop below freezing again. Don't worry though. Your pansies and violas will keep the colors coming.

Spring Cleaning Your Garden: Find out what should be on your spring garden "to do" list.