Seeds, Shrooms, and Swaps

I'm going to start by revealing my third partner for the recent PWGL Little Tokens of Love Swap. It was Lynn Krestel of Richmond, British Columbia. She makes the most gorgeous jewelry! She sent me a beautiful keychain made with vintage beads and Swarovski Crystals. I just LOVE it! Thank you Lynn!

And here is what I sent her.

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Here's the batch of mushrooms which I made for Sonya's Mushroom Swap.

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And now on to the seeds.......
For the last few years I have been growing gourds. And I will again this year. Luffa, bushel, apple, and this year I am adding birdhouse and snake. Of course, they will all have to have their own separate corners [but more on that part in another post!]

Last year was experimental for me in growing pumpkins in the South. There are so many more diseases/bugs here than in Colorado, where I grew up gardening. My Hubby has always wanted a GIANT Pumpkin. I decided to compromise and try and grow a moderate size one. That didn't work out too well. My location wasn't the best. And the pumpkin vines didn't produce or even thrive. This year I'm trying something different. [But I'll get to that another time - I'm supposed to be talking about seeds today]

Last year I bought seeds for a Cinderella Pumpkin.

And a Full Moon or Lumina Pumpkin.


I am going to try both of them again this year and then I thought I might try some small pumpkins. Maybe the new variety Pump-ke-mon...


Or maybe Baby Boo Pumpkins.....

They're both so cute! I may be overrun by pumpkin vines come October! But that's okay by me!

My Love Affair

Okay, I must confess! I've had a secret Love Affair for many years. (Ssshhhhh!!! Don't tell my Hubby!)

It's the type of affair that only really surfaces during the Autumn of the year. And NO, I'm not talking about Candy Corn or Halloween. Though Candy Corn does run a close second. (Mmmmm, gotta love those Candy Corn Kernals!!) And Halloween - well, that's a whole other story!

But I'm digressing..... Back to my Love Affair. (You know you're just waiting for the 'good parts'!)

Pumpkins! Gourds! How I love those wonderful vining vegetables! There is just something so very delightful about the feel of a pumpkin or a gourd. Their shape, their skin texture (or lack of), their many unusual sizes and shapes and colors. And the many ways they can all be used! From eating to crafting. Now that's what I call a most useful vegetable!
Over the next few weeks, as the Garden Catalogs arrive, I will be posting more about this Love Affair. (Do Garden Catalogs have centerfolds?? They should! A nice, big, fat, round Pumpkin!)

So stay tuned! You never know when I might get to the 'Good Parts'!