Wow, Intrepid Gardener, you have had quite a year! Thanks for the pics - they were great! If your gourds are now 'light as a feather' then they are probably ready to craft when you can find them under the snow. This Spring I am planting cannonballs - small gourds that are perfectly round. I also like maranka - cave man's club - as a strange and cool shape to play with, and I am going to try my hand at some mini-bottles. Although birdhouse and regular bottle seeds are available at places like Home Depot, it's hard to find the more unusual seeds but sometimes small boutique nurseries carry a better variety. You had such a nice apple gourd crop that you can look forward to an interesting variety this year. Best of luck! J

That last picture is spectacular. I like looking at the relative sizes of the wall in the distance, the bench and the tree. Such majestic trees. All that and gourds too!

check out the American Gourd Society webpage, links to those who sell seeds and gourds. Also tips on growing and crafting.
Deb

I grew the same gourds. According to the seed packet they were apple gourds. Some that I grew are exactly shaped like an apple. While others are much bigger and longer than an apple would look. I also left mine outside. The last time I checked, last week, they are all drying nicely.
I like these gourds but my favorite are the kettle gourds. They are shaped exactly like a beehive. I also love the big martin gourds. I've used 2 sources to get my seeds. http://www.carolinagourdsandseeds.com/
http://www.turtlefeathers.com/text/natural-products/seeds.html
Both have nice selections.
BTW - The last 3 images didn't show up in your posting.

I love the snow scene with the bench under the tree. what a great photo, and idea. thanks

Thank you. Sorry some photos don't show up. They show up for me; I think it's the sizing thing. I'll work on it.

I have been browsing for gourd seeds. Pricy, aren't they?
Well, maybe it's the shipping & handeling--.

Do you realy think I can get a kettle gourd to mature up here? Enticing...

Those Penguin gourds get my attention, too, and, yep the cannonballs are awesome--even the name is cool.

I think I may try to post on the exchange forum. After all, I only need one vine. Most of my property is shaded by pine trees & etc, and hosta love to grow here. Can swap hosta for gourd seeds. The timing thing is a little off, however. I also have some other nice seeds that someone may want. Have you Gourd Folks had much luck with swap/exchange?

Oh, and: It's not hard to get great "Snow Photos" up here--teehee. I's harder NOT to.

intrepid,

I got kettle, dipper, bottle, pear, birdhouse, canteen, and tobacco box gourds to grow to maturity last summer, and I'm in MN too.

I have a few extra gourd seeds; email if you would like some.

Kate

Good job on your first attempt to grow gourds-they're lots of fun aren't they? I think you'd love growing luffas. I grew them and my daughter and I made luffa soap out of them. If you'd like seeds, email me.