I've posted about how the ground hogs laid waste to my gourds, and then swarms of cucumber bugs invaded. Some things came up that prevented me from treating for the bugs at the time of advice given. An intresting thing has developed!

I had a half dozen gourds sitting along the fence line that looked like they were beginning to soften, so I figured they would rot, and just let them sit. Well, it appears that those hoards of cucumber bugs entered the gourds through small openings and have cleaned out the gourds completely, and the shells are beginning to dry and harden.

The shells are not very thick, but they will be suitable for bird feeders, and perhapss some crafting.

Now, I wouldn't recommend this as a method to try, but I'm delighted to have something salvaged from this, my most dismal gourd season!