A Palette of Pumpkins

One of the most beautiful fall photos I have ever seen and a great introduction to autumn gourds from the 'Queen of Halloween':

A Palette of Pumpkins
Martha Stewart Living 2008

Some sit bulging and broad, secure in their squatness. Some stand tall.

They are pear-shape. They're ellipsoidal and spheroidal. They can be wide-shouldered or slump-shouldered. The biggest ever approached a ton; the smallest would barely tip the needle on a bathroom scale.


The colors of their skin also vary enormously. Start with every tint of orange, of course, from amber to apricot, coral to persimmon.

Then envision inky black or ghostly white; buttercream or slate blue; sage green or darkest myrtle. Some favor even more outlandish hues: baby pink; mustard; salmon; shiny, fiery red. Some aren't content with a single shade at all, so they tart themselves up in stripes, mottles, marbling, and speckles.

Welcome to Cucurbita, the genus of pumpkins, squashes, and some gourds -- the edible and ornamental fruits of fall. And once you recognize the variety of shapes and shades, all kinds of decorative possibilities open up. Why stick to the standard orange icon of fall? Think pale and monochromatic, bright and bold, eerily enigmatic, or elegantly dark and moody.


Although the pumpkin did not become associated with Halloween until the mid-nineteenth century, its cultivation has been traced as far back as 8000 B.C., to Mesoamerica, where it was grown for its tasty seeds, not its pulp. American Indians taught the pilgrims how to cultivate them, and the seeds eventually made their way across the oceans, to every corner of the globe except Antarctica.


Thank the reproductive indiscretions of the domesticated species for a stunning variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and even ethnicities. Kabocha, the so-called Japanese squash, sports knobby black-green skin that's often striped in celadon. The rinds of Australian squashes, such as 'Jarrahdale' and 'Queensland Blue,' vary from dusty gray to greenish blue.

French pumpkins, such as the elegant 'Rouge Vif d'Etampes,' dubbed the Cinderella pumpkin, tend to be low to the ground and often display deeply ridged lobes. 'Iran,' a large, smooth-skinned heirloom, seems painted with splashes of green, gray, white, and persimmon.


'Galeuse d'Eysines' and 'Marina di Chioggia' are both pocked with bumps caused by a buildup of sugars underneath their skin and look scary even before they're carved.


There are five common species of Cucurbita: ficifolia (chilacayote squash and Malabar gourd), maxima (Hubbard, 'Lakota,' buttercup, and winter squashes), mixta (cushaw squash), moschata ('Shakertown Field' and 'Long Island Cheese' pumpkins), and pepo (jack-o'-lantern varieties, delicata squashes, ornamental gourds).

The wanton willingness of each species to cross-pollinate with members of its own tribe can create some curious offspring.


So fashion a Gothic statement with the darkest squashes of Asia. Echo the golden colors of foliage in a centerpiece. Carve a lacy belt around the centers of an array of pale pumpkins. Go ahead. Embrace the global goblin globe. Don't be afraid.


Read more at Marthastewart.com: Search 'Pumpkins' or 'Gourds' for more great ideas!

"Martin" Shaw has a degree in "Gourd-iculture"

Creek Indians in America used gourds for centuries as Purple Martin Bird houses as well as for storing and protecting their corn from the animals. Purple Martins eat flying insects captured in flight, including many larger flying insects which has led many farmers and rural homes to make Purple Martin gourds to attract them. The Creek Indians realized this and for centuries they grew large kettle shaped gourds for the purpose of housing Purple Martins for insect control. Once Purple Martins have adapted a suitable nesting ground, as long as their homes are taken care of, cleaned or replaced yearly, they will return along with the next generation. Some Purple Martin lovers literally have an annual nesting of 100's to 1,000's of Purple Martins.

One of the most interesting aspects of Purple Martins is they are the only bird in North America that has developed a total dependency on Humans for their existence. Without humans providing nests for Purple Martins, they would rapidly become a rare, if not extinct bird in America due to a loss of their nesting places. Before humans provided them nesting homes, they used old woodpecker nests, but woodpecker nests are normally only found in standing dead trees which which now are generally cut down and cleared by man for new growth or for fire wood.

Digital Gourds chart © Dan Dunkin 2003
This chart is used courtesy The Gourd Reserve

Overseeding:

Do it Now in the North

by Paul Tukey of Safelawn
www.safelawns.org

With Columbus Day here, folks in the most northern states in the U.S. and much of Canada are running out of time for overseeding the lawn. Late summer and fall is the best time for this activity in general, but the clock long ago started ticking on the ideal window.

The issue is that the young grass plants need time to establish themselves before it gets bitterly cold. Any seed mix you put down now should probably have Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass in a high percentage; the ryegrass because it germinates quickly and the bluegrass because it tolerates cold so well. Fescues are the best grasses overall for the North, but they do take a long time to germinate (14-21 days) and they are the most susceptible to cold damage of not fully established.

OTHER TIPS ABOUT SEEDING NOW:
1) If you do seed, be sure to rake away any excess thatch layer or dead grass first to create good seed to soil contact.
2) If you feel your soil is compacted, aerating prior to overseeding is a good idea;
3) Cover the newly seeded area with a thin layer of compost rather than straw; it will be cheaper and better for the lawn; it also looks better.
4) Water the newly seeded areas daily until they fully germinate, unless of course we get rain naturally.
5) Some people advocate dormant winter seeding, that is putting the seed down after the ground freezes and then letting nature take its course. The idea is that the grass will germinate on its own by spring without the necessity of daily watering. I’m not a fan of this, however, because so many things can go wrong (birds eating it, freezing and thawing, erosion etc.) between now and then.
6) Applying an organic fertilizer rich in potassium this fall will help the lawn through winter.
7) Don’t mow the lawn for the first time until the young grass seedlings are four inches tall.
Don’t allow the leaves to remain on the lawn, especially in the newly seeded areas; the leaves will mat down the grass. You may find you have to rake lightly, or use a blower, to remove heavy layers of leaves.

Gardening Tips And Information - Gardening Chores For the Fall

Gardening Tips And Information - Gardening Chores For the Fall

As colder temperatures and shorter days prevail, gardeners must think about getting their gardens set for winter. Below is a checklist of chores to consider for the maintenance of your perennial garden, vegetable garden, and lawn to keep all in healthy condition.

1. Cut back your perennials. How and when you do this is determined by the individual needs of your plants, your desire to provide food and cover for wildlife, and your appreciation for winter interest in your yard. If you prefer your property having a neat appearance then, cutting back your perennials to the ground is the way to go, but if you would like to leave nesting areas for insects, seeds and berries for wildlife to survive on through the winter, and if you enjoy some stems and structural interest left standing through out the winter, then trim and cut back to different heights as you see fit and aesthetically pleasing. Plants that have had a disease or did not do well should be removed and any vigorous re-seeders that can take over perennial beds should also be removed or split and transplanted. Avoid cutting back to the ground hardy mums, asters and ferns. The old foliage of these helps to protect their crowns through winter. Leave several inches of stem standing so that they can be easily identified in spring so when you plant something else in the you will know where they are and won't accidentally disturb them. The timing of cutting plants back for winter is important, too. In general, later is better.

2. To provide compost for next year's garden, save fall lawn cuttings and leaves and place them in a compost container.

3. In the vegetable garden, harvest all the vegetables still left before frost hits. Remove any dead or spoiled ones and if disease is apparent, destroy them to reduce any chances of infestation. Take inventory, noting the variety of any well performing vegetables or annuals for next year.

4. Bulbs for additional spring and summer color should be planted in the fall. If there are tender bulbs in your garden, carefully lift them out and store these bulbs in an airy, dry, and protected area for the winter. Canna Lilies, Elephant Ears and Dahlias can all be overwintered by this method. Salvias and Geraniums can be treated as houseplants or brought into a bright cool porch to overwinter.

5. Add mulch to your perennials to keep them warm and protected over the winter. Mulch will also helps store moisture in the soil. DO NOT however bury the crown too deeply beneath mulch or they will have a hard time emerging in spring. You can also add manure and compost in the fall, which is the best time to do this giving plenty of time for breakdown to happen.

6. Houseplants that were growing outside should make their way back inside. To avoid shock, do this gradually placing them in partly shaded areas outside first. And always bring them in before the first frost, of course.

7. Prepare rose bushes for winter. Prune dead or damaged branches and cut off any old flowers. Using topsoil or mulch, mound the bush and cut canes back to six to twelve inches. To completely protect the bush, you can then cover it using a bushel basket, if the size is appropriate.

8. Treat broad leaf evergreens such as Rhododendron, Cherry Laurel, Boxwood and Holly with an anti-desiccant like Wilt-Pruf and water them thoroughly before the ground freezes. This will help to prevent winter-burn. Be aware of the snow load that accumulates on these and other evergreen over the winter. Remove snow when necessary to prevent damage to their branches.

9. Lawns could use preparing now for next spring. To allow the soil to drain better and give the roots much needed oxygen, aerate and thatch if the soil is compacted. Seeding and fertilizing can be done now as well.

10. Clean up all of your gardening tools. Pruning tools, mower blades, and shears can be sharpened and oiled now. This way they will avoid rusting over the winter and will be all ready for you come spring. Cover or bring in outdoor furniture and accesories. Unplug appliances and drain the waterline of any outdoor sinks or showers.

11. If you have a fountain, to avoid freezing, you must drain it. Also wrap or turn over any other porous (concrete, ceramic and Terra-cotta) pots and statuary. Chances are slim that potted evergreens will survive the winter outdoors. Treat them as annuals or decorate with cut greens instead.

By: Dayelle I Swensson (with a few locally relevant updates added by Sharon A. Shaw)
Dayelle Swensson is an avid writer for the web on a number of topics. Having gardened herself for many years, she is able to advise others about a variety of things including gardening tips, lawn and tree care and keeping your home garden looking good and healthy

We have been profiled in this months issue of Suburban Life Magazine on pages 86 of the September Issue! We offer some great tips about the fall landscape and planning your next project. Pick up a free copy or check it out here:

http://www.suburbanlifemagazine.com/

Martin Shaw, LLC
Fall, The Season of Change

Fall is a great time to begin a landscaping project. Summer schedules are difficult to co-ordinate, there always seems to be a party, vacation or event to plan around. Fall offers a more relaxed pace as routines return to normal and the temperatures cool.

The team at Martin Shaw, LLC Design & Construction specializes in outdoor living spaces for all seasons. Designer Sharon Shaw spends time with each client discussing their style, needs and wants for the landscape, while manager Barry Martin oversees installation and construction to assure that each project is of the highest quality craftsmanship.

There are many improvements that can be made to the landscape to enhance its fall and winter appeal. An outdoor kitchen offers accessories, counter space and storage that will allow for grilling three seasons of the year. During the cooler months an outdoor fireplace can warm a crisp evening on the patio also extending the months of use. To increase the safety and functionality of the landscape during the evenings, which arrive earlier this time of year, consider landscape lighting to illuminate pathways, entertainment areas and to beautifully high-light specimen plants.

If you are considering an especially large project, begin your planning now. According to Sharon Shaw, “Many homeowners underestimate the length of time required for the design, planning and permit approval.” She says that if you are hoping to have a project completed in time for a special event next year, allow plenty of time for this process. Sharon notes, “It can certainly help pass the cold winter months by focusing on a fun summer project!”

Cooler temperatures and the onset of dormancy make it easier to transplant, install and care for many plants. In the fall, they shift their focus from foliage production to root growth, resulting in less stress and quicker transplant recovery. Choose plants that will add multi-season interest to the landscape, such as those with colorful fall foliage, berries or interesting winter shape and texture. Water requirements are often less in autumn as well making a new landscape installation easier for many homeowners to care for.

Professional maintenance can freshen your landscape for fall and prepare it for the coming winter. Pruning, mulching and other protective measures will support the health of the landscape to assure that it matures as planned. Manager, Barry Martin says “The most successful landscape is one you don’t have to worry about.” He suggests that quality materials, proper construction methods and appropriate plant selection will create a landscape that functions well throughout the year. Barry especially enjoys working with natural stone and notes that it is extremely durable, “A well built patio is designed to endure years of use.”

A well designed landscape is sure to become a favorite destination for your family and guests. Martin Shaw, LLC Landscape Design & Construction can help you enjoy your homes landscape during all seasons. Their website, www.martinshawllc.com, features a large portfolio, helpful articles, links and information on how to begin planning your landscape project.

Martin Shaw LLC, Landscape Design and Construction
PO Box 18
Furlong, PA 18925
(215)-550-5730
and
PO Box 898
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(610)-990-6610

Tours

I love garden and home tours! Part show-off and part voyeur: what a great way to get inspired and see what other people are up to. We are lucky to have so many beautiful properties in this area and so many people gracious enough to open them up. The Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce hosts several each year, the June Kitchen & Garden Tour, this years tour of Twin Silo Farms last weekend and the upcoming Excellence in Design Tour September 26th from 11-4. (I cannot make it to this years tour but last years featured some incredible properties.) Like many communities, Doylestown VIA has a Designer House open to the public each May. The New Hope Historical Society, among others, has a June garden tour and the Garden Conservancy occasionally offers tours through-out the Greater Philadelphia area.

The properties on this weekends Excellance in Design tour include three historic buildingss restored to house businesses: a dentist office in Carversville, a firm in Newtown and an office in Doylestown. Also adapted for use is a timberframe barn relocated and restored into a home. There are also two magnificent properties in New Hope, one on the river and another in pastoral farm fields. I was a part of the Architectural and Environmental Committee that chose these properties and am really sorry I will not be available to tour them.

I did however get to attend the Bucks Beautiful tour of Twin Silo Farms this weekend past (see photos below) Located in Gardenville, PA the 100 acre farm was part of an original William Penn land grant. The barns and rare double stone silos were originally built in 1781. In 1988 the property was purchased by Andrew Hartnagle and Wayne Stork who restored the barns and built a series of gardens.

According to the pamphlet offered by Andrew for the tour, a series of formal gardens at the top of the property were created to illustrate smaller studies in design. They include a Polish country house, French and Italian gardens showcasing knotted boxwood, roses, colorful mixed borders and specimen plants.

The property is designed for entertaining with structures and seating throughout. One pergola features a brick makers table, another is enclosed with billowing curtains and is lit by a candle chandelier that can be raised and lowered via a pulley system, a third is central to an arbor connecting the main and guest house and several others are scattered at prime view-points. The entertainment center at the far end of the property features an industrial kitchen and guest bathrooms at the end of a stone terrace which surrounds a plant filled pool and fountain.

A fabulous swimming pool near the house is decorated with dozens of container gardens. Pots also feature prominently on the main patio which boasts three seating groups sure to be enjoyed by guests (wish I could be one). The sheer number of container gardens is overwhelming when one considers the watering and care required! There is also sculpture through out the gardens including many pieces from Europe; urns, lions, sphinxes and a full size bronze replica of the 'Warrior Gladiator'. Several pieces have been used to create water gardens. Fountains, big and small, are abundant on the property which is filled with their sound and movement. Most visible is a large fountain in the center of the two-acre pond, home to colorful koi and a pair of swans.

The care, attention to detail and maintenance provided by the owners of Twin Silo Farms is evident. It is a beautiful property and one that appears not only well designed - but designed for living as well. My thanks to Andrew and Wayne for again opening their property to the public.

Twin Silos Garden Tour

Bucks Beautiful Garden Tour of Twin Silo Farms September 19, 2010