The Master Gardener program began in the 1970's in response to the many gardening questions that resulted from the rapidly increasing level of interest in home gardening. The idea was to train knowledgeable gardener volunteers to help University Extension staff deliver home gardening information to the public.

Our local Master Gardeners are able to build on their interests and acquire greater expertise through the resources available through the Extension Service and the University of Missouri.

University of Missouri Extension provides equal opportunity to all participants in extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Hickory County Master Gardeners recommend contacting your local Extension Service for more complete plant and growing information and how to become a Master Gardener.

Meetings are reserved for Master Gardener members, but community programs hosted by the Master Gardeners are public events and will be announced in the local newspaper.

As of 12/31/2014, this blog will no longer post new articles. It will remain active as an archive. Please use the tools available in the right column to search for information and source links provided in previous articles.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://extension.missouri.edu/ and http://mg.missouri.edu/.


Gourd Decorating Session: Simple to Unique!

 

 


...Master Gardeners and members of our community recently enjoyed a day creating art pieces from a common agriculture staple! 


Gourds before our local artisans have started their work!
A sampling of Gourd Art!











 

Three Easy Steps for Gourd Decorating

 

1.  Soak the gourd to help remove the outer skin, mold and dirt.  While gourd is kept moist, use fine sandpaper or a dish scrubber to remove the outer crust.  The gourd should be very smooth and clean. Let the gourd dry.

 

2.  Cut an opening in the gourd.  The opening will be permanent, so please carefully choose where you want the opening.  Through this opening, clean out the pulp, seeds, and membrane with a scooping utensil.  You may want to wear a mask.

 

3.  The final step in the project is staining the gourd.  For a natural look, leather dye in a color named "saddle" works well.  Wood stain may also be used.  For contrast, a darker stain color may be applied at the top of the gourd heavily enough to allow some to drip down the sides.  Additional trim such as light weight cording and beads may be attached to the top or neck of the gourd.



Sources:  Welburn Gourd Farm at http://www.welburngourdfarm.com has gourds to purchase and training information about gourd decorating.  Wuertz Gourd Farm at http://wuertzfarm.com has gourds to purchase.
Hickory County Master Gardeners cannot recommend or endorse retail sources, but local Master Gardeners have had experience with these retail sources for supplies.

Posted: 10/20/2013






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