Gourd

I’ve encountered more surprises from our Birdhouse Gourd vine. The early fruit looks just like a peanut! Aren’t they cute?

Bird House Gourd Emerging Fruit

The first budding fruit was round, but the newer ones are all shaped like a miniature version of things to come.

Also surprising are the leaves. I’ve been carefully avoiding them, assuming they were rough like the pumpkins but learned as I brushed against one they are as soft as peach fuzz. What a fun plant!

Peach Fuzz Texture on the Gourd’s Leaves

Budding Flower

Birdhouse Gourd in Full Bloom

Curling Tendril

Do you have any new discoveries in your garden this season? Please share in the comments, below.

Okay, not really snow per se, but the birdhouse gourd flower is snow-white. I’m sure the seed packet said something about white flowers, but I’ve been so focused on the gourds to come, that it took me by surprise. I just assumed it would flower yellow, like the pumpkins, zucchini and other members of the squash family.

Not all the garden surprises have been good this past week, but this one’s a gem. I love the delicate petals and the beautiful contrast to the plants green arrow-head leaves. I’ll be keeping a close watch over the next two weeks for signs of emerging gourds.

Have you found any surprises in your garden this week? Please share in the comments below.