Gourds are great for decorating because they are so easy. You can fill up a basket of gourds and
pumpkins and use it as a centerpiece. A few gourds by the front door are a nice touch, add a pot
of mums and you are done! You can even hot glue gourds to a grapevine wreath to welcome your
visitors. The uses are endless.
Indian Corn is named for the native North Americans who cultivated corn 7,000 years ago.
Corn was introduced to the early European explorers by the Indians in the sixteenth century and
provided sustenance to the pilgrims and early settlers. Corn was a major food staple for the first
Europeans who settled in North America. Today corn is one of the most important crops in the world.
It is also a symbol for the harvest. In America we use corn to decorate for fall to reflect the
harvest and represent Thanksgiving. We have many varieties of Indian corn bunched to hang on your
door or fill a basket. We also have our Decorated Indian Corn Swag with a fall bow. We have multi
colored mini Finger Indian Corn plus red, white and blue!
Squash. We carry Dumplin’, Orange & Green Striped, Acorn, Butternut and Hubbard Squash. Plus
the Turban or Mexican Hat Squash or Pumpkin. These can all be used for decorating but they are good
eating too! Too cook them, wash them and remove fibers and seeds; then bake, steam, or boil the
squash. If using water in cooking, use small amounts to avoid losing flavor and nutrients. Acorn
and butternut squash are frequently cut in half, baked, and served in the shell. Some people like
to add butter and brown sugar. Squash pulp is also used for pies and may be prepared in casseroles,
soufflés, pancakes, and custards. See our pumpkin page to find
out about our different varieties of pumpkins that can be used to carve but also for cooking. Find
out what pumpkin is the best for pies!
OTHER FALL DECORATING ITEMS
Ornamental cabbage & kale are perfect for fall landscapes. They like the cooler temperatures
and their colors intensify after the first frost plus they are relatively pest free if planted after
the frost. They can be planted in late August through September or after garden mums have finished
flowering-mid to late October. Planting too early -- that is, during the dog days of August and
early September -- can result in a plant that stretches, becomes leggy, and is relatively colorless.
The ornamental cabbages look much the same as an edible cabbage, while the kales tend to have a more
unfolded and fancy or cut leaf. Use them in borders, window boxes or containers.
Fall pansies - Polar Pansies like the cold. You can plant them in the fall and they’ll come
back next spring.
Straw Bales & Corn Shocks - These don’t need much explanation. They are great for adding that
fall harvest touch to your outdoor decorating. A big bunch of corn shocks looks great on either side
of your front door. Add a hay bale, some pumpkins and gourds, a scarecrow and you have a nice fall
display.
Scarecrows - The first recorded use of scarecrows dates back to Egyptian times. Used around the
world to keep birds from eating crops they have been made out of all kinds of materials. We use them
now mostly for decoration and they add such a nice touch to your fall displays. At Dan Schantz
Greenhouse we have all kinds of scarecrows from the traditional style to cute critters to scarecrows
with glittery fabric. You just have to stop in and pick out your favorite.
Autumn Wreaths - Wreaths go back to Greek times when laurel wreaths were placed on the heads
of winning athletes. How exactly they came to decorate walls and doors is speculation. Possibly the
laurel wreaths were hung on the wall as a souvenir and the idea stuck. Whatever the reason a wreath
is meant to welcome guests to your home.
|
