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Note: If using Outlook click on the bar above where it says “Click to download photos” The photos are the best part!
 Carved wood by Joan ForbesIn This Issue: Up in the wilds of Manitoba, in an area known by the locals and visitors as "God's Country", lives a woman named Joan Forbes. Artist, business- woman, outdoor enthusiast and fly fisherman, Joan's philosophy in life is "don't let fear and common sense get in your way." This thought has allowed her freedom in her pursuits and the result is a lifestyle that is full of exploration and fun. Please welcome Joan - her stories are wonderful and all have the spirit of adventure.  The word "miracle" aptly describes a seed. A quote by Jack Kramer. Many of you have been chomping at the bit to get your gourd seeds started and now that April has finally arrived, your task can come to pass. Every year Northern Dipper presents a series of articles on the art of growing gourds. These are of particular use to the first timer, and will answer the questions of even the most seasoned grower. This month we will start at the very beginning of the journey... the planting of the seed.  Sherry Davidson, author of our letter series "The Lone Gourd", asks the questions that all first time growers ask. Growing gourds can be such a mystery at times and Sherry's humourous responses to this new experience brings back many memories for us more experienced growers.  The Northern Dipper booth at the Stratford Garden Show. Carolyn and Linda were very busy with the non-stop traffic. Top sellers were seeds, gourds for bird houses and supplies.
 Decisions, decisions. This woman was looking for a few curly handled dippers. She looks like a kid in a candy shop!
 Here is a woman carrying one of Catherine Devine's beautiful gourd purses.
Joan Forbes
 Joan standing beside one of her stained glass panels. She states that the success she experienced with glass gave her the confidence to try different techniques with gourds. The interview with Joan Forbes revealed a woman with an abundance of energy, a wicked imagination, and interests that were expressed through art. Past experiences with mosaics, wood carving, stained glass and beading helped Joan develop her own unique style in her gourd work. Much of her inspiration is drawn from nature which only stands to reason as Joan owns and operates Child's Lake Lodge & Outfitters. Running a fishing and hunting resort allows one a front row seat to the changing of the seasons and a multitude of birds and animals.These are images that us urban explorers can only dream about. Joan's journey has been quite an adventure. Here in her own words is how it unfolded.  "Years ago I saw a picture of a carved birdhouse gourd which happened to stay in the back of my mind. As fate might have it some friends began spending winters in Yuma, Arizona and they were constantly telling me about the carved and painted gourds that would show up in their travels. A couple of years later my sister and I drove down with my mom and once we saw these gourds and came across some "how to" books...well what can I say - my sister Sandra and I were hooked!" "Sandra was always much more artistic than I spending her time knitting, cooking gourmet meals or building something. I prefered to be outside fishing, hunting or snowmobiling. One year Sandra took a stained glass course and during a visit she brought her design books. It was intriquing so we planned an "educational" weekend where she taught me the basics. A trip to the local stained glass shop for supplies and I was on my way."  "My growth as a glass artist had a natural flow to it. Before I knew it people were asking me for specific designs and the patterns got larger and more precise.
I sold everything I made through the Lodge and the money went back into my new business. I opened a bank account and did business cards with "The Raven Glass Company" on them. A perfect name as my mom, sister and I are like ravens - we just love anything shiny. As a matter of fact the tagline on my card is "Specializing in bright and shiny objects." "I learned new techniques through discussions with other artists, the Internet, books and through exploration. I also quite often put a project on a back burner and just looked at it while working on other things. It's funny because some mornings I wake up and think 'I bet this would work great on that gourd!"
  This is really nice. We love the detail on the inside of the gourd.
"Child's Lake Lodge is where I sell all of my work. My husband Brian and I own and have operated the lodge for 19 years. People often see my work here or in someone's home or cabin and will then commission a piece. I don't have time to attend trade shows. I have some difficulty producing enough pieces to keep up my stock at the lodge itself."
"Recently I purchased a Quarter horse and any free time is spent at my friend's ranch herding her cattle. It is great exercise and I am suppose to learn how to rope this spring. Last summer I acquired my fly fishing guides license and I'm trying to promote that, along with getting in some fly fishing with friends too!
To learn more about Child's Lake Lodge & Outfitters click here. http://www.childslakelodge.com/index.html
Thank you Joan. Your life is very full and we are so happy that you find the time for gourd art! Good luck with your fly fishing. If we ever get by your way we'll be sure to stop by for the experience. Carolyn and Linda Notes From the Gourd Patch
Starting at the beginning with the gourd seed
 Getting ready to plant. Here the growing medium is Pro-Mix.
The Facts:
Gourd plants require heat and warm soil temperatures to reach maturity. They take anywhere from 110 days to 140 days to mature.
In northern climates in areas such as coastal BC, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland it is recommended that gourds be grown in a greenhouse.
 They look so pretty once planted and watered. Starting Your Seeds: Gourd seeds have a very thick woody shell that can be difficult to germinate. Sprouting times can vary between 5 - 30 days depending on the variety and thickness of the shells. Start your seeds 6 weeks before your proposed outdoor plant date.
Soak your seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. It will soften the shells and will aid in both the rate and the speed of germination.
With small quantities of seeds consider using paper towels. Place seeds between a couple of layers of wet paper towel. Keep in a dry, warm, dark place. It is essential that you keep the towels moist. Once sprouted plant the seeds in peat pots. For large quantities of seeds soak and plant in peat pots.
 It is such a good feeling when they all start popping up. Transferring The Seeds To Peat Pots:
Three-inch peat pots will accomodate two seeds. Use good quality potting soil mixed with vermiculite. Do not use garden soil due to weed seeds and bugs.
Plant 2 seeds per pot and water. * Be sure to keep the seedlings warm. If you are using a green house heat it at night.
GROWER'S TIP: Plant a few extra seeds just in case a few don't germinate or a few of the seedlings don't make it. Keep in mind that gourd seeds can take a long time to germinate.
To view seed varieties click here.
 We thought we would end with these fabulous purple martin houses built by John Remai. Watching martins swoop through the summer air is like watching a ballet in motion.
Below is a female martin (left) and a male.
 NEXT ISSUE: The original idea for this month's issue of Gourd Fever was to feature artist Joan Forbes and her sister Sandra together. But once we interviewed both sisters we quickly realized that both were extremely interesting and both very different. In light of this, next month we are delighted to present sister Sandra McKelvey, a psychiatric nurse who lives in Northern Manitoba. Sandra has a passion for seeking out embellishments for her art. Whether it is an afternoon walk or a trip to the thrift store, there will always be something that catches her eye. Join us to share Sandra's unique art and her positive approach to life. Notes From the Gourd Patch, a series of articles on growing gourds, will include topics on fertilizing and taking care of your young seedlings. With a few basic steps your seedlings will be strong and healthy and within a few weeks, ready to be planted outside. We have a couple of surprises that we would like to keep under our hat for the moment so until next month...cheers. Carolyn Cooper and Linda Bond PS If you have any comments, stories or ideas that you would like to contribute to this newsletter please send to info@northerndipper.com |
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