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Note: If using Outlook click the above bar where it says “Click to download photos” The photos are the best part!
 An inverted batik gourd sculpture by Grant Feltham. In This Issue: We are pleased to have with us Blenheim, Ontario artist Grant Feltham. Grant is one of those lucky souls who took early retirement and it is a good thing due to the multitude of interests Grant has. When Grant is not working on his gourd art he may be found in his wood shop. Or he could be planning the design of another kayak or canoe waiting to be built. On the other hand you may find him standing in a country stream fly-fishing. His Newfoundland roots have instilled in Grant a love of the outdoors but when winter arrives, the gourds draw Grant inside. Please welcome Grant Feltham in this issue of Gourd Fever.  Carolyn with an old friend at Kempenfest Festival. September; the kids are back to school, routines return to normal. The tomatoes are ripening nicely, the dahlias are in full splendor and the gourds are large and maturing in the garden. In 'The Art of Growing Gourds' we will be discussing the harvest - the whens, hows and what-nots. This subject is just to prepare you for what is coming up in October or November. In September it is Mother Nature that does the work!  Carolyn's parents came down to Kempenfest to help out. Here at Northern Dipper we've been thinking that it would be fun to add a new bit to the newsletter; you know, just to keep it interesting. The other night a group of us had a discussion about music and how it crosses the cultural divides and brings people together. So, in light of this we now have a 'Music Pic of the Month. ' We hope you will enjoy our selections; no heavy metal/head-banging music we promise! And if you have a favorite, send it in. Grant Feltham  In 2010 Grant Feltman retired after spending many years as an accountant in the forest products industry in Canada and in the seafood industry in Seattle, WA. Always on the go, Grant would spend 4 - 6 months a year in Alaska while various fisheries were underway. Back in 1978 he got married and moved to Vashon Island in Puget Sound right off West Seattle in WA state. It was here, in the mid 90's, that Grant was introduced to gourds through a woman who was creating beautiful gourd art on the Island. Grant's curiousity was instantly aroused so he added gourds to his already long list of hobbies. At the time Grant's interests were all geared to the outdoors - fly fishing, fly tying, hunting, etc. He was also building cedar strip canoes and kayaks and a few traditional lapstrake dingys too.  Grant has been playing with gourds for a few years now "not in any big way" he says, "just enough to see what I could do." He has no formal training beyond tutorials, (several from the Northern Dipper newsletter.) He claims he just looks around to see how things are done and then sitting in his studio, which is the end of his kitchen table, he sets out to see what he can do. Sometimes things work out, sometimes it doesn't but that's Ok - he has loads of fun at it and to Grant, that's really what counts. Grant's inspiration is whatever feels right at the time. Many times when he is out he may see something and think, "You know if I do this and do that then it would probably look ok." He may see something and then not think about it for the next six months. Then the right gourd comes along and he remembers what he saw. It becomes the kernel of an idea and he knows how he wants to proceed.  When Grant is not working on gourds he can be found working on small wood projects. He is about to embark into the world of stained glass and next spring will be taking a course in willow furniture- making that is being offered at St. Clair College in Chatham, Ontario. Currently Grant's gourd art can be found at the local gift shop in Charing Cross.  I think I can safely say that retirement agrees with Grant Feltham. To confirm my thoughts Grant looks at me with a grin and exclaims "You see, there are lots of things for an accidental artist to play with." In Grant's case I must say this is very true! Thanks Grant, we like your inquisitive mind and love your art. Keep us in mind in the spring and send us some photos of the gourd art that is created this winter "in your studio." Carolyn and Linda The Art of Growing Gourds
 Here are some nice looking tobacco boxes. At this time of year first time growers are full of questions about the harvest. When do we harvest and what the heck do we do with them after they are harvested? Today these queries will be answered.  Early morning mist in the gourd field When: The Timing Is Important When Harvesting Gourds The # 1 rule when harvesting gourds is do not pick them too early. The indicator when harvesting gourds is the leaves. As long as they are green, do not pick the gourds. In late October, once the first hard frost comes and kills the leaves, get out pruners and get to work. (The leaves must be dead and brown.) How: There Is A Right Way To Harvest A Gourd Well not really but it is best to leave an inch or two of stem attached. The stem acts like a natural seal keeping out bacteria that may rot your gourd. Nicely formed stems can be worked into artwork too. What and Where: The Science of Gourd Drying For gourds to dry quickly and evenly it is best to provide lots of air circulation. Gourds that have been trellised can be left outside for the winter and harvested in the spring. The ice, snow and wind will not harm them; in fact some believe it aids in the drying process. Gourds on the ground should be cut from the vine and picked up. If you are going to dry them outdoors put them on a pallet/skid. This will allow air circulation all around the gourd. If you are going to dry them in a shed or garage leave a space between them. They dry better and it will allow you to quickly go through them from time to time looking for the immature gourds that are rotting. Look for soft spots or gourds that look like they are going to cave in. They smell and are messy when rotting - much easier to discard of them early on in the game believe me! Now the mystery is solved regarding the harvesting of gourds. There is not much to do in September other than patting yourself on the back for what you have accomplished. Bravo! Out of the Mailbag
 Lesley in her Stratford Garden Hi there, Thanks for all the information in the newsletter. I am an artist and designer and met you this year at the Stratford Show. This is the first time I have attempted to grow gourds. I am pretty sure some of the leaves on my gourds are beginning to show signs of that dreaded fungus just as the newsletter describes. I am off to the garden center today...any advice would be appreciated. Hope you enjoy the photos.... Regards, Lesley Jones, Stratford, Ontario Hi Lesley, A lush beautiful gourd crop I would say! At this time of year powdery mildew can be a problem but you are on top of it. The garden center is your best resource. Looks like you have a bumper crop happening. I'll be curious to see what you do with them after they dry. Maybe you will want to try Michael Harburg's Hawaiian technique with a green gourd. Keep in touch and let us know how everything turns out. Carolyn Hi Carolyn, Check out what I did with that bottle gourd I got from you a few days ago. I need more of these gourds! Jeff Menzies  Bottle gourd banjo by Master Builder Jeff Menzies  s One of Jeff's banjo building classes. Hi Jeff, Now that is a very cool banjo. Next time I see you I would love to hear it so bring it along. See you soon, Carolyn Hi there Northern Dipper, Gareth Pearson here on Vancouver Island with an update on my gourd seedlings and a great update it is. We had a very warm August and in the greenhouse everything finally took off. My gourd seedling is now a 7 foot vine and I can see male and female flowers happening. I know it is late in the season but I am still optimistic about getting one gourd.  The greenhouse seedling at the end of July. The gourd space is shared with tomatoes (both heritage and hybrids) and they are plentiful. A little trick I learned from a gardening expert in ensuring good pollination in tomatoes is to go out and give the plant a little shake before 7 in the morning. He didn't know why the early morning was important - must be when the pollen count is the highest.
 Hope all is well at your end..will keep you posted. Gareth Pearson - Saanich, Vancouver Island Thanks Gareth, now you have us hooked - we can't wait to hear what happens in September. So happy that it survived; in truth we wondered a couple of months ago. Once again it proves that perseverance and hope can accomplish great things! Carolyn and Linda Hi Carolyn, I had great fun working on my first gourd. Thank you for all your help, I now have started on my 2nd!
Wendy  Wendy this gourd is striking. We can't wait to see your 2nd! Carolyn Looking Ahead: October 2011
 We are honoured to have with us Indiana artist Marla Helton. Many of you may know Marla from various gourd festivals or perhaps you have attended one of her workshops. If not you may have seen her work displayed in galleries or at major art shows. Marla's art is distinct, evolving over the past two decades into what can be best described as a non-traditional approach to weaving. Her work is lovely, Marla's an inspiration, and we looking forward to featuring her in the October issue of Gourd Fever.
 September is always a busy month for us at Northern Dipper and this year is no exception. We are doing quite a few shows this fall so there will be no workshops scheduled for the next couple of months.
We still love our visitors though so give us a call. We have thousands of quality gourds for sale and as a buyer, I can assure you it is fun picking out those gourds that ' talk to you.'
 On that note if you attend the Marshville Heritage Festival make sure to come by and say hello at Booth A 22. This is a very good show, particularily if you love history.
Until we meet again take care...
Caroyn Cooper and Linda Bond
Send your comments, letters and photos to info@northerndipper.com
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