For many of us, the words “fall harvest” induce visions of all the delicious dishes that can be made from the season’s crops. When the menu can include turnips, radishes, radicchio, peas, parsnips, lettuce, kohlrabi, kale, green onions, collards, celeriac (celery root), cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, and too many varieties of beans to count, there’s a lot to look forward to. However, it is easy to forget that another great use for your fall harvest is décor—inside and outside of the home.
SQUASHES
Squash is one of the most popular fall vegetables. Seasonal varieties of squash include spaghetti squash, butternut squash, acorn squash, and pumpkins. Any of them can be substituted for potatoes or sweet potatoes in many dishes, and sometimes even for rice or noodles. They all provide heaping helpings of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. Pumpkin has a particularly impressive range of health benefits, from lowering the level of glucose in your bloodstream to bolstering your immune system.
The shells of fall squashes are thick and tough, so they can sit for a while if you’re not sure what to do with them yet. They’re starchier than summer varieties, so they won’t get soggy and limp in stews and soups.
DECORATIONS
You can also turn parts of your harvest into beautiful decorations in seasonal colors. You might prefer to work alone, but you can also invite family, friends, and neighbors to crafting sessions where they can experiment with their own creations. Here are just a few materials to consider:
– chrysanthemums
– corn cobs and husks
– nuts
– pomegranates
– seedpods
– wheat stalks
The list of things you can make is virtually endless; here are just a few suggestions.
– candlesticks
– centerpieces and basket arrangements
– garlands
– gift tags and place cards (from leaf rubbings)
– napkin holders
– wreaths
Put hollowed-out pumpkins to work as:
– bird feeders
– candle holders
– ice buckets to keep drinks cold
– serving bowls for dip, cider, and punch that will add a little extra fall flavor
to their contents
– vases
In addition to being delicious, pumpkin pulp can be used to add fragrance to homemade soaps and candles. It even contains naturally exfoliating enzymes, so with just a couple of additional ingredients you can use it in a restorative face mask.
We’re proud to say that Arbor-Nomics has been a lawn service company for 40 years. We specialize in treatments that combine lawn fertilization with weed control and insecticides to control outdoor pests. We provide specialized lawn care services in Atlanta, Roswell, Marietta, Alpharetta, and all nearby cities in the metro Atlanta area. While our Certified Landscape Specialists have been providing lawn service and caring for ornamental trees and shrubs, we’ve picked up a few things about gardening as well, so if you have questions on any subject related to lawn care, please give us a call.