Decorating with Brains


Did I get your attention? Sorry, I just couldn't resist! When I was a little girl, we called them "brains". We would gather them into huge piles and either throw them into the woods or throw them at each other.

I know what you are probably thinking, "That must have hurt!" It did but it never slowed us down. Still don't know what I am talking about? I am fondly remembering the grapefruit sized, green, brain-like fruit that my siblings and I used to collect by the dozens each fall.

I ended up having two boys and when they were little they did the same thing I did years earlier; they threw them at each other. Of course I yelled words of caution but it never slowed them down either. Around that time I started to collect the "brains" and used them for fall decorations in my house. They have a pleasant smell and they are said to act as a natural insect repellant, although I am not sure if this is a proven fact.

I would gather several of them and place them into a carved wooden bowl or a natural looking basket. Next came the fun part, gathering the other things to go into my display. It varied each year but I would take a walk and collect natural grasses, colorful leaves or whatever captured my fancy. I would bring my "loot" home and create a unique looking arrangement each time.

They even look great by themselves too. One year I dumped an armload of them into a wooden crate and placed it next to my front door for a colorful fall display.

Fall has always been my favorite season, and collecting my next batch of "brains" is something I always look forward to. Several days ago while I was out gathering some, it occurred to me that I didn't even know the real name of these funny looking green orbs. After a little bit of searching I discovered they are called Hedgeapples and these non-edible, non-poisonous fruits come from a tree called the Osage Orange Tree.

As you read this article, you are either shaking your head saying, "Oh yeah, I know what she is talking about." or quite possibly you have never seen a hedgeapple in your life. If you are curious and would like to see a picture, please visit me at http://www.flowers-and-garden.com/decoratingwithbrains.html

This fall collect a few "brains" and create a beautiful fall display of your own!

Candee Stark is a Reading Specialist in a local elementary school and has spent the last two and a half years earning her masters degree. Her new passion is her indoor herb garden. Visit her at Flowers and Garden.com if you would like to read more gardening and flower articles.


MORE RESOURCES:

Telegraph.co.uk (blog)

War, peace and interior decorating
ABC Online
The interior decorating was finished in time for the president's Oval Office address to the nation about the end of US combat operations in Iraq. ...
J. Scott Applewhite/Associated PressNPR
Oval Office redone during Obama vacationUPI.com
Oval Office RedesignedNBC Washington
Big Journalism (blog)
all 650 news articles »


Shocking FB Seattle Interior Decorating
Seattlest
During the party, the floor was completely emptied and the PCs, chairs, and other stuff were hidden in the meeting rooms. Now that we've had a chance to see ...



DCL to host birth plans panel discussion
CNYLink from Eagle Newspapers
Hospitals now compete to see who can provide the most user-friendly birth suites, some with whirlpool baths, wallpaper and interior decorating. ...



Gifford Park Association's 29th annual Historic House Tour set for Saturday
The Courier News
The annual home tour offers something for everyone, Carrel said, including lessons in architecture, history, home remodeling, interior decorating and ...

and more »


'The Vampire Diaries' Season 2, Episode 1 (Season Premiere) Recap
TV Squad (blog)
Good ol' Williamson and Plec (that sounds like a law firm, or at least an interior decorating team) wasted no time in addressing the plethora of questions ...



Conejo Valley Home Remodeling & RV Show
Ventura County Star
Over 170 vendors will be on hand with information on everything from kitchen and bath remodeling to interior decorating to landscaping, pools and spas. ...



Tuine & Tossels at this year's HOMEMAKERS Expo!
Bizcommunity.com
The interior decorating and gardening television show, Tuine en Tossels, is proud to be part of this year's VAAL HOMEMAKERS EXPO, on from 17-19 September! ...

and more »


Gold glitters on debt jitters
Fortune
... referring to the worry that the Fed's response to the recession will leave the dollar useful only for interior decorating purposes. ...

and more »


The Sacramento Press

Art complex gets new look
The Sacramento Press
Bailey used her interior decorating skills and experience as owner of Blue Wing Art Gallery and Custom Framing in Woodland to create or redesign the ...

and more »


Riverview resident loves working with colour
Times and Transcript
Respected for her prowess in the interior decorating and design industry, this Woodstock, Ont. native is a former schoolteacher who found her second career ...


Google News

Interior Design Dallas | Home Decorating Ideas | site map
Web Design | Search Engine Marketing
© 1998-2008