Master Gardeners plan ‘Pumpcullent’ workshop

MADISON – For their next workshop, Master Gardeners of North Alabama Inc. are recognizing the beauty of autumn’s colors.

Their workshop, “Pumpcullent,” is focused on pumpkins and succulents. People usually don’t associate these two types of plants together, but the Master Gardeners will guide workshop participants to make a beautiful live arrangement using a pumpkin artfully filled with succulent plants.

The workshop’s date is Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will be held at the Madison County Extension Office Classroom at 819 Cook Ave. NW in Huntsville.

Presenters for the workshop will be Janet Boothe and Carol Milton, who are both Master Gardeners.

Fee for the workshop is $25, which covers all materials and is non-refundable. “And you will go home with a wonderful holiday arrangement,” Milton said.

The class size is limited to 20 people. This workshop is open to the public and does not require any prerequisite training. Registration deadline is Nov. 10.

Master Gardeners of North Alabama also endorsed recent material about pumpkins from Mississippi State University Extension Service. Pumpkins, gourds and squash all are members of the same scientific family and share several similar characteristics. When shopping this fall, look for these varieties that are perfect for cooking:

* Cinderella pumpkins – Sweet, rich tasting and delicious in desserts.

* Peanut pumpkins — The ‘warts’ are excess sugars and perfect for baked goods.

* Hubbard Squash: Versatile fall produce that is sweet, golden and tasty in both sweet and savory fall dishes.

* Turban Squash: Can substitute for butternut or acorn squash in recipes.

However, jack-o-lantern pumpkins and ornamental gourds are not easy to work with and don’t taste as good as other varieties. Also, never eat pumpkin after it has been carved.

The participants in the workshop must pre-register. Visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080945A4AC28A6F58-pumpcullent. Review the available slots and click an option to sign up.

Presenters ask for anyone who has a cold glue gun to bring it to the workshop.

Master Gardeners of North Alabama Inc. is a 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation. For more information, visit their Facebook page.