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.

---

Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Simplicity with Your Home Wall Decor

I can still picture my roommate as she lay stretched... Read More

Wall Clocks Tell Time and Decorate!

Clocks can be of any type - they could be... Read More

How Curtains Can Change the Look of Your Home

The roles of curtains have changed. At one time they... Read More

Fruit Basket Delivery

Probably the single most important component responsible for making the... Read More

Add A Little Spark To Your Bedroom With A Satin Comforter!

If you want to make your bedroom look rich and... Read More

7 Feng Shui Fundamentals for Childrens Bedrooms

Feng shui is a very popular and intriguing concept in... Read More

Fireplace Candelabras - The Easy Alternative To Burning Wood

It wasn't that long ago that the fireplace was the... Read More

How a Good Bedroom Design Can Boost Your Confidence

Do you know that your bedroom is responsible for who... Read More

Do You Really Want The Ceiling Fan Above The Bed?

I love the decorative look of a ceiling fan as... Read More

An Introduction to Shutters

Window shutters can serve many purposes. In areas of the... Read More

Discount Bathroom Vanities

Discount bathroom vanities can be found in many places, some... Read More

Finding a Cuckoo Clock Repair Service

Weights hanging from the bottom of your cuckoo clock keep... Read More

Caring for Your Wood Furniture

There is nothing like wood furniture to add elegance and... Read More

Designing Your Kid?s Room is Child?s Play!

Would your child's room benefit from some fresh design ideas... Read More

A Review of Popular Massage Chairs

With so many massage chairs available on the market, where... Read More

Bar Stools and Counter Stools Complete Your Space

There is something to be said about a space that... Read More

The Hunt for Vintage Kitchen Sinks

Want to relive the excitement of California's gold rush of... Read More

Roman Shades Made From Fabric

Roman shades are a simple and classic way to adorn... Read More

Tuscan Style Decorating - Three Essential

If Under the Tuscan Sun left you breathlessly and hopelessly... Read More

A Look at Flower Bulbs for Sale

When people decide to grow flowers, they have many choices.... Read More

7 Tips To Note When You Decorate Your Home

When you decorate your home, think twice about the colors... Read More

Home Decorating & The Smaller Place

"Big Things Come In Small Packages" We're all familiar with... Read More

The Benefits of Wood Blinds

In interior design, the blinds found on windows and doors... Read More

A Review of Popular Water Softener Products

With so many types and brands of water softeners to... Read More

Antiques, Collectibles, & Memorabilia: Do You Know the Difference?

The world of antiques can be confusing. What's the difference... Read More