Autumnal Glory Of Nature: Ornamental Indian Corn

Ornamental Indian Corn: Nature’s Colorful Appeal In Autumn

Autumnal glory of nature. Ornamental Indian corn. Autumn heralds the arrival of the decoration of ornamental Indian corn. The hard kernels of various colors and Autumnal hues offer distinctive impact of timeless appeal when found on display decorating table tops and doorways during the Autumn season. Perhaps it can be said that the Fall harvest and its offerings would not be complete without the appearance of Indian corn. Ears of Indian corn in Autumnal jewel tones of distinction. Termed as “any primitive corn having ears with kernels of various colors”, it is no wonder that these hard kernels offering a multitude of color have become a visual of Fall.

Autumnal Delights: Ornamental Indian Corn

Historians link the origination of these colorful ears of corn to China, India and South America. It was not until the 15th century that the kernels and husks of colorful delight would travel around the globe via explorers and traders. The name “Indian corn” is said to have been taken from the indigenous natives of North America who originally cultivated it. Of interest, rather than decoration, Indian corn was ground to make flour. Who knew? Although the kernels themselves are hard, the ears with larger kernels are now typically used for flour or cornmeal production, while those with small, pointy kernels are perfect for popcorn. Indian corn varies in ear size, kernel, husk and stalk color. The most common husk colors are ivory and purple. Visual delights, indeed. The term “Flint Corn” (hard, and like stone) would also reference these jeweled ears. Yet in most countries this hard corn is known as “Indian corn” or “Calico Corn”, which is the same species as Indian corn but a different variant of maize. Oh, the calico colors! It is interesting to note that the Indian corn that we recognize today are several hybrid varieties that have been developed within the last 50 years. These calico-patterned or speckled varieties of Indian corn are the result of cross-pollination of single-shaded plants. In addition to the multicolored ears, there are also solid ears in shades of red, gold, yellow, reddish brown,dark purple, white, ruby, blue and even black. Bold, colorful and unexpected hues of Autumnal delight, indeed! With hard outer layers, each colorful kernel endures to delight with Autumnal appeal. The unusual texture and composition of hues go far in providing Autumnal interest when brought into our interiors or used as decoration in events. Calico patterns of delight, indeed…

Decoration Of Autumn Within The Interior: Ornamental Indian Corn

Kernels Of Autumnal Color: Ornamental indian Corn

Entertaining & Decoration With Indian Corn

Colorful Autumn Delight: Ornamental Indian Corn

Autumn Holiday Entertaining With Indian Corn

Holiday Decorating: Autumnal Hues Of Indian Corn

Indian Corn & Husks Of Decoration: Autumn Delights

Consider the decoration of Indian corn as the Autumn season settles upon us. The hues of Autumn are sure to provide us with seasonal enjoyment when embellished within our interior and exterior spaces. A natural visual in bringing the outdoors in and a focus on nature when gracing our exteriors. Autumnal glory of nature, indeed…

Onward,

Kristin

“A light wind swept over the corn, and all nature laughed in the sunshine”
-Anne Bronte

Fall’s Iconic Emblem: The “Great Pumpkin” & Its Embellishment As Decoration

The Great Pumpkin: An Icon Of Fall’s Arrival

The “Great Pumpkin”. The gift from a trailing vine. Having been enamored with pumpkins since youth, perhaps a visual appreciation of the grand cultivar of squash is at hand. Fall’s arrival pairs with the iconic visual emblem of the “Pumpkin”. The round, smooth and slightly ribbed skin of the pumpkin continues to endure as a coveted emblem of Fall. Of course, one must have at least one or more of these Autumnal gifts of nature upon Fall’s arrival. Bursts of rich Fall colors that emulates the changing trees within the great outdoors, bringing indoors these elements of Autumn seems to denote a passing of seasons within our spaces. Consider not just the great orange, classic pumpkin, but also the additional display that brings the mere “orange” pumpkin to a new level: heirloom selections from the world of pumpkins. Inspired upon a recent visit to the “Pumpkin Patch”, camera in hand, the great pumpkin was in focus. Consider the grayish green Jarrahdale, the creamy, light orange “Long Island Cheese” (a more flattened and often ribbed shape- perfect for stacking), the striking “White” pumpkin and of course, the “Cinderella” pumpkin (resembling a flattened cushion of natural style). So many stunning variations abound for our personal preference and statement to embellish our exterior and interior spaces. And why not decorate with the vast variations of sizes, shapes, colors and distinctive appeal of “Pumpkins”? Whether stacked in towering delight or standing alone, the pumpkin certainly is a visual delight. Delightful inspirations, for certain.

The term “Pumpkin” refers to a certain genus cultivar of squash known as “Cucurbita”. The word “Pumpkin” comes from the British word “Pumpion” which was derived from the French word “Pompon”. Of interest, “Pompon” was taken from the ancient Greek word “Pepon” for melon. Interesting. Pumpkins, like other squash, are believed to have originated in North America. However, the oldest evidence of pumpkin-related seeds were found in Mexico, dating between 7000 and 5500 BC. An enduring botanical cultivar, indeed! For further insights in the appreciation of the pumpkin and its history, it is said that the Native American Indians in the New World used pumpkin as a staple in their diets for centuries before the arrival of the Pilgrim settlers by boat. The settlers would embrace the sweet, multi-purpose fruit and eventually return to Europe with the seeds of this vine growing gourd. Expanded appreciation would certainly result.

Of note, it is believed that the first pumpkins were of the ‘crooked neck’ variety rather than the ribbed or creased, classic and iconic orange pumpkin. Who knew? Of interest, in New Zealand and Australian English, the term “Pumpkin” generally refers to the broader category of thick skinned “Winter Squash”. Either way, this cultivar that is considered a fruit that is layered in a thick shell has found its way into commercial use, both in food and recreation. Grown all over the world on six of the seven continents (the exception being Antarctica) it is no surprise that the pumpkin in all its glory has remained a glorious icon of the season. The appreciation of the Autumnal gift of nature, indeed….

The “Great Pumpkin”: October’s Harvest Of Iconic Style

And of the culinary bliss of the Great Pumpkin? This versatile gourd features edible flowers, seeds (known as “Pepitas” that become a roasted, edible delight) and the mild, sweet flavored orange pulp rich in vitamins. An added bonus to the decoration factor, for certain! Of course, the culinary uses are wide and varied for this tasty fruit from a trailing vine. And of the tradition of carving pumpkins into Jack-O-Lanterns? Perhaps that tradition and its history which was brought to America by Irish Imigrants, is another topic of focus, indeed. Yet should I mention it was originally a turnip that would be replaced by the great pumpkin as a Jack-O-Lantern? Again, who knew? However you view the great gift of the vine, the pumpkin certainly deserves our appreciation…

Autumnal Gifts Of Nature Within The Interior: “Pumpkins”

Halloween & Autumnal Decoration Of The “Pumpkin”

Celebrations With The Great “Pumpkin”

Entertaining & Table Decor: The Embellishment With Pumpkins

Consider the pumpkin as nature’s perfect icon of the Fall. Possessing a deep yellow to orange coloration or the varied mix of hues and styles, whether decorating with pumpkins as Halloween adornment, bedecked in style, such as coated and gilded with silver, gold or copper, embellished with elegant distinction or unexpected delight as decorations of Autumn’s bounty, the embellishment of pumpkins within our exteriors and interior worlds earns appreciation. Consider tucking in these cool weather crops of Autumn delight throughout your personal world. Whether piles of pumpkins, towering layers of staggered height or a pumpkin standing solo, pumpkins are a natural approach to decorating for the season. Setting a festive tone for the arrival of the Fall Season, for certain. And of the decoration with pumpkins as celebratory focal points of life’s memorable occasions? Nature’s appreciation paired with memorable events, for certain. An iconic element of Fall that welcomes the season. The “Great Pumpkin”, indeed…

Kristin

“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion”
-Henry David Thoreau