If we were able to solve a couple of the great mysteries of gardening, we would not want to know if a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet. But we might be sure to ask if there really is a difference between a squash and a gourd.

Squashes generally refer to four species of the genus Cucurbita, a plant native to the new world. In North America, squashes are loosely grouped as summer or winter squash. Well-known types of summer squash are the patty-pan and the zucchini and winter squashes include the pumpkin.

Gourds are from the same family as squashes. Gourds are often used more for utilitarian or decorative uses than for eating. The shell of the gourd, when dried, has a wooden appearance. Drying gourds, which can take months, causes the internal contents of seeds and flesh to dry out completely, although seeds can still be capable of germination.

Archaeological evidence suggests that squashes may have been first cultivated in the Americas 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. Squash was one of the Three Sisters, sacred food plants grown by Native Americans along with corn and beans. Seeds of these were usually grown together as the cornstalk provided support for the climbing beans and shade for the squash. The squash vines provided ground cover to limit weeds. And the beans provide nitrogen fixing for all three crops. This natural symbiosis may be the first example of companion planting.

The American folksong Follow the Drinking Gourd was first published in 1928. The Drinking Gourd song was said to be used by an Underground Railroad operative as encoded escape instructions and a map. These directions then enabled fleeing slaves to make their way north from Mobile, Alabama to the Ohio River and freedom. Taken at face value, the “drinking gourd” refers to the hollowed out gourd often used by slaves, and other rural Americans, as a water dipper. But in the song it is used as a code name for the Big Dipper, a star formation that points to Polaris, the Pole Star, and the way North.

But when it comes right down to it, who can resist the lure of those piles of colorful winter squashes and gourds when they arrive at the Garden Center? We can’t, that’s a given. Both decorative and delicious, there’s a myriad of uses for this versatile vegetable. Alive with fall colors and adorned by knobs and ribs, warts and wings, a clever arrangement of assorted of squash and gourds is all you need for a unique autumn centerpiece or a bountiful outdoor display. The beauty of the harvest comes to life when the squash starts to arrive.

Some of the more interesting and gorgeous forms of squash and gourds that we love are heirloom varieties. The Gizmo and Swan gourds both offer uniquely individual shapes and lots of character. The One Too Many pumpkin’s mottled peach and cream skin is surprisingly easy to carve detailed designs. And you can’t beat the Turban squash. Not only is it fun to look at and delicious to eat. The tripod top makes it the only squash that readily balances on your head. Amaze your friends and family.

At this time of year, you will find two basic types of gourds, hardshells and ornamentals. Hardshell gourds have white flowers that open as the day cools to evening and then close the next morning. As the common name implies, their woody shells are hard and can be up to more than an inch thick if the growing season is long enough. On the vine, the developing hardshell gourd is green, sometimes mottled with light and dark stripes. When dried, they are brown or tan. Hardshell gourds will last thousands of years. They have been found in the pyramids in Egypt and in caves high in the Andes. These gourds often get their names from their shapes; apple, birdhouse and snake are just a few. Hardshells all cross-pollinate with all other hardshells, so these shapes are infinitely variable. These are the varieties that are used in craft projects.

Ornamental gourds are members of the same plant family as many squash. Their day-blooming yellow flowers look like zucchini or other summer squash blossoms. Today, the ornamental varieties are grown largely for their bright colors, which rarely last after drying. Some gourd growers call them softshells because their shells are much thinner than the hardshells. Properly harvested and cured, they can make attractive, if less sturdy, craft items. These are the gourds that you see in the Garden Center. We like a big pottery or wooden bowl heaped full of pears, eggs and crowns of thorns on the dining room table

We think that you’ll enjoy getting to know the squash family. After all you have the entire winter to taste as many of the wonderful varieties that you can find. And in the spring, try planting your favorites.