One Too Many Pumpkin
Perhaps this variety gets its name from its “pickled” appearance. Orange stripes and speckles create an interesting texture on the cream-colored skin. Place this variegated pumpkin among your orange pumpkins for an out-of-the-ordinary Halloween display.

Ornamental Gourds
Ornamental gourds come in a seemingly endless variety of shapes and colors, and may have unusual features such as warty bumps or striking color combinations. Many ornamental gourd names -- like crown of thorns, egg, baby’s bottle and speckled swan -- give you a hint as to their curious shapes. Although ornamental gourds are not edible, they have a long history of use as musical instruments, birdhouses, dippers and numerous other utilitarian items. Many gourds are quite small but vivid in color, making them ideal for tabletop or wreath decoration.

Peanut Pumpkin
C. maxima ‘Brode D’Galeux Eysines’ is a French heirloom variety whose name translates as “embroidered with pebbles from Eysines,” from the name of a village in Bordeaux. The common name comes from the warty bumps that have the color and appearance of peanut shells. The bumps can partially or sometimes completely cover the salmon-colored skin. This attention-getting pumpkin will elicit comments from visitors, and also makes for flavorful eating.
Turban Squash
This highly decorative squash takes its name from its resemblance to the cloth head covering worn in many parts of the world. Its colors vary, and include mixtures of bright orange, green and white. With the top cut off, this squash can serve as a natural tureen from which to serve squash soup. Even if you don’t want to struggle with cutting through its thick skin, the turban squash looks beautiful simply as a centerpiece.