Yes you can use an arbor, but consider that the gouds will weigh around 25 lbs. You might want to reinforce the wood lattice with some steel gate panels. The panels will still let the look of the wood lattice show. Personally, I like the dinosaur/maranka/caveman's club/monkey face gourd grown on the ground. The curled handle, or tail can really add to the interesting features of the gourd.

welcome to gourding,
Jan

Jan,

Thanks, I will try growing them on the ground. What is the best gourd (plus easy to find seeds) that I can grow on the arbor? I just want something kinda long dangling on the entrance to my garden.

What part of Illinois are you from? I live south of Carbondale.

Thanks so much,

--freefour

Also,

I have seen a LOT of Illinois people on GardenWeb (most south of chicago). Why isn't there an Illinois Gardening forum?

--freefour

Hi freefour,

You might try a dipper gourd for your arbor. Luffa gourds are also a nice variety to dangle, but they are mostly grown for their sponge.
There are several seed catalogs with interesting varieties available. I'm sure some of the other gourd folks can come up with some of their favorite catalogs.
We are in SE Central IL, just a few miles south of I-70, but about 25 miles from the Indiana border.
There are some gourd growers near Carbondale who are also officers in the Illinois Gourd Society. I'll see if I can locate their info, then I'll email you. They would know where to get the best seed.

As for the "Illinois Forum" thing----I think we're supposed to be content with the Midwest Forum.........don't know why......but you might visit that forum.

Jan