Mrs. Lena Braswell has been known to generations of readers of Georgia’s Farmers & Consumers Market Bulletin for being the go-to supplier of every possible variety of gourd and then some. What started as a challenge from a favorite aunt to grow gourds to attract nesting Purple Martins grew into a legendary business, built entirely on reputation and Mrs. Braswell’s love of her many customers from all over the world.

My father has always subscribed to the Market Bulletin and got to know Lena Braswell through his orders from her over the years. He said no matter the size of the order, there was always a personal thank-you. She was always glad to talk to customers over the phone about the gourds and imparted her knowledge about the best ways to cultivate them.