has anyone ever planted ornamental Gourd's?

When I was little my Dad panted these, and they grew like mad, all i can remember was getting very excited at the different shapes and colours!

About 5 years ago, when my kids were younger I planted some too. it was great to see all the different gourds being produced by the same plant. In Autum we picked them, and put them into a big glass bowl on the table-but they went soft quite quickly.

I've grown them again this year (for my pleasure this time!), and as they are growing wild, they've gone from my temp greenhouse-the porch-to the sunniest corner in the garden. Anyone who doesn't know what I'm on about-these plants practically grow in front of your eyes!

Now I'm abit worries, noticed one plant has alot of greenfly, I haven't done anything about it yet-any suggestions???

Also if anyone has grown these before, are they picked, dried and varnished?

Also do you think I should I should cut the growing tips, to keep the plant smaller-would that produce more fruit-or give more energy to the fruit that is produced??

Any advice please?

Ta