I love pumpkins. So many different sizes, colors, textures. Pumpkins are not just for carving and eating. This time of the year, I turn pumpkins into vases for my fall flower arrangements. It's easy and gives an ordinary flower arrangement a great seasonal look.
First, and this is important, make sure the pumpkin that you plan to use can sit flat on the counter.
If it's wobbly, pick another pumpkin.
The simplest way to create this project is by finding a vessel (could be a tupperware-like container) that when inserted inside the pumpkin can hold water and is large enough to hold the flowers. Be careful how big of an opening you cut. The vessel should fit snugly into a pumpkin. I usually use a small pumpkin. The larger the pumpkin, the more flowers you will need to cut from your garden or buy from your local store. You will be amazed by how full and big of an arrangement you can make using a pumpkin that's only about 6 inches in diameter.
Cut out an opening that will be just large enough for the vessel to fit inside the pumpkin. Clean out the inside of the pumpkin by removing all the seeds. Fit the container into the pumpkin and fill it with water before starting to arrange the flowers.
When arranging the flowers, don't forget it's always fun to incorporate things that are out in your garden. Grass plumes, thin birch branches, rose hips and fall flowers are just some of things that I look for when considering what is going to go into the flower arrangement. Don't forget about white pumpkins They look great when arranged with flowers!
For those who want to take this project a step further, try using wet oasis foam
(which can be found in most craft stores) instead of a container when arranging your flowers. Oasis allows you to really design a nice arrangement. When using oasis you can manipulate the arrangement and make it wider and taller.
(which can be found in most craft stores) instead of a container when arranging your flowers. Oasis allows you to really design a nice arrangement. When using oasis you can manipulate the arrangement and make it wider and taller.Cut the oasis (before wetting) to fit inside the pumpkin. The oasis should be about an inch taller than the pumpkin opening. Soak the cut oasis according to directions on its package in a bucket of water. To keep the pumpkin from getting wet, I place the wet oasis into a plastic bag and insert the oasis into the opening. Trim away any excess plastic. The wet oasis should fit snugly inside the pumpkin's opening. Now begin arranging!
Either way you decide to use a pumpkin for a seasonal vase, once cut I find the pumpkin will last about a week before too much mold forms on the inside of the pumpkin.
Pumpkin vases make great Thanksgiving centerpieces! Why not give it a try this holiday season.
Marie Meiklejohn, owner of Marie's Garden in Skippack, Pennsylvania has been gardening for over 25 years. The last 16 years at her property in Skippack where Marie's Garden is located. Many of her gardens showcase what she grows and sells each year.
