Easy Fall Pumpkin Flower Container Garden
Autumn Plant Arrangement Featuring Pumpkin Plus Mums and Pansies
Sep 30, 2008
Creative, colorful autumn arrangements don't have to be for experts only. Planters made from gourds, pumpkins and other unusual choices can spice up fall décor.
Here’s a simple recipe for a beautiful, striking fall flower container. To start, gardeners will need:
- 1 medium-size white pumpkin, at least 8* in diameter
- 1 4* garden mum (any color)
- 2 pansy plants (six pack size, any color)
- 1 corn tassel
- 1 bunch mini Indian corn (any color)
- sharp knife (not serrated)
- wire coat hanger
- small piece of florist’s wire or 1 twist tie
- 6 cups potting soil (approximately)
- spoon or similar scooping device
Instructions:
- First, rinse the pumpkin, cleaning off all dirt and debris so that it is white and shiny. Then, start about two inches away from the stem, and cut around it in a circle to remove the top of the pumpkin. (Note: The opening can be widened when planting if more space is needed.) Slice the flesh and seeds from the pumpkin top, then set it aside.
- Scoop the inside matter and seeds out of the pumpkin. Try to leave the pumpkin inside as clean as possible to prevent bacteria and mold buildup, which could affect plants’ growth.
- Fill the pumpkin about 3/4 full with potting soil. Plant the garden mum at the “back” of the pumpkin, keeping the edge of the mum’s soil just below the edge of the pumpkin. Plant the two pansies in front of the garden mum. Add the remaining potting soil on top of the plants, and pack down firmly. (The example uses a burgundy color mum complemented with orange and yellow pansies. Gardeners can choose any color combination that suits their taste.)
- Pull the corn tassel apart into two to three pieces. Insert them into the soil in between the mum and pansies, angling them slightly to the left and right. (Many garden centers and discount stores sell corn this time of year in bunches or by the stalk.)
- Next, cut two 4 to 5 inch long pieces off of the wire hanger. One end should have a curve or hook in it. Achieve it by bending the hanger or by simply cutting the pieces from near the curved portions of the hanger.
- Trim the edges of the pumpkin top until they are smooth and the top is as close to a circle as possible. Hold the pumpkin top at one side edge of the pumpkin opening. Push one of the wire hanger pieces through pumpkin top to the right of the stem and into the side of the pumpkin to hold the top in place. The hooked end should curve around the underside of the pumpkin stem. Do the same with the other wire piece, this time inserting it to the left of the stem.
- Hang the bunch of mini Indian corn over the stem and wire hooks on the pumpkin top. Secure with florist’s wire or twist tie.
Voila! A bold, beautiful fall arrangement perfect for accenting the front porch, back deck or any room in the house!
The copyright of the article Easy Fall Pumpkin Flower Container Garden in Crafts is owned by Joli Hohenstein. Permission to republish Easy Fall Pumpkin Flower Container Garden in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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