September/October 2018 California Bountiful magazine
Story by Pat Rubin
Photo by Sarah Lee
September 4, 2018 - By Pat Rubin - Pumpkins make unique floral arrangements
I'm always looking for flower arrangements and table decorations—from the garden, of course—that are outside the box. This time of year, pumpkins make a perfect floral centerpiece. The 
secret is the container holding the water and the flowers is inside the pumpkin. And it's so easy!
- Choose a pumpkin slightly taller than the container you want to use. Make sure it's flat enough on the bottom to sit upright. For a container, I used a quart- or pint-sized canning jar. You can use a can, a vase or whatever you have on hand.
- Cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin big enough to slip your container inside. I used the container as a pattern and traced a circle around it on the pumpkin. Cut straight down, not at an angle, or the container won't fit inside. Scoop out the seeds.
- Place the container inside, add water and arrange your flowers. I've used roses, cornstalks, sprigs of ivy, coneflower, oregano, yarrow, nandina—whatever I have in the garden.
A series of miniature pumpkins with tiny arrangements (use votive holders for the vases) looks great on the dinner table, or a series of different sizes. These also make great hostess gifts.
Have fun!
Reprinted with permission: California Farm Bureau Federation
