DIY Pumpkin Floral Arrangements with Garden Herbs
Fall is here, and as a floral designer and avid gardener, I’m always looking for creative ways to use my herb harvest before the first frost hits. While I’ve worked with herbs in floral arrangements before, this year I wanted to try something new. It all started when I spotted some mini white pumpkins at the grocery store. With my garden still bursting with fragrant herbs, an idea sparked – why not combine the two and make pumpkin floral arrangements with herbs?
These herb-filled floral arrangements in pumpkins are a perfect blend of my love for gardening and floral design, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a unique Thanksgiving table centerpiece or just want to bring some fall charm indoors, these pumpkin arrangements are a great way to showcase your herb garden’s bounty. Trust me, as someone who’s always experimenting with flowers and plants, this project is both fun and rewarding.
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What You’ll Need
To get started, you’ll need a few things. First, grab some mini white pumpkins – I usually pick these up at Trader Joe’s or my local grocery store. From your garden, gather a mix of herbs. I used thyme, rosemary, mint, oregano, flowering mint, and lavender, but use what you have on hand. You’ll also need some wet floral foam and a sharp knife. If you have one, a hole saw can make cutting the top of the pumpkin easier, but it’s not necessary.
For a bit of extra flair, you might want a few fresh flowers from your garden or the floral department. These aren’t must-haves, but they can add a nice touch to your arrangement. Remember, the best part about this project is making it your own, so feel free to play around with different combinations.
To learn about using floral foam be sure to visit my How to use Floral Foam (tips from a floral designer) post from my sister site, Celebrated Nest.
Picking Your Herbs
As a gardener, I’ve learned a thing or two about harvesting herbs. For this project, I like to cut my herbs in the morning after the dew has dried but before the day heats up. This keeps them fresher longer.
When it comes to thyme and rosemary, I snip whole stems about 4-6 inches long. For mint and oregano, I choose the freshest top growth. Lavender is best when the flowers are just opening. If you’re lucky enough to have flowering mint, grab those stems too – they add great texture.
Once inside, I give everything a quick rinse and pat dry. Then I trim the stems at an angle – this helps them drink up water better. I group my herbs by type, looking at their colors and textures. The mint and oregano usually become my “greens,” while lavender and flowering mint act as my “flowers.”
To keep the arrangement looking good longer, I’ve found that removing lower leaves helps. This prevents them from sitting in water and rotting. Before arranging, I like to put the fresh cut herbs in a glass of water for several hours or overnight so they get a good drink. I don’t put them in the refrigerator because some herbs don’t do well in there and they are perfectly content on my kitchen counter until I’m ready to design.
How to Create Herb-Filled Pumpkin Floral Arrangements
- Prepare the Pumpkin
Clean the mini white real pumpkin with a damp cloth. Remove the stem, then use a hole saw (I-3/16″ attached to a drill) to cut a circle in the top of the pumpkin. If you don’t have a hole saw, a sharp knife works too. Scoop out the seeds and pulp, leaving a clean interior.
- Prepare the Floral Foam
Cut a piece of floral foam slightly larger than the pumpkin opening. Soak it thoroughly in water until it’s fully saturated. Once soaked, trim it if needed to fit snugly inside the pumpkin cavity.
- Insert the Foam
Gently push the soaked foam into the pumpkin. It should fit securely and stick above the opening about 1/4″.
- Create a Base
Start with thyme, using a design knife or clippers cut the stems and place them around the edge of the foam on top of the pumpkin. Add more in the middle.
- Fill in with Greens
Layer in mint leaves and rosemary to create a lush green base that covers the foam completely.
- Add Focal Points
Now, add your showier elements. Place mint flowers and lavender blooms throughout the arrangement. These will be your eye-catching focal points. Tuck in the delicate oregano sprigs for added texture and interest.
- Final Touches
For a finishing touch, add a few small white flowers (even if you’re not sure of their variety) throughout the arrangement. These little pops of white add dimension and contrast. If you need more height in certain areas, don’t hesitate to use longer stems or even wooden skewers for support.
Keep in mind, there’s no strict rule here – part of the charm is in the slightly wild, garden-fresh look. Trust your eye and adjust as you go!
Keeping Your Arrangement Fresh
To make your pumpkin herb arrangement last longer, keep the floral foam moist. I’ve found that carefully pouring a little water directly onto the foam every couple of days works well. Just be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to mold.
I also like to give the herbs a light mist with water daily. This helps keep them looking perky and smelling fresh. I keep a small spray bottle near my arrangements as a reminder. With proper care, I’ve had these little beauties last for over a week – plenty of time to enjoy them through a dinner party or holiday gathering.
How Long Will They Last?
With the right care, these pumpkin herb arrangements can last surprisingly well. In my experience, you can expect them to stay fresh and attractive for about 5-7 days, sometimes even up to 10 days if you’re lucky.
The mini white pumpkins themselves can last for weeks if they’re not cut, but once we turn them into vases, their lifespan shortens a bit. The herbs are really the determining factor here. Some hardier herbs like rosemary and thyme tend to hold up better, while softer herbs like mint might start to wilt a bit sooner.
I’ve found that keeping them in a cool spot away from direct sunlight helps a lot. If you’re planning to use these for a special event, I’d recommend making them no more than 2-3 days in advance to ensure they look their best.
Remember, part of the charm is in the slightly wild, garden-fresh look, so don’t worry if they start to look a bit relaxed after a few days – it’s all part of their natural beauty. And hey, when the herbs start to fade, you can always refresh the arrangement with new cuttings from your garden. It’s a great way to keep enjoying your herb harvest right up until the first frost.
Mixing It Up: Styling Ideas and Variations
While I love the simplicity of herbs in white pumpkins, there are so many different ways to create gorgeous pumpkin flower arrangements. Last year, I experimented with mixing herbs and a variety of fall flowers for a more traditional look. A bunch of mums or smaller blooms can add a beautiful pop of color to your pumpkin vase.
For a rustic touch, try tucking in some fall leaves or pinecones around the base of the arrangement. It’s an easy way to add seasonal charm without spending a lot of money. I’ve even used dried wheat for extra texture – just forage responsibly!
Don’t feel limited to small white pumpkins either. I’ve used medium-sized pumpkins for larger centerpieces and even tried different colors. Orange ones give a classic fall feel, while blue-gray pumpkins offer a touch of elegance perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
If you’re after something longer-lasting, faux pumpkins work great too. You can prepare them the same way as real pumpkins, and they’ll last year after year. Just remember to use faux florals or faux stems along with dried floral foam if you go this route for a consistent look.
These floral pumpkin centerpieces are versatile enough to fit any fall tablescape or color scheme. Whether you’re decorating for dinner parties or just adding a bit of fall decor to your home, they’re a perfect addition. The best part? You can tailor these arrangements to fit the occasion, making them a great DIY project for the cooler autumn months. Have fun experimenting with your own pumpkin flower arrangement!
Where to Show Off Your Pumpkin Creations (and Gift Them Too!)
These little pumpkin arrangements are so versatile, you’ll want to put them everywhere. I love using them as Thanksgiving centerpieces – they’re the perfect size for not blocking conversation across the dining table. Last year, I lined three down the middle, and it looked amazing.
They’re not just for the table though. I’ve placed them on my mantel for a festive touch, and they look great grouped on a sideboard too. For outdoor displays, try putting a few on your porch steps or nestled in with larger pumpkins and gourds.
Here’s a fun idea: these make great hostess gift idea. When I’m invited to dinner parties during the fall season, I often bring one of these instead of a bottle of wine. To present it, I wrap a ribbon around the middle of the pumpkin and attach a small card with care instructions. It’s always a hit and a unique way to say thanks. Plus, it’s an easy DIY gift that looks like you spent a lot more time (and money) than you did!
I have a thing for decorating pumpkins! For some fun ideas please visit:
That’s it – your guide to creating charming herb-filled pumpkin arrangements. It’s one of my favorite ways to use up my garden herbs and bring a touch of fall indoors. Whether you’re dressing up your Thanksgiving table, adding some seasonal flair to your home, or looking for a unique hostess gift, these little beauties fit the bill. They’re simple to make, easy on the wallet, and smell amazing. So grab some pumpkins, snip those herbs, and let your creativity bloom.
Happy herb arranging!