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Pumpkin Mums

September 23, 2013 Sarah Coggins

Fall is my favorite season. And yesterday, I started decorating my house. One of the first things I did last year was add mums up the steps to the front door. Having just moved and with a lot on my plate, I literally just plopped the flowers (thin plastic ‘pot’ and all) onto the steps and called it done. This year, I’m making a little more effort.

Pumpkin Mums

While I could (and probably should for year round decorating) invest in a few nice pots to line the steps, I decided to take a fall twist and use pumpkins for pots. Fake pumpkins. I don’t trust real ones to hold up all season and we’ve had great luck with a carved fake pumpkin for years. It still looks great. So now I’m testing how well they survive the elements + a live flowering plant.

How to make your own? Easy! All you need are 5 supplies – fake pumpkin, mum plant, marker, knife & a drill.

Pumpkin Mums: Supplies
Supplies for faux Pumpkin Mums

Start by marking the top of your pumpkin for where you will cut. I just held the plant over and loosely traced with an orange Sharpie. My thought was the orange would blend in better if the lines ended up showing a bit. Instead, my initial hole was a bit too small so I just kept trimming out slowly until the plant just barely slid in. I wanted a snug fit.

Pumpkin Mums: Mark Cut Lines
Mark an outline of the pot for cutting.

Then (no pictures of this step) I used our drill to make a couple of small holes in the bottom to allow for drainage.Add the flowers to the faux pumpkin, place and enjoy!I bought my pumpkins on sale at Michaels and my mums on clearance at Lowes so the entire project cost me under $25 for 3 Pumpkin Mums. I’ll update later in the season with how they are holding up. Hopefully, I’ll be able to refill these same pumpkins year after year. Happy Fall!

Pumpkin Mums: Porch Steps
Can you spy why there isn’t a wreath on my front door yet? Next project – new paint!

For more fake (faux?) pumpkin ideas … our carved Bat pumpkin we’ve been using since 2006 and Mr Potato Head Pirate Pumpkin.

Update: The pumpkins held up great and are stored in our garage for use again next fall!

1 Comment

  • Mandi @ Southern Gnome September 23, 2013 at 5:58 pm
    I'm curious to know how they hold up. I've often thought about doing this but wasn't sure how long they would last. They look great!
  • Leave a Reply

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    Sarah

    Hi! I'm a DIY and craft obsessed mom to 2. I have my hands covered in sawdust or paint any given day. My husband and kids join me in many of our projects. When we aren't creating at home, we're creating memories in our many adventures. Join along! Read More

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