You can make a gorgeous Succulent Pumpkin that will last a long time.

Depending upon where you live, the pumpkin will last typically until Spring. It will naturally mush out by then so be sure to keep a liner under it when you bring it indoors.

If you live in a warm climate, it may last a while; in a cold climate, protect from freezing.

This is what you will need to make one:

1 largish pumpkin

Choose one that has an indention or depressed area on top. This will hold soil and moss as well as the plants.

I choose white or neutral colored pumpkins since they can last until Spring. Orange looks outdated soon after Thanksgiving. Orange is NOT the new black, trust me. No matter how much you may love Halloween or Thanksgiving, orange gets old quick out of season.

Sheet Moss

Various succulents

The rule of thumb:

• 1 to Thrill

• 1 to Fill

• 1 to Spill

Choose what you like. Get one or two showstoppers for the thrill

Choose one that will fill in the area between plants as it grows. The spilling one is a great element. My favorite is called “String of Bananas”. It grows fast and cuttings are easy to root.

At the nursery, choose what plants appeal to you and cluster them together. You want smaller plants generally, but look for a variety of texture, shapes, heights, and colors.

You will also need some U-shaped pins to hold things in place.

In a nutshell, here’s what you need:

• Pumpkin
• Succulents
• Moss and pins

Here’s what you do:

Wash and dry the pumpkin. Working on a newspaper to collect the soil, remove the selected plants from their pots. Carefully knock off any loose soil. You will see, most have small root balls.

Place the succulents around the pumpkin in a pleasing manner. Use pins to anchor any plants in place being careful not to pierce any leaves of the succulent plants. (Yes, you pin into the pumpkin)

Soak the moss a few minutes in warm water to hydrate. Cover all soil and “nest” the succulents with the damp moss. Pin moss in place so it doesn’t slide off when it dries out.

That’s all there is to it!

Succulents like dryer soil so be sure to water every now and then. Protect from freezing below 32°F.

When your pumpkin mushes out, save the plants and replant them in a shallow dish garden until next Fall when you can make another Succulent Pumpkin!

 

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