Thursday, June 9, 2016

Easy to Make Pumpkins in Wheelbarrow Decorations



One of my favorite outdoor decorations for the autumn season is the wheelbarrow planter. This decoration is fun to put together, you can make it with your kids as an afternoon autumn activity.

There are no rules as to how to put this outdoor decoration together however you do need to be creative and have fun.  Here is an outdoor display that I designed  I hope that it inspires you to make your own outdoor decorations for the autumn season.  






Directions for Outdoor Autumn Decorations

  1. Shop for nursery-grown potted mums but instead of setting them in the wheelbarrow in the plastic planter, buy a decorative pot, I like the metal ones because they are more interesting, and give the planter a “farm look”. If you have clay pots then use that.
  2. Buy an assortment of mum colors like yellow and burgundy or orange flowers. Buy a variety of real pumpkins choose small , medium and large. You may also want to buy a white pumpkin for contrast and interest.
  3. Set up your wheelbarrow as a feature in your yard. When you determine the location I recommend that you put a rock in front of the wheel so that it does not move forward.
For wheelbarrow, flowers do the following
  • Start with your tallest plants in the back and work forward. Separate the plants with pumpkins, add pine cones and autumn leaves to your display. Even cut sunflowers will add to the arrangement. Sunflowers that are dried do not lose their color, or you can add silk flowers and leaves, do this if your wheelbarrow is protected from the rain.
  • Buy a hay bale and set it next to the wheelbarrow. Decorate the hay bale with the remaining pumpkins or buy an outdoor scarecrow to sit on top of the hay.






Wednesday, June 8, 2016

 Flowers in Pumpkin Base Autumn Decor How To

When it comes to decorating my home for the autumn season  I use fresh pumpkins and create floral arrangements for my tables. I prefer to use natural products for my centerpieces including the flower insert but have used silk floral arrangements also.

Fresh pumpkins are not expensive considering you get a fabulous decoration and get to make pumpkin pie with the puree.  Here is an art set that I designed that will inspire you to make your own flowers in a pumpkin autumn decoration for your home.


Autumn Floral Arrangement by sgolis 


How to Make Flowers in Pumpkin Decorations


  1. Shop at the pumpkin patch or at your locally for a medium rounded pumpkin with a stem. 
  2. Look the pumpkin over by checking it for bruises to the flesh or discoloration. You will need a nearly perfect pumpkin for this seasonal decoration.
  3. When you get the pumpkin home wash the outside it to remove any dirt. 
  4. Set the pumpkin with the  stem facing upward. determine how big the opening should be to hold a potted chrysanthemum plant. 
  5. Cut the pumpkin to allow an opening for autumn season flowers.
  6. Remove the seeds and the pumpkin pulp. Keep the seeds because you can roast them. Keep the pulp to make puree for pie or other baked goods; cookies or muffins.
  7. Wash the inside of the pumpkin. Make sure the strings are removed and that surface is clean. There should be no pulp remaining, you want a clean pumpkin shell.
  8. Let the pumpkin dry thoroughly. When the pumpkin is dry you would then set a potted chrysanthemum into the pumpkin. Or make your own bouquet; buy a variety of silk flower stems from the craft center like Hobby Lobby or Walmart.com.


Tips remove the real plant from the pumpkin to water. Let it drain thoroughly before putting back in the pumpkin