Rob has made 3 epic pumpkin and gourd buying trips in the past 3 weeks. Epic, as in 8 hour trips to pumpkin hybridizers within 80 miles or so in every direction of our shop. Epic, as in the relationships he has cultivated with growers who specialize in these fall fruits. I am sure the gross vehicle weight of the Sprinter loaded with pumpkins and gourds is equally epic. His vetting of pumpkins and gourds one could describe as rigorous. The pumpkins have to stand up on their own. They have to have long and beautifully shaped stems fresh from the picking. Many of those long stems are integral to the pumpkin body. They have great shapes. Unusual surfaces. Incredible color. Who knew there were black or pale yellow or blue pumpkins? Considerable is the education I have had about pumpkins and gourds in recent years. They have colorful and descriptive names. Long Island Cheese. Knucklehead. Porcelain Doll. Many of them have already gone to gardening homes. Many more will snapped up this week, in advance of Halloween and in anticipation of Thanksgiving.
A gardening customer came in today, her husband in tow. She and Sunne launched into a discussion about something or another. Her husband found a place to sit on a bench outdoors. Milo and I joined him. Only moments later he asked me, so what do you do with these pumpkins? Hilarious, this. I burst out laughing. Indeed, what does one do with a pumpkin? To follow are my answers. As for the above picture, I would contrast a green and a white pumpkin, and shower them with green eucalyptus and some yellow fall leaves conveniently shed by a nearby linden tree.
stand up for fall
fill a wood box
make a scene
plant a vintage bushel basket with a single grand white pumpkin, and face it down with white ornamental cabbage.
hang it up
incorporate them into a fall container.
go for the green
celebrate the season
pile them up
add them to a fall themed window box
set the table
Line them out
fill the air space
spread them out
select a favorite
stack them up
brighten up a dark spot
carve them, of course
arrange them by color and texture
crate them
go for gourds
plump up a bench
sort by size and color
load up a cart
set them on their sides
make a statement
dress up an urn
warm up a porch
Does this help?
Amazingly Beautiful!
This is nearly poetic! My favorite idea is piling them on the bench near the front door. We have only ho-hum pumpkins in my area, but I bought some weird plastic gourds to intermingle and create interest in my display.
Amazingly fun!
Great pumpkin ideas!
I love your homage to the pumpkin and gourd! Fall is my favorite time of year and, if my neighbors would let me, I would decorate my whole block for the season. Happy Halloween!
At the song, “What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor” came to mind. You’ve created an incredible number of autumn vignettes with these versatile fruits. I love them all and always look forward to visiting our nearby pumpkin patches to find both traditional and new and unusual varieties to play with. Your creative well runs deep and I always appreciate your creations. Thanks for the inspiration to reach further!
If I were to see “Stand up for Fall” on the cover of a book, I’d buy it! No matter what was inside.
Each image is a beautiful work of art!
Love it. . . homage to fall. . . .my favorite season!
Dear Cathy, the fall is unbelievably beautiful. I enjoy it too. Crisp and colorful-what is not to like? best, Deborah
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Dear Susan, so happy to hear from you! A line of hearts back to you. best, Deborah
When is your book coming out????
Your words and images–and fabulous designs—are so worthy!!!
Dear Alison, maybe a book, someday! Thank you for writing. best, Deborah
One can never have too many pumpkins and/or gourds! Your selection is outstanding. Next year’s plan is to visit in person. Thanks for sharing!
Dear Melody, it would be our pleasure if you could visit. Let me know when you plan to come. all the best, Deborah
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS DESIGN IDEAS – thank u sooo much for sharing.
Sincerely, deb
(Sanger, California)
Dear Deb, there are no end of things a gardener might do with a collection of pumpkins and gourds. They are a the star of the fall season. best, Deborah
That’s was such a visual treat! The fall container is to die for.
Dear Nella, Rob’s pumpkins are so sculptural, it is hard to take a bad picture. We just pile them up, stand back, and admire. It doesn’t take much to make me happy! all the best, Deborah
Great shots! Every one is perfection!
Dear Abigail, we have an obsession with fall-we can’t help it. Fall is such a beautiful season in Michigan. thanks for writing, Deborah
Beautiful pictures and inspiring ideas! I arranged our family’s pumpkins in our yard and now the squirrels have left their marks. Do you take steps to keep animals away from your pumpkin arrangements?
Dear Kristen, google the topic-protecting pumpkins from squirrels. There are lots of remedies. I use Bonide animal repellant. all the best, Deborah
So clever and such fun You had me smiling! Happy Fall
Kudos to you and Rob! One of your most creative posts ever. Worthy of a magazine article, for sure!
Oh my gosh! What a glorious tribute to the season. Just magnificent. Your Rob is a treasure too.
Thanks for sharing this incredible bounty!
What’s not to like about Halloween! The decor, the cool crisp days and cooler nights, leaves falling, and trees taking on their winter look. Can’t wait for the costume clad children to arrive in high spirit. The decor adds to the festivity.