Breakdown:
Pumpkin - 2.00
5 inch mum - 4.99
Wheat - .50
Ribbon - 1.00
Total: 8.49
As we head into fall I thought it would be fun to include some easy fall inspired centerpieces. This one is a lot of fun, versatile and environmentally friendly. This can be done up to a week in advance, a little bit longer if you can store them in a cool spot such as a cold cellar or fridge.
The first step is to choose your pumpkin. I used the pie pumpkin for their size making sure that the pumpkin was large enough to accommodate a 5 inch plant but not so big as to overwhelm a table. You want to cut the lid again making sure that the hole in the top is large enough and scoop out all of the pulp and seeds, scraping the inside completely clean including the lid. Once this is done you can store them for a couple of days in the fridge or continue onto the next step. NOTE: be very careful not to pierce through the sides or the bottom of the pumpkin or when the plant is watered it can leech out of the pumpkin and ruin the table.
Once the pumpkin is prepped it is simply a matter of removing the mum from its plastic container, breaking up the root ball a little and stuffing it into the pumpkin. Then use something sturdy such as wooden skewers (two or three) inserted into the lid to hold it in place in the soil. Add a bow how to make a bow and insert the wheat into the center of the mum and your are finished.
The great thing about this project besides the fact that it can be done several days ahead of time and then simply watered as needed is that if you choose an outdoor mum that once your guest takes it home they can enjoy it for a week or two and then plant it directly into the ground; pumpkin and all. The pumpkin will act as fertilizer for the mum and your guest can continue to enjoy it year after year!