Pumpkins Play a Big Part in My Garden
Decorating with Pumpkins in Fall
Fall is my favorite season of the year. It stands to reason, pumpkins play a big part in both my garden, crafts, fall decor, and food!
A few years ago, I visited an Atlanta garden. This is where colorful pumpkins were scattered throughout the landscape, adding fun fall interest. This year, I added uncarved pumpkins in empty containers for added interest by my front entry. Next year, I will probably add more near the vegetable garden as well as other places.
My Pumpkin Growing Journey
My personal pumpkin growing experience has been rather lackluster. This is the only pumpkin that I’ve successfully grown. It was years ago and I’ve only made rather half-hearted attempts since then. I do have plans to plant some new ones in late April. This means that they will ripen in mid to late July. Then I will store them in a cool, dark, dry space until October.
Homemade Pumpkins in Fall Decor
On October 1st of every year, I bring out my homemade pumpkins, which I made over 6 years ago. They are made from beach balls and newspaper dipped into a flour paste. It was a fun project. I did it with my mother. I’m so happy that they are still a part of my fall decor years later.
Pumpkin-Themed Scarecrow Encounter
This past week, I was visiting my oldest daughter in northern Michigan. I try to do this at least three times a year. As we were walking in the small downtown district, we came upon this comical bank robber who was caught in the act of robbing the bank. I loved the ingenuity of those who created this scarecrow with a pumpkin head!
Feeding Birds with Leftover Pumpkins
Last year, once Thanksgiving was over, I sliced our remaining pumpkins in half . I placed them on the old picnic table in our side garden. The birds flocked to them. We had six different types of birds visit them regularly, eating the seeds and flesh inside. At one point, there were twelve Inca doves sitting inside of the largest half. I will be sure to do this again in a few weeks . It is so fun to watch the antics of the visiting birds.
Delicious Pumpkin Bread Recipe
To finish out my pumpkins post, I have to include a photo of my famous pumpkin bread that I make every year. This is my most-requested recipe from my friends and it is so easy to make and oh so delicious!!! The recipe is unique in that there are no eggs and the texture is so moist and perfect. It makes 6 small loaves, making it a great home-baked gift at the holidays. If you would like to make this delicious pumpkin bread, here is a link to the recipe along with its rather unusual origin story.
How do you like to use pumpkins in fall?
Noelle Johnson, aka, 'AZ Plant Lady' is a author, horticulturist, and landscape consultant who helps people learn how to create, grow, and maintain beautiful desert gardens that thrive in a hot, dry climate. She does this through her consulting services, her online class Desert Gardening 101, and her monthly membership club, Through the Garden Gate. As she likes to tell desert-dwellers, "Gardening in the desert isn't hard, but it is different."
Did other critters get into the pumpkins you pout out for the birds? I can see it attracting squirrels and maybe rats depending on where you live.
Hello Rebecca,
I don’t have squirrels where I live in Arizona, so they aren’t a problem for me, although they may be for people who do see squirrels in their backyard. I haven’t heard of rats causing problems. The pumpkins are only out for several days, so I don’t think that would be a huge problem.
Funny Rebecca mentioned rats, because before I read the comments I had told my son what a fun idea it was. And added “his” rat might eat the pumpkin. “His” rat is actually a wild one that gets in his shed where he stores things. We do have pet rats though.
I think the wild rat feasts on my compost heap fruits and vegetable scraps!