Today we’re visiting with Cherry Ong in Richmond, British Columbia.
Fall is the time to close the garden, and it seems like making topped pumpkins has become a tradition for me. Here are this year’s handmade Thanksgiving gifts. (I kept two for myself!)
A pumpkin topped with succulent cuttings from the garden
The variety of textures and colors of succulent leaves makes a beautiful arrangement.
A dried hydrangea flowerhead adds to the display.
I tried something different this year. Some of these pumpkins are topped with mixed nuts, pine cones, silver bell eucalyptus, and strawflowers. Those that have succulents require weekly watering, but those that don’t require even less maintenance.
White strawflowers (Bracteantha bracteata, Zones 10–11 or as an annual) are from the summer garden. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
This season brought a lot of Turk’s turban squash to the nursery. These are brightly colored, attractive gourds measuring up to 10 inches (24 centimeters) across. They are excellent for baking and stuffing but are also stunning in fall displays as decorative gourds, so I made a whole lot of what I have dubbed “fairy crown” pumpkins. This very old variety has been in cultivation since before the 1800s. Unlike the classic succulent-topped pumpkins, these are decorated from the bottom side to show their interesting shape and colors.
It’s been quite fun creating them, and even more fun giving them away. Succulents are from the garden.
This is a pumpkin tulipiere. I saw the project on Martha Stewart and thought I’d try it this season given all the gorgeous pumpkins. The flowers and berries are all from the garden.
I wanted to make the version airier like a tulipiere, so I changed it to singular dahlia stems. My family said it was is too spindly, though, so I cut the flowers shorter to make this version and added beautyberries from the garden again.
Here’s a process shot that shows the drilled holes for the dahlia stems to go in.
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Comments
Love the colors of the pumpkin in the pumpkin tulipiere. The colors are so beautiful and muted. Generally I am not a fan of pale colors, but these are soft and wonderful.
Thank you for your kind words.
These are all beautiful! Do you have a video where you show the process?
Laura Eubanks of Designs for Serenity is the creator of the Succulent Topped Pumpkin. Here is her video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSr6doI4uQQ
Katherine Tracey of Avant Gardens has an excellent written tutorial on it in Fine Gardening: https://www.finegardening.com/article/create-an-autumn-masterpiece
Sorry no video on the Pumpkin Tulipiere but here's the link on Martha Stewart: https://www.marthastewart.com/8159485/pumpkin-tulipiere-flower-vase It's pretty straightforward and I don't think a video tutorial is needed. I would suggest you change the water daily so it is fresh and doesn't smell.
That's so impressive
Thank you. Fun too!
I always look forward to your Thanksgiving pumpkin creations, Cherry. I do believe that this year's selection have exceeded all expectations! They are amazing. Happy Holidays to you and your wonderful family!
Awww, thanks Sheila. Wish I could design like you!
Cherry, you surpassed my skills years ago! We all have our own styles... and your style keeps growing and changing with the times and your eye for beauty. Style is ever changing but only progresses when one looks for possibilities! You are more open to possibilities than anyone I know... Be proud of yourself, my friend. I certainly am. Enjoy the giving of your beauties!!!
Gorgeous, Cherry. Your creativity shines through.
Love,
Chris
Thank you. Wish I could send you one!
What a neat idea!
We can all thank Laura Eubanks and Martha Stewart!
Cherry, you are so amazing.
Thank you Jay and back at ya!
Love!!!!
Very original and eye catching, never saw anyone else come up with this idea before! So pretty!
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