It is the seasons of pumpkins. If you know where to look you can drive past a field that instead of full of corn or beans, pumpkins is all the eye can see. It is pumpkin picking time. In fact the pumpkin craze has covered everything from coffee and Pringles to the World Championship Punkin Chukin in Dover, Delaware. For those who do not take part in the art of catapulting pumpkins across open field, pumpkins are traditionally used from Jack-O-Lanterns, Thanksgiving tablescapes and pies.

This time of year we like to change up our arrangements a little bit and replace a vase with a pumpkin. The pumpkin adds color and texture to an arrangement and gives you one more reason to get into that holiday spirit.

Traditionally when we think of pumpkins, we think of the bright orange ones we see on Halloween, but pumpkins come in a few more colors than just orange. Pumpkins also can be found in white, green, yellow, tan, blue and red. The white variety is a relatively new color in the pumpkin patch, having only been bred within the last twenty years. The white skin makes a more elegant presentation for a subtle colored arrangement. Blue pumpkins are rare and difficult to find but are stunning in their dust blue color .

If the pumpkins are not the color you would like for your arrangement or you are looking for something a little more artistic, you can paint pumpkins to match the colors or patterns you desire. A painted pumpkin, however, cannot be saved until next season. If you are going to paint a pumpkin you should have a smooth, clean pumpkin. A base coat of sealer or varnish will help the paint stick but it is not necessary. It is best to paint in sections and let each one dry so that you do not have to put a wet pumpkin down to dry.  For some glamour you can add slimmer to our pumpkin as well, an elegant idea when using the little ones for candle holders.

Try out your favorite uses for pumpkins this holiday season, but please do not forget the pumpkin pie!