Last fall, I created the most fantastic succulent topped pumpkin for HGTV Gardens. It was so much fun and I loved seeing how it all came together so easily. This month I’ll be at the Country Living Fair doing a live demonstration on Saturday afternoon to share how simple and easy it is for you to create succulent topped pumpkins at home. I love creating each and everyone. No two succulent topped pumpkins are ever alike.

The succulents that I usually choose are from clippings that I have already collected at home and others that I can find remaining at my local garden center. For me, living in the Northeast, many of these warm weather succulents will not survive outdoors in the winter and have a difficult time overwintering inside. By incorporating them into these succulent topped pumpkins, I am able to enjoy them a little longer and even have a chance at overwintering them. More on that later.  I have favorite succulents that I like to use in these arrangements, but I always tell people to diversify your arrangements using color, shapes and patterns.  Here is what you will need to get started:

Succulent Topped Pumpkins Supply List:

• cinderella pumpkins
• assorted succulents
• hot glue gun- low temp variety
• sphagnum moss or other dried mosses from the craft store
• garden clippers

These pumpkins could not be any easier to make!

Top your pumpkin with a clump of sphagnum moss. Glue it into place.

Cut succulents pieces of your choice and hot glue them on the top of the pumpkin.  Start at the center and work your way out. Turn the pumpkin as you go, so it looks pleasing from all sides. Think about mixing up colors, patterns, and texture. The more diverse the better! Choose to pack the succulents tightly together or more loose for an organic feel. Taller succulents should always be in the center of the pumpkin with spilling succulents down the sides.

Since these succulent pumpkins have not been carved, they will last both indoors and out for months.

For the holidays, I like to make big succulent topped pumpkin for the centerpiece and make smaller succulent covered gourds for my guests. They serve as beautiful place settings and also a great gift from the get together.

The succulents can survive for weeks without any water because they survive on the water in their leaves. When you are done with your pumpkin, gently remove the succulents. You might discover that some of them have already begin to send out roots from their stem. You can simply put them in a cardboard box and place them on a bright windowsill to over winter. An occasional misting with water is all they need. Once warmer weather hits, plant them in new containers and watch them take root, creating an entirely new plant for you to enjoy the entire spring and summer season. As for the hot glue, it will simply peel off with little effort, leaving the cutting unharmed.

For more inspiration, check out my jack o lantern succulent pumpkin.

Thanks to Cindy at the Succulent Perch for teaching us all how to do this many years ago. You created quite the trend!