Pumpkins on Display

To make a pumpkin vase for flowers, cut off the top of a pumpkin, scoop it out and place a vase in it. If the pumpkin starts to deteriorate, the water won't leak. This pumpkin makes an ideal fall vase for colorful chrysanthemums. This white pumpkin makes a festive temporary fall container for a variegated ivy. Houseplants will last a couple of weeks in a pumpkin if you keep them watered well, and then you can throw away or transplant the plants when the pumpkin gets old.

To make a temporary fall container:

• Cut off the top of a pumpkin and scoop out the pulp and seeds.
  
• Line the bottom with pebbles or terra-cotta pot shards for drainage.
  
• Fill with soil, add plants and water regularly.

Use a pumpkin arrangement as a centerpiece for your table indoors, or leave it outside for a little splash of color on your porch or patio. Either way, it's a great way to use a pumpkin that otherwise may have gone to waste.