We’re all in the middle of Pumpkin Season, and I’m loving it! If you have started stockpiling pumpkins or saving it for a fun project, here’s one that you can do with your friends or family, and you don’t need any previous skills or a green thumb to walk away with a beautiful Pumpkin Succulent Planter! ARMSTRONG GARDEN CENTERS teaches this make-and-take class once a year, and it includes all the materials. All you need to do is pre-register and then show up. You’re going to walk away with a one-of-a-kind centerpiece to adorn any front door or porch. I have been waiting for this class to come around again, and I have been hoping to do it with friends. (Save the Date! The next one is Saturday, October 20th at 9am.)
My blogger friends and I attended a preview class last week. Everything was ready when we arrived. They had various pumpkins for us to choose from as well as pre-cut succulents and glue, but you can also bring the ones from home that you know you want to use. We had an instructor that showed us a short 5 minute demonstration, and we couldn’t wait to get started. I know that some of my friends were nervous but really there are no rules because you can’t mess this up. She wanted us to grab pieces to try on before gluing them on.
My friends all picked the Fairytale Pumpkin so I did the same. Isn’t it pretty? I really didn’t have a clear vision of what I wanted, but I wanted it dramatic and full. It was advised to start with the tallest in the middle and then work your way out. I wanted different textures and colors. I wanted to give it some height as well. Layering was easier than I thought because there was always a spot to add more. One of the last components was adding branches, and I loved how mine turned out.
When we were all done, no two were alike, and we loved it! The class is really a social gathering because we were talking and laughing the whole time. I want to say this class is for all levels because instruction was minimal, and we spent the majority of the time trying to create our masterpiece.
Next Class!
The next “Pumpkin with Succulents Make & Take” class is Saturday, October 20th at 9 am! Pre-registration is required and the fee is due the day of the class. For $49, it includes all the materials including the pumpkin.
All-You-Can-Carry Pumpkins Special!
It’s Back! Armstong Gardens have this special every year, and I have heard, it has become a tradition for many households. For $24.99, it’s all you can carry. You don’t even have to be able to walk out with them; you just need to be able to hold them. I think the record right now is 11. Wow! I can only carry about three before my arms were shaking.
1 WEEK – UPDATE:
So far, it has been about a week and the pumpkin is holding up just fine but some of the succulents are not doing as well as the others. I had mine in direct sunlight so I moved it to the front where it is partly shaded. They advised us to spray it with a water bottle every few days so care is minimal. I still enjoy it every day and I hope that it will last all month long. I plan to make more and put it all around the house.
Armstrong Garden Center have classes all year long, and all attendees get a 10% discount off purchases after the class. For more information about their classes, please visit their website at www.armstronggarden.com.
