Year after year when people come to my house during Fall I get asked if the pumpkins on my doorstep are real? Why yes, they are. I know why they ask. It’s because they look so shiny and perfect as they bask in the evening light. Truthfully, my gourds are not a product of hours and hours of me searching for the ideal specimens. Instead, I source them from a range of purveyors (like the grocery store!) looking for funky shapes and varieties, but the difference is about three dollars. Three dollars you say? Yes, because that, my friend, will purchase a can of clear spray paint and that is the trick.

Years of being a florist has led me to a variety of trade tricks and beautiful pumpkins are one of the easiest. Pick your pumpkins or gourds, once home give them a good wipe down ridding them of excess dirt and grime. Let them fully dry and then completely spray them with one good coat of glossy clear spray paint making sure to get the bottom as well. I even spray the stem to help seal it. Arrange and enjoy. The spray not only keeps them glossy, but inhibits the growth of mildew. You can still carve them when the time is right- before the goblins arrive for their treats. Really like the variety of pumpkins you bought? When you are finished with your gourds find a place you would like to grow a patch. Dig a hole and bury the entire pumpkin. Next July- August you will notice seedlings popping up. The entire pumpkin will decompose within the soil and the following year maybe Cinderella will be at your house looking for a carriage to take her to the ball.