Jack-o'-Lantern Hairdos

This is the time of year I start thinking about using a pumpkin as a natural planter. Pumpkins are everywhere in October, and their happy brightness and ideal shape make them great candidates for filling with plants. While I typically keep the pumpkins plain and enjoy their orange beauty, this year I am focused on turning my pumpkin planters into zany faces, perfect for Halloween.

Twelve years old? Ah, I wish I still were. I am far from it. But both young and not-so-young deserve to have fun. Turning a pumpkin into a planter surely is not solemn work. It lifts me up, and it coaxes a smile from others.

Fashioning a pumpkin into a plant container involves little more than cutting the orange orb, scooping out the pumpkin’s seeds, and drawing facial features. But a jack-o’-lantern face begs for some fantastic hair. Asparagus Fern for a wild and “electric” hairdo? I like it. The elegant drape of String of Hearts for the look of long layers? Why not? Funky Australian Astroturf for a cool style? Silvery Artemesia for an elder pumpkin? All are good options. But I chose Senecio rowleyanus, or String of Pearls. The bauble-clad “strings” of this plant cascade so beautifully, they can be swept to one side to enhance the jack-o’-lantern’s eyes. Senecio rowleyanus as “hair” seems feminine and spirited. It became my top choice for this year’s pumpkin planter.

I made a cap out of the top of my pumpkin. With one cut, I had a nice handled hat plus easy access to the pumpkin’s seeds, which I removed. 

If I were to use a larger pumpkin, I would nestle my plant’s grow-pot right inside. But due to an awkward fit between my particular plant and pumpkin, I removed Senecio rowleyanus from its grow-pot and placed its soil-covered roots inside a small cellophane bag. Tucking the filled bag into the emptied-out pumpkin, I kept the interior of the pumpkin clean and the plant intact and ready for repotting in a more typical container in weeks to come.

If I had not had a cellophane bag, I suspect I would have faced more work. I imagine it would be difficult to manipulate plastic wrap around roots and soil. But depositing Senecio rowleyanus into a pre-made bag… well, that was simple.

Now, I know some would advise me to take the extra precaution of smearing a moisture barrier on the cut portions of the orange "container". Oil or a skin cream would work, potentially increasing the cut pumpkin’s longevity. But for my container for Senecio rowleyanus, I opted not to take this extra step. One week has passed since I made my planter, and the pumpkin still looks strong and fine. And Senecio rowleyanus is also going strong, which is no surprise for a self-sufficient plant which requires little more than bright (some direct/some indirect) light and a sparing approach to be used in keeping it hydrated.

With a permanent marker to outline facial features and white paint to brighten the eyes, I added life to my planter. Without knowing exactly “who” would emerge, a lovely feminine face with a twinkle in the eye and a toss of the String of Pearls hair… well, that is what I got. I got a real character. And this sweet little face will shine as trick-or-treaters see her. 

I am being careful to add just enough water to keep my jack-o’-lantern’s Senecio rowleyanus “hair” going. The nature of this display makes it possible to have a spill-over or two if watering is not done carefully. Moreover, soil drainage is not at its best. But it is good that I am getting used to this mode of watering now: For the health of the plant, I will want to water Senecio rowleyanus even more sparingly in winter.

Winter.... Let’s not think about it until we first enjoy autumn fun. Get started by getting your pumpkin planter ready. And don’t forget that Senecio rowleyanus makes a great self-styling hairdo.