Possibilities With (New) Pumpkins

DESIGN | by DEBRA PRINZING

© DEBRA PRINZING

THE HOTTEST FASHION IN FALL PUMPKINS may not even be pumpkins.  It’s true, crayon-orange carving pumpkins are charming, but I love to mix things up with unique colors, shapes and textures.

Knobby-to-the-touch and oblong in shape, the Hubbard squash is a beautiful pale-green accent to pair with all that orange. After you’ve displayed it for a few weeks, cut it open, clean out the seeds, and roast it in the oven (a little butter, salt and pepper enhances the flesh).

With a dark-orange base and a dark-green, cream- and orange-striped top, the Turban Squash is a delightful deco-veggie. Plus, it looks just like a fanciful turban.

© DEBRA PRINZING

The darkest of oranges, the Cinderella pumpkin might magically transform into a princess’s carriage. It’s also called a French pumpkin, because we know those French gardeners do everything more stylishly.

And the eerie white ghost pumpkin will wow you and your guests. You can even carve it into an autumn votive-holder. Cut off the top, scoop it out, add a few decorative slices and plop in a candle.

Don’t forget the miniature gourds in golden, green and orange hues. They’re perfect for piling into a basket or arranging in a tablescape. And next year you can plan ahead: Pumpkins and ornamental squash seeds need to be planted in June or July for an October harvest.