How to create a fall ball of flowers

Have a ball this Halloween. Create a floral pumpkin using some of the marvelous rust, orange and burnt amber fall chrysanthemums available now. Let the floral pumpkin stand alone, string a series of them along a mantel or add them to a bowl with small pumpkins, gourds, pods and nuts for an autumn centerpiece.

Arrangement/preparation

Soak a green floral foam orb (I used a 3-inch ball) in water with floral preservative added in. Cut flower stems at a slight angle down to 1 to 1 ½ inches.

Starting at the top of the ball, insert stems so the bottom of the flower rests against the foam surface. Work your way down the ball. Then start the next row at the top, making sure the flowers overlap enough to cover the base. Puffy wide flowers such as chrysanthemums, carnations and gerbera daises work well.

Use a plate or dish under the floral pumpkin ball to protect surfaces from water stains. To prevent wobbling or rolling, use a knife to slice a small bit off the bottom.

For a different look, add a taper candle. Insert the candle at the top of the ball first, and add the flowers around it.

Tips

The bouquet should last several days if you mist it with water daily and/or refrigerate it overnight.

Floral balls can also be used for other holidays and seasons. Make balls using red carnations or red gerbera daises for a Christmas mantelpiece. Mix white carnation "snowballs" and candles on a silver tray for an elegant winter centerpiece.

Cost

The pumpkin balls are inexpensive to make. I used three bunches of mums and had enough flowers left over to fill a medium vase. The mums were under $15. The foam orbs are available at floral supply and craft stores. The Floral Design Institute Web site lists a package of six 3-inch orbs for $8.

Budget Bouquets is an occasional feature.