11 Creative Fall Arrangement Ideas to Showcase Mums in Your Garden

Mums have become a staple in my fall garden every year. They can be much more than a simple pot on the front porch. If you’re looking to step up your fall decorating game or just want to try something new, I’ve got a bunch of ideas that will make your mums stand out this season. Whether you’re interested in creating elaborate displays or keeping it simple, these tips can help you create beautiful arrangements that showcase mums in all their glory.

1. Rustic Fall Planters

If you want to go for a classic fall look, try using rustic planters like old wooden crates or galvanized metal tubs. Mums pair really well with the textures of ornamental cabbages, kale, and grasses. I like to mix bright yellow mums with deep purple kale and some silvery foliage to create a striking contrast. The key here is to play with colors and textures—don’t be afraid to mix it up!

2. Pumpkin Planters

Here’s a fun and eco-friendly idea: use hollowed-out pumpkins as planters. Not only do they look fantastic, but they also decompose and enrich your soil over time. I’ve done this with orange mums in white pumpkins for a classic look, but you could also try burgundy mums in green or yellow pumpkins for something a little different. Adding some smaller pumpkins or gourds around the base ties the whole look together.

3. Tiered Arrangements

If you have some space to fill, tiered arrangements can make a big impact. You can use a plant stand or even stack some pots to create a multi-level display. I usually combine mums with other fall favorites like pansies, violas, and asters. It creates a layered, eye-catching effect that works perfectly on a porch or patio. Don’t forget to vary the colors and heights for a more dynamic look!

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4. Mums in Wicker Baskets

I love the cozy feel of wicker baskets, especially in the fall. They give off a warm, rustic vibe that works perfectly with mums. I like to use different sizes of baskets and even line them with a bit of burlap for extra texture. You can pair these with other fall elements like dried corn stalks or hay bales to create a charming display.

5. Front Door Urn Arrangement

For something a bit more dramatic, consider an urn arrangement by your front door. Start with a base of tall ornamental grasses or millet, add mid-height mums, and then finish it off with some trailing vines like ivy. Sometimes, I’ll add a few seasonal elements like small gourds or branches for added interest. This type of arrangement makes for a grand entrance!

6. Mum and Succulent Combo

If you’re into something a bit different, mums and succulents can actually look amazing together. I like using shallow containers and pairing hardy mums with cold-tolerant succulents like hens-and-chicks. It creates a really cool contrast of textures, and adding some pebbles or stones gives it a modern twist. Plus, it’s super low-maintenance!

7. Fall Wheelbarrow Display

If you have an old wheelbarrow lying around, don’t toss it—turn it into a fall display! Fill it with mums in a mix of colors, and then add other fall plants like ornamental peppers or coleus. I usually lean a small hay bale next to it and throw in some dried corn stalks or pumpkins. It’s a perfect harvest-themed vignette that can become a focal point in the garden.

8. Window Box Displays

Window boxes aren’t just for spring and summer! They can be a great way to display mums, too. I like to mix them with foliage plants like heuchera or trailing sweet potato vines for added texture. If you match the colors to your house exterior, it really ties everything together. A blend of warm fall tones with pops of purple or burgundy works really well.

9. Hanging Basket Mums

If you’re short on space, hanging baskets filled with mums are a great option. Pair them with trailing plants like ivy or creeping jenny for a cascading effect. You can also mix different heights and colors of mums to create a more interesting display. I find this works well on porches or garden trellises where you can really utilize vertical space.

10. Harvest-Themed Table Centerpiece

For your next outdoor dinner or even an indoor fall gathering, consider a centerpiece featuring mini mums. I usually place a few in a shallow basket or tray and surround them with mini pumpkins, gourds, pinecones, and acorns. It’s simple yet elegant and brings that cozy fall vibe to your table.

11. Mums and Lanterns Display

Here’s one of my favorites for evening displays—pair mums with decorative lanterns. Use lanterns of varying sizes and colors, like black, bronze, or white, to add some visual interest. I like to mix mums with pumpkins, gourds, and even some candles to create a warm, inviting arrangement. It’s perfect for those cozy fall evenings on the porch or patio.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—11 ways to make the most of mums in your fall garden! Even if you’re not into elaborate displays, I hope some of these ideas inspire you to try something new. Mums are versatile, beautiful, and can really make a statement when you play around with different arrangements. If you decide to give any of these a try, let me know how it goes! And of course, if you come up with any unique combinations or setups, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below. 🙂