Great Garden Ideas For Thanksgiving

Jennie Augusta Brownscombe, Thanksgiving at Plymouth, 1925,

What we recognize as the most notable Thanksgiving in North American history was celebrated sometime during the fall of 1621 at Plymouth Plantation, where the Pilgrims held a three-day feast following a successful harvest. (There were other thanksgivings, of course.) They had much to thank God for, including life itself. Half of their number died the previous year from starvation.

It’s fitting, I think, to decorate our gardens and celebrate them as Thanksgiving nears. They’ve worked so hard, they deserve it. Here are a few ideas that come to mind:

Prepare to party

What could be finer than to give thanks in your garden? Share the festivities with others! Set up a rustic dining table, a fire pit and seating. Gather your corn stalks – or sugar cane, if you live in the Deep South – into sheaves. Group bales of straw – or pine straw, if you live in the Deep South – and pumpkins in attractive arrangements. String festive lights from tree to tree to light the scene.

Dress the doorway

Welcome your guests with imaginative wreaths on your doors, walls and garden gates. Grape vine wreaths with ribbons, fruit – or cotton bolls, if you live in the Deep South – and fall leaves will cheer them upon arrival. Small tea lights along the walk would look so charming. 

Freshen container gardens

Fall is a great time to replace those worn, leggy plants in pots, barrels and baskets.  Mums, pansies, petunias, ornamental cabbage and kale along with tall grasses and liriope would look great, and are readily available this time of year. Arrange them on your porch and near the door. Don’t stop there; use some as table decorations for your outdoor table setting.

Outfit your scarecrow

Does your silent garden helper look bedraggled about now? Outfit him with fresh overalls, shirt and hat. Find a suitable outfit at Goodwill Industries. Stuff some fresh straw in his sleeves, and put a new smile on his face. It’ll make you smile, too.

Share the message

Garden flags in bright colors with fall motifs can express what’s in your heart. A few blackboards of various sizes set upon easels may say, “Welcome!” “Give Thanks.” “Thank Y-O-U!” Buy some big chunks of chalk in orange, red, yellow and white to spell it along with pictures out on your walk or driveway.

Display your bounty

Fruits and vegetables fresh from your garden and orchard will look lovely in baskets, bowls and dishes. Apples, pumpkins, squash, Japanese persimmons, dried okra pods – paint them if you like – and colorful pinto beans would be just right.

Paint your wagon...

Or cart, or wheelbarrow, sled or sleigh. Fill it with straw scattered or baled. Load it up with good things from your garden. Put a scarecrow in the driver’s seat for a whimsical touch.

Don’t let them go empty-handed.

When the party is over, give your guests a share of your bounty. Apples, small pumpkins, bags of beans, ears of popcorn or a small bouquet of flowers will be much appreciated. 

Show your friends and loved ones how much they mean to you, and how thankful you are for them. Most of all, thank Providence for all the blessings you enjoy.

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