Eco-Friendly Pumpkin Decorating: Natural, Beautiful & Bird-Friendly

Halloween and autumn wouldn’t be complete without pumpkins glowing on our tables and porches. But so often, after the season ends, decorated pumpkins end up in the bin because of toxic paints, glitter, or hot glue. This year, let’s go back to a simpler, more natural way of decorating — one that’s safe for wildlife, chickens, and your garden once the celebrations are over.

I especially love this because I have a chicken myself, and she absolutely adores pecking at the leftover pumpkins. It feels so good knowing nothing goes to waste — the pumpkin brings us joy as décor first, and then becomes a tasty treat for her afterwards.

Natural Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Here are a few ways to decorate pumpkins without plastic or paint:

• Pressed Flowers & Autumn Leaves – attach them to your pumpkin for a delicate, woodland look.

• Herbs – sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or sage tied on with twine add both scent and texture.

• Twine, Raffia & Jute – wrap your pumpkin with rustic string for farmhouse charm.

• Spices – cinnamon sticks, star anise, or dried orange slices tied around the stem look festive and smell amazing.

• Acorns, Pinecones & Berries – tuck them around the stem for a harvest-style centrepiece.

• Cut out paper to create scary faces - the children will love this one

How to Make Natural Glue for Pumpkins

You’ll need something sticky to hold on your pressed flowers and leaves, but it must be safe and non-toxic so that chickens and birds can still enjoy the pumpkin later. Here’s a simple homemade glue recipe:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup water

• 1 tbsp flour

• 1 tsp sugar (optional – makes it tackier)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, whisk the flour into the cold water until smooth.

2. Place on medium heat and stir until the mixture thickens (like thin paste).

3. Add sugar if you’d like it a little stickier.

4. Let it cool completely before using.

This glue works perfectly for attaching pressed flowers, autumn leaves, and even light herbs. Simply brush a thin layer onto the pumpkin, press your decoration gently, and let it dry.

Tip: If you want a shinier finish, you can brush a second light coat of the glue mixture over the top of the pressed leaves/flowers once they’ve stuck.

After Halloween

When the season is over:

• Feed it to Chickens or Birds – my own chicken can never resist a pumpkin treat, and it’s lovely knowing she gets to enjoy what I’ve enjoyed too.

• Compost It – it will break down naturally and enrich your soil.

• Save the Seeds for Planting – or roast them for a snack before giving the rest away.

DIY Pressed Flower Pumpkin (Step-by-Step)

This is one of my favourite ways to decorate pumpkins naturally. It looks whimsical and woodland-inspired — like something from a storybook. Plus, once the season is over, my chicken loves pecking away at the pumpkin, and the flowers don’t bother her one bit.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 medium pumpkin (wiped clean and dry)

• A selection of pressed flowers or autumn leaves

• Natural glue (see recipe above)

• A small paintbrush

• Twine or raffia (optional, for a rustic finish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Pumpkin – Make sure the surface is clean and dry so the glue holds well.

2. Arrange Your Flowers – Before gluing, lay out your pressed flowers and leaves to see how you want your design to look. I like to place mine around the stem or in a swirling pattern down one side.

3. Make Your Glue – Whisk up the natural glue (flour + water + sugar if desired) and let it cool.

4. Apply the Glue – Using a small paintbrush, lightly brush glue onto the back of each flower or leaf. Press gently onto the pumpkin.

5. Seal the Design – Once they’re in place, brush a very thin coat of glue over the top to help them stay flat and protected.

6. Add Rustic Touches – Wrap twine or raffia around the pumpkin’s stem for extra charm.

7. Let It Dry – Allow the pumpkin to sit somewhere warm and dry for a few hours.

✨ That’s it! You now have a natural, eco-friendly pumpkin that looks magical — and once Halloween passes, it can go straight to your chickens, wild birds, or compost heap with no waste.