As the temperatures have dropped over the past couple weeks with the last cool front it has reminded us what fall feels like. Day time temperatures in the high 80s and night time temperatures ranging from the 50s-60s make the outdoors very pleasant. During this period some of our trees react to the change in temperatures with a change in color while others will wait on the change in day length (day light savings) to change. This progression to fall colors and temperatures has many decorating in anticipation for long sleeves and outdoor gatherings.
To bridge this wonderful part of the season between the blistering warmth of summer and the freezing temperatures of winter, the plant of choice is the Chrysanthemum or mum for short. There are many different colors available that will allow any homeowner to follow a color scheme. Mums can be placed in the ground during this time of year or left in their containers and placed in decorative pots. Keep the following recommendations in mind when adding mums this year:
Purchase mums that are uniform and disease and insect free
Choose mums that have the majority of the flower buds that haven't opened
Keep the soil consistently moist, not WET, or the flower show will stop
Avoid watering the mums through the canopy
Just as the cooler weather has brought you happiness; think about how much joy a splash of fall color would bring everyone around your home.
