MY FAVORITE MUM

Chrysanthemum Rubellum ' Clare Curtis '

I was never fond of Chrysanthemums, although I welcome the color they provide in Autumn. That is, until I was introduced to 'Clare Curtis ' . Often referred to as a Mum Daisy, she blooms from early August until heavy frost, and she comes back every year to grace the Autumn garden, unlike the traditional Mums that are hit-or-miss. And, I like her dainty size - a mere 14 inches. Cutting her back by a third in early July will result in more flowers and a fuller plant.

'Clare Curtis ' is not, however, easy to find. Don't ask me why. I stumbled upon one at a garden center way out in the country recently and snapped it up. Even the garden center where I work, one of the largest in Chicago, doesn't stock it. They do, however, have a similar Mum Daisy labeled " Korean Mum ". Unlike the clear pink of 'Clare ' , the Korean mum is an apricot and the plant itself is much taller and wider.

Both of the abovementioned Mums are Rubellums, a tough, hardy plant for Zone 4 and 5 gardens.

Korean Mum

As all gardeners know, Mums are to Fall as Tulips are to Spring. It's not too early to start thinking of Fall flowers. Especially if you're like me and dislike the sight of Mums freshly planted in the garden in Fall. They look so staged. That's usually because a lot of gardeners in the North don't have luck with Mums returning each year.

A good online source I've located for a wide selection of Korean Mums is :
http:www.lazyssfarm.com

CHICAGO 2016 CANDIDATE FOR THE OLYMPICS

A BOLD ONE

Astilboides

My attraction for bold foiliage has gotten me into trouble once again. I saw a small astilboides at the garden center the other day and was immediately taken by its huge leaves. I didn't pay much attention to its culture.

I was, however, rudely awakened when I visited a client's garden and saw the gorgeous astilboides pictured above. " You mean it gets that big !? Oops ! " Got to move it or give it away because it's just too big for my small garden. I've already got a Plume Poppy out of control. Perhaps I could sneak it in by the pond?

IT DON'T GIT MUCH BETTER THAN THIS

Kim at Black_swampgirl said that maybe I should share Matthew McConaughey with other garden bloggers. Okay, Kim. Here 'tis.

IF YOU'VE BEEN READING MY BLOG YOU KNOW THAT I HAVE TWO WEAKNESSES - THE GROUP ALABAMA AND THAT TEXAS HUNK MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY AND LOW AND BEHOLD IF I HAVEN'T FOUND THEM TOGETHER. I'M IN PIG HEAVEN !

Just a note to let you know that very few guys - my hubby, Elvis , Gregory Peck, Paul Newman, Alabama , and Matthew have ever earned my attention !