FALL MUMS IN ARRANGEMENTS

When the days start getting shorter, the fall mums begin their glorious blooms. It takes these darker nights for the buds to bloom. The colder temperatures also make the colors "pop." The garden mums bloom first, with the bigger, and more outstanding florist mums, blooming later in the fall. I enjoy their long-lasting life in the vase, lasting two weeks. They come in hundreds of shapes, sizes and colors. They will continue their bloom cycle until a hard freeze. Another plus is their easy care. To propagate, just break off a stem and plant in moist, but not wet soil. I sometimes use a planting hormone, but it's not necessary. Before long, the root system will develope, and you'll have a mature plant next year.The hybrid tea roses are lovely this time of year as well. With the hot temperatures waning, the roses are bigger, brighter, and flourish.