By Susie Hovater Malone

Members of Cultura Garden Club are currently taking orders for its Annual Fall Mum sale. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used for various beautification projects in downtown and the community.

McGee Farm is known for its beautiful, healthy farm-fresh mums.  There are five colors available in white, bronze, purple, red, and yellow and planted in 2-gallon size pots.  The cost is $15 and will be delivered by September 22 or 24^th.   Deadline for purchasing is September 6^th. To place orders call any garden club member. These mums will enhance your porch for the autumn season and will also make a great gift.

Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are the favorite fall flower with its bright blooms and are a wonderful contrast with the fall landscape.

When buying a mum, the first attraction is to grab the largest, fully blooming plant. But the mum will last longer if you buy the mum with their blooms not quite open.

Always check for insects and diseases.  Look for powdery mildew in mums because this disease can occur after hot and humid fall seasons. To control mildew, remove all infected leaves and treat the mum with an appropriately labeled fungicide.

Mums demand water, well-drained soil and lots of sun.  The most common mistake in caring for mums is forgetting to water them daily. In the fall months, rainfall can be scarce, which means regular watering may be required, ensuring any excess water drains out of a pot or naturally runs off the planting site.  A good routine is feeling the soil’s moisture each day to the depth of 1 inch. If it feels moist, wait a day and check again. If it feels dry in the top inch, be sure to water that day.

If you are prone to forgetting to water, replant the mum in a container that has a reservoir or add a saucer to collect the water. These will extend the time between watering.

Every fall comes the beautiful displays of pumpkins, gourds, natural foliage and, of course chrysanthemums (mums). If properly cared for, they can provide color all fall long.