Chrysanthemums are at their peak in autumn and will brighten an otherwise gloomy fall day. For a change, try growing one of the single flower varieties like \’Mary Stoker\’ golden yellow fading to peachy pink or ‘Apricot’ a warm pink color.
The National Chrysanthemum Society publishes free article on Chrysanthemum care on its web site and a quarterly journal as a benefit of membership. Annual dues are $20.00 per year. Contact Galen Goss, Secretary, 10107 Homar Pond Dr. Fairfax Station, VA 22039-1650 or go to www.mums.org.
Chrysanthemum coronarium is an edible annual known as Shungiku in Japanese cuisine. Sow seeds in spring as you would lettuce and harvest leaves about 4-5 weeks later. The flowers are also edible, but only the petals taste good.