Florist Mum

Florist Chrysanthemum

(kris-AN-the-mum)

Synonyms: Dendranthema

Florist Mum

Florist Mum

I took this at the nursery the other day. I must say it brought some memories. When I was growing up my parents had a large greenhouse/nursery operation. We had several glass houses that were used to raise seasonal crops including, geraniums, Easter lilies, Poinsettias and Chrysanthemums. I still to this day have trouble smelling Geraniums. Often times I would be drafted into service for propagating, watering, pinching and even helping to deliver the plants. I am not sure I would ever want to work on the production side of things again. I am much happier planting and trying to grow the stuff. This mum was about 4 to 5 inches across.

Bougainvillea 'White Madonna'

I took this Bougainvillea shot at the same nursery. I envy all the gardeners that can grow this shrub outdoors. We have one in the Conservatory at work and it is nice during February when it blooms the heaviest. The rest of the year it looks like a refugee and it is tucked in the back in one of the corners. I thought this cultivar (B. 'White Madonna') was unusual as it is a very understated color. Quite attractive in my mind and I think it would nice combined with the more electric colors.

I am working in upstate New York today. It is about a 2 hour drive from here. The ride up there isn’t bad but I am not looking forward to the return trip in Friday night traffic.