Mums the Word

Chrysanthemums are not fragrant—at least not to my nose.  In fact, an extract of chrysanthemum flowers, pyrethrin, is used as an insecticide, and insecticides almost never have a pleasant odor. I generally prefer sweet smelling flowers, but I love chrysanthemums—a love that comes naturally.  My mother was wild about them, especially the giant “football” mums … Read more

Thrift

I always aim to be thrifty; occasionally I succeed. Back in March I filled each of the two big pots that flank our front steps with a white-flowered hellebore surrounded by purple and white violas.  That serendipitous combination looked great for a full three months because spring was slow and cool.   Now that the … Read more