3 tips on how to Grow Garden Mums

One of the questions we are asked most frequently when folks are buying mums to do fall decorating is, " Are these the hardy mums that will come back next year?"
The answer is "these are the hardy garden mums, but whether they come back next year is dependant on a number of things"
1. they need to be planted early in the fall - no later than Oct. 15th, and even then it depends on how soon freezing weather sets in.  The plants need opportunity to root out into the surrounding earth & get established before it freezes solid.
2. they need to be planted somewhere where they will have good snow cover in the coldest part of winter to give them some insulation.  In other words, on the lake bank where the snow is swept away, or on the south or west side of a building where the sun melts the snow in the daytime, but it freezes solid at night are not places to try and winter over a garden mum.  The lack of snow and the thawing & freezing conditions in those settings will ruin chances of a garden mum surviving.
3. leave the dried stems of the plant intact.  Don't trim them back until next spring when you see the new growth appearing.  The tall stems will help catch leaves, and accumulate snow that will also help to insulate the plants roots from the cold Ontario winter.
Some growers will say there's no such thing as a "hardy" garden mum in our area, but with a bit of special care, you will probably be able to winter some over for next year.
For more information on growing garden mums, visit our website
http://www.huronridge.ca/growingtips_chrysanthemum.html

Thanksgiving is on its way!

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and with it the desire to decorate our homes for fall. We have lots of fabulous mums, pots of ornamental cabbage and kale, fall planters and lots of ideas!! Come visit us!

Time for a makeover!

These flower beds were full of tired annuals so we decided to add some fall decor! Annual purple fountain grass, ornamental cabbage and bright colored garden mums complete the ensemble. Thanks Anneka and Kalli!

Fall sale

On September 14 and 15, we are having a 2 day fall sale. From 9-7 on Friday and 9-5 on Saturday, we are offering our perennials at buy one get one free! Lots of other in house specials including 6" mums! Check out our yard sale tables and early birds can enjoy coffee and homemade cookies!

Fall color

Back to school means Fall is just around the corner! Hardy, garden mums are a great way to add colour and a fresh look to the front porch or deck.
Icicle pansies can be planted with the promise to come bouncing back with early spring brightness!
Pumpkins add the most amazing orange hue that makes us think of warm fires, yummy pumpkin pies and that amazing sweater bought that can't wait to be worn!

Back in the Routine

For a lot of families, it's back to a routine after a beautiful warm summer.   Well, according to the forecasts, the summer looks like it may continue for a little while.  With kids back to school you'll have time to be thinking about decorating the front entrance to your home for fall.  The garden mums are starting to show off their colors, the planters are ready, and we have a nice assortment of gourds & pumpkins to add to an autumn look.
This weekend, Dave & Carol will be at the Blyth Steam Threshers event with carts full of perennials and mums to sell.  Make sure you stop by & say "Hi" if you planning on attending that event.  At 1:00 p.m. on Sat., Carol is doing a presentation "Fall Fashions in your Garden" in the Lifestyles tent at the show.  Looks like a fun weekend while working too!