Referred to as “mums” for short, we are told that chrysanthemums symbolize loyalty, friendship, and joy.

Called the “November birth flowers,” chrysanthemums are primarily grown as ornamentals. One species is cultivated as a source of the insecticide, pyrethrum.

The weather has been unseasonably warm in the Greater Boston Area and the bees have been feasting on the popular late-season perennials. It was 70 degrees on Halloween night!

Some mums have even been used in traditional medicines and herbal treatments. Conditions involving hypertension, angina and inflammatory diseases have been treated with mums.

Although surrounded by dead leaves and yellowing hosta plants in our garden, our light-purple colored mums with yellow centers are still enchanting.

A neighbor recently said that she expects to enjoy her blossoms up to Thanksgiving!

Positive thinking for sure!