Mum's the Word: Looking at Chrysanthemums Around the Area

Without looking at a calendar or spotting a harvested corn field, it's clear fall is marching headlong into our lives with evidence outside most grocery and big box stores.

Chrysanthemums, commonly referred to as mums, are popping up everywhere. Their colors of yellow, maroon, rust and orange attack the senses and often launch a search for pumpkins and corn shocks.

While die-hard gardeners faithfully search for the healthiest, most perfectly shaped mums, pay the price, bring them home for placement at the front door, the base of the mailbox or along the sidewalk, some feel that tug of regret t...