As the weather gets cooler and autumn leaves begin to change colors, we should remember that there are still many opportunities to enjoy flowers in the fall. Potted plants are a fantastic option from your local flower shop because, they not only are substantial in size, giving you an abundance of blooms, but they will faithfully return back to you each year!

Mums were originally cultivated in China. They used the chrysanthemum as their symbol of royalty, and consider this bloom the highest of all flowers. The Japanese were so taken with this flower, that they embraced it as the crest and official seal of the Emperor. In addition, there’s even a “Festival of Happiness” to celebrate this flower each year. Later, mums were then introduced into the United States during colonial times. Their artistic allure has grown in such popularity that they are considered to be “Queen of the Fall Flowers.” On the contrary, in Italy, these flowers are associated with death.

Chrysanthemums are daisy-like having a decorative “pompon”. They are as durable as they are delightful and are one of the longest lasting of all cut flowers. Years of artful cultivation have produced a full range of colors, many of which are traditional for autumn. Deep reds, purples, oranges, yellows and bronzes are among their many colors. This season though, the most fashionable without doubt, is the vibrant yellow mum. We just can’t seem to get enough of this fun great color, as it has been spotted in nearly every fashion opportunity! Take a glance at “The Looks We Love” on J.Crew’s website: http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/lookswelove.jsp, and also how this bride had her wedding planner use yellow mums throughout her wedding décor: http://www.projectwedding.com/post/list/decorating-with-mums.

Symbolism: The chrysanthemum is a symbol of the sun. It’s said that a single petal of this celebrated flower placed at the bottom of a wine glass will encourage a long and healthy life. Mums are Chicago’s official flower, the November birth flower, and the flower for 13th wedding anniversaries. Other meanings include: laughter, optimism, joy, cheerfulness, friendship, peace, loveliness, abundance and wealth. Red pompons profess love, yellow means new opportunity and white speaks only of truth.

Flowers by the Falls . Kings Mountain, NC  (704) 739-7331