A message from our Garden Center Manager
Hello Gardeners,
Preparing Mums for the Fall Season Mums in the garden are a highlight of Fall. They come in a variety of colors, are inexpensive, and bloom when the rest of the summer flowers are fading away. Mums have few pests and even hungry deer shy away from them. With these positive attributes in mind, the number one question I receive from gardeners concerning mums is, “Are mums hardy, are they perennials?” Well, it depends.
Unlike most other flowers, mums can be either annual or perennial. It really depends on the garden conditions and when they are planted. To increase the chances of your mums returning as a perennial, be sure to purchase garden or “hardy” mums, versus “ornamental” mums. Hardy mums thrive in Kentucky’s climate and can be expected to grow as a perennial in our Zone 6. They also need to be planted early, before they show any blooms. Mums planted in August or early September have adequate time for their root systems to become established in time to survive winter. By waiting to plant until late fall, mums have put their energy into blooming, not growing roots. Plant mums in a hole slightly larger than their pot, water well, and be sure to mulch. Mulching maintains moisture, keeps the weeds down, and offers much-needed winter protection for their shallow root system. A good mulch layer can also help protect the mum’s crown in winter. If you wait until fall to plant mums you are missing out!
Plant your hardy mums early in the season, take good care of them, and you’ll be able to enjoy mums as a perennial, returning year after year in your garden.
Happy Gardening!
Barb
Oak Hill Garden Center, formerly known as Oakwood Greenhouse, was established in the mid 1970’s. Since that time, our garden center has grown to include three greenhouses, a pumpkin patch, vegetable garden and patio area which displays a wide variety of ornamental concrete as well as other seasonal items. The garden center was designed to provide a service to the community as well as vocational opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. We provide employment opportunities for individuals who live at Oakwood as well as others who live in the community. Throughout the year we have: ferns house plants succulents tropicals vegetable plants perennials annuals mums ornamental concrete pumpkins gourds poinsettias mosquito plants ornamental pepper plants assortment of herbs |
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