Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema) 'Rhumba'

igniting my heretofor lack luster interest in mums.

WOW.   Now that is a yummy color. 

Opening red, before softening into a gorgeous apricot coral.

I've purchased mums before for fall decorating but they've always been tossed into the yard waste when they've finished blooming. 

Not so the fate of 'Rhumba!'  She will be the first hardy mum to settle her roots into the soils of my garden!!!!

That is, after I get done admiring her!!!  I've been moving her around trying to find the best "temporary" home to enjoy her and I think I've found it in the iron lattice urn I recently purchased from Terrain.

Actually, a word about the urn.  You're seeing it's only good side.  It was shipped in a thin cardboard box with a small amount of peanuts.  That's not a lot of protection for something CAST IRON so of course, it was damaged.  Three long vertical cracks around the sides & two holes broken out of the lattice work.  I was so bummed.  However, I cannot say enough good about Terrains customer service.  They credited me the entire purchase price of the urn (I did send photos supporting my claim.)  Definitely a company to do future business with!  I don't know how long the urn will hold up but (since it was broken, they didn't require me to return it) I stuck it in the garden where I originally planned to place it.

'Rhumba' is not the only sign of the new fall season around here, pumpkins have been making their way into the garden too.  Along with a basket of apples from my neighbors tree.  I think I'm going to try my hand at apple sauce with them???

I couldn't resist a little photo shoot tho before they get cooked down!

Don't they make a pretty scene nestled among the pumpkins and pansies??

A spot of color in front of the funky birdhouse.

I'm on the lookout for a slightly larger pumpkin to set in the middle of the pansy urn, the one below seems just a "titch" small.

The pansies are a 'Frizzle Sizzle' mix, my favorite because of their ruffles.

I'm slowly transitioning from summer, trying to do it at my own pace this year instead of frantically running around before the first hard frost .  Yesterday the patio umbrella was stored away & replaced by the "pumpkin lantern."

Although our weather lately has been so pleasant, much more summer-like actually than fall.  I took advantage one morning and ate breakfast outside while my daughter was still asleep....

Not my normal breakfast fare.  This was a special treat ~ a Strawberry Rhubarb scone.  I couldn't resist trying a batch even tho that combo reminds me more of spring.  If you'd like to try the recipe, you can find it here.

Early predictions of a bad winter have me worried so I'm hoping for a loooonnnnggg Fall and maybe an error on the part of the people who forecast these things??!!!

 

Comments

[Dana]

Another awesome post! Love your new urn and hope it holds up for years. I swear - I have that same mum - did you get it at the Flower Bin? I was there a couple of weekends ago when friends from Cody were here and picked up a mum that looks exactly like that! Fell in love with it. The tag is outside in the dark so I can't compare names. Love all of your fall decorations. You inspire me!

[Beth @ PlantPostings]

Your garden definitely says "fall." Thanks for the inspiration! I've been trying to hang on to summer for too long, but there's no denying it now. Beautiful displays!

[Donna May]

Beautiful pictures! Where did you get that gorgeous mum? I'm in the Denver area and would love to know! I'm definitely going to try The Flower Bin. I love finding new garden centers....

[Kathleen]

Thanks everyone for always leaving me such nice comments.

Donna May ~ the mum came from the Flower Bin in Longmont. Hope they still have some if you decide to make a trip.

[Donna May]

Thank you Kathleen!