Mums are an essential part of fall gardening, but before they became popular for use as an autumn decoration, they were believed to possess a healing quality in their native Asian cultures. An ancient Chinese remedy for a headache requires boiling the roots, and petals and leaves were even enjoyed in salads.

Walk this way
Breathe life into a walkway or entryway by lining it with colorful mums. Mum plants are at their peak in September and October, and come in a variety of gorgeous fall colors, like gold, red, and orange, so choose one, or mix and match for a festive appearance.

Get centered
Because mums come in a handful of different shapes and sizes, you can use them both indoors and out. Try incorporating a few pompons (short clusters) or decorative (long pointed petals) varieties into a festive fall centerpiece.

Give a gift
Mums make for a wonderful addition to any fall flower bouquet! Mix and match colorful mums into any arrangement to give as a party favor, birthday gift, and more. Or, if you’re throwing a fall-themed get together, consider gifting every guest their own mum plant to take home.

No matter how you choose to use mums this season, just make sure you make the most of these colorful blooms!