On Sunday, many bunches and arrangements of this wonderful flower were no doubt given out as gifts to our mothers, grandmothers and wives.

The name chrysanthemum is derived from the Greek words anthos meaning flower, and chrysos gold; a golden flower. The species was first introduced into Europe from the Orient where it had been known since around 550BC. They were given the name chrysanthemum in 1753 by the famous botanist Linnaeus.

The early chrysanthemums were golden in colour, while today there are many colours including white, purple, rust and pink.

In the late autumn and early winter, chrysanthemums contribute the principal supply of cut flowers in the garden. These plants grow well in Tamworth with a long season of flowering blooms from April to July.

There are two main species: Maximum (shaster daisy) and Morifolium, the original species including the exhibition varieties. The propogation of Maximum is the same as for most herbaceous perennials. In late winter, divide the old clumps. Select strongest pieces from the outer part and replace at 30cm intervals.

Chrysanthemum Morifolium is propogated by: seed saved from healthy, strong plants; and suckers from old plants when active in early spring by developing a mass of new growth which, when 7-15 centimetres long, may be lifted from the old clumps and divided. Cuttings can be easily struck from a mixture of peat and sand under a glass frame.

For show blooms, there is a method of taking the bud, i.e. bud selection, which is used in Japanese chrysanthemum exhibitions. Taking the bud means selecting the one that you want to eventually produce new flowers from remains, while all others are removed.

Recently, I attended the Garden Club’s Open Day at Lorraine Abra’s Attunga home where a fashion parade was held and flower arrangements were displayed by Margaret Higgins - a most enjoyable outing.