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THE LAST BLOOM OF AUTUMN Just when the brilliant asters are fading, when peegee hydrangeas and sedums are peaking in their rusty-rose finery, and while ornamental grasses are waving their heathery plumes, a modest latecomer is preparing to burst into bloom. The ‘Sheffield Pink’ chrysanthemum has been a favorite of European cottage gardens for years, and is slowly attracting followers in the States as well. Originally from Asia, this aster-family daisy, peachy-pink with a yellow center, waits until October in northeast Pennsylvania to take its place as the rear guard of the ornamental parade, delighting gardeners eager for an encore to summer’s extravaganza. It is also useful for lingering bees and butterflies, who flock to this important nectar source at a time of scarcity. Best yet, grazing deer and rabbits ignore it. Growing to three feet in full sun, and hardy to zone five, the sturdy ‘Sheffield’ spreads generously to fill in bare spots left by summer perennials. To curb its occasional leggy growth, you can pinch back the branches in July for a stockier form, although many like its rangy exuberance, as it takes center stage in autumn with its healthy green foliage and cheery star-like flowers. Create a beautiful montage by pairing this bright daisy with russet-tinted grasses, a reminder to leaf peepers that flaming foliage isn’t the only show in town. In fact, this garden stalwart keeps right on blooming after the last fallen leaf, often through November, to grace the Thanksgiving table with its fragrant and long-lived blossoms arranged in a vase. If you are tempted to add the ‘Sheffield Pink’ chrysanthemum to your wish list for next season, check out the Burpee catalogue. Consider buying only one plant at $9.95, or at most three plants for $7.50 each, and then wait a year or two and divide this fast grower, or take cuttings for rooting, because you will certainly find more than one place for this welcome latecomer. To view the plant in its full glory, keep a lookout at the Community Center gardens, in front of Elsie Buyers’ memorial plaque. Indeed, this resolute “last bloom of autumn” is an appropriate tribute to the special woman who brought such joy to the town of Benton in the autumn of her life. Elsie Buyers lived to see her generous gift to the community inaugurated in October 2007, just when ‘Sheffield Pink” was blooming its little heart out. Now, each year, we can celebrate the anniversary of Elsie’s legacy with this cheery little autumn daisy. Kathleen Arcuri Published in The Benton News, October 4, 2009 |
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Kathy’s Garden Writing |