Stuart Perry has the perfect explanation for why there are so many chrysanthemums on the grounds of Perry Wellness Center: “I know that a smile soon wipes away the potential gloom and despair of thoughts on the minds of these customers. It will get better as they shop and enjoy more variety and color in Happy Patch Market,” he says with assurance.

“I also know that we have taken some parking areas usually reserved for our visitors,” he adds. It is true that the west parking lot filling up with the bright fall flowers, as shown in the photo above.

We thought we’d share a few fun facts about chrysanthemums with our readers, in honor of everyone’s favorite fall plant.

• • Mums originated centuries ago in China, but finally arrived in the United States around 1798. 
  • Flowers are assigned different meanings in various countries around the world. In the U.S., chrysanthemums are said to symbolize happiness, friendship, and well-being.
  • Natural pest control? The flowers of a mum are full of compounds known as pyrethrins, which are used in organic pesticides.
  • Chrysanthemums are completely edible and are used in everything from tea to salads to stews. (To avoid pesticides, use organically grown mums, or purchase dried leaves and petals from an Asian or herb market.)
  • Chrysanthemums are one of the hardiest flowers and are an excellent choice for flower arrangements. As cut flowers, they remain fresh for 2-4 weeks.