Published: 11/17/2016 2:36:28 PM
Photos and text by Carol Lollis
The Chrysanthemum show at the Botanic Garden and the Lyman Conservatory at Smith College in Northampton features at least nine forms of chrysanthemum’s and more than 1,000 plants of varying shapes, sizes and colors.
The show continues through Nov. 20
Some of the flowers are the result of crosses studied by Smith horticulture students that result in varied shapes and forms. My favorite: the ones that cascade.
Richard Carnes, a volunteer at the Botanic Garden said the show introduces lots of people to the garden, which was the case last Saturday, when the event brought in a steady stream of visitors.
“They come to see the mums, but find themselves in awe of the rest of the facility,” Carnes said.
Jeanne Cuddihy came from Pittsfield with a friend, Eleanor Selin.
“We are gardeners,” Cuddihy said, “Nowhere else do you get to see this variety. The show is never boring.”
Lori Claxton of Easthampton calls the show “The last hurrah before winter” — a sentiment echoed by Ashley Amon, a volunteer at the Botanic Garden: “I just like how bright the colors are,” she said. “It feels so autumnal, it makes you happy.”