khrysanthemums story

A Tribute to My Mum

My new flower shop, khrysanthemums, has an incredibly special meaning in the name. The name khrysanthemums melds together, unifies and harmoniously blends “Kristy”+ her “mum.” My mother died suddenly and unexpectedly. This passing brought unimaginable and unsustainable grief. Living has been unbearable. I often find myself unable to breathe without warning. Just the thought of her takes my breath away. My heart skips a beat. I am comforted knowing my mother watches over me.

This month is especially difficult. My mother’s birthday is Thanksgiving Day. I have returned to my agoraphobic tendencies. I must rise from the muck and mire of sadness and return to a “flow state.” My horticulture therapy helps me heal. Flowers bring me peace, calm, and stillness. Flowers have brought me unspeakable joy and comfort. I am a “forever learner” and flowers hold a wealth of knowledge with countless types, innumerable developing hybrids, and meanings that are insanely interesting. Along my continual journey in developing an encyclopedia of flower knowledge, I also learned research shows that flowers offer all sorts of benefits. These include everything from physical and mental health benefits to flowers’ effects on the surrounding environment – nestled in our personal spaces. Please refer to this source Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention for more information on horticulture therapy.

A floral bouquet is a message from the giver. It is a way of communicating through different flowers. A floral bouquet allows the giver to send a message without uttering a word. Like the flowers I arrange, energy has turned into exploring the unending abyss of flowers, types of flowers, their meanings and to pivot from my grief and heartache a therapist convinced me to start a hobby.

November: Chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum—or mum for short is the flower most associated with the fall season, providing the last pop of color in the garden. They make excellent decorations for autumn displays and have a long history of symbolism dating back centuries.

The chrysanthemum dates to the 15th century B.C. in China, where it was grown as a flowering herb and used in salads and teas. In Chinese art, the chrysanthemum is one of the four plants that make up the Four Gentlemen, representing the four seasons, along with the plum blossom, the orchid, and the bamboo. It has been used in China for a long time as a remedy for headaches, to reduce blood pressure, and as an anti-inflammatory. It has also been offered to the elderly as a symbol of long life and good luck.

Chrysanthemums are composites, meaning that their flower heads are made up of tiny individual flowers. According to the National Society of Chrysanthemums there are13 classifications of this month's birthday flower listed below. For more information, please visit https://mums.org.

Chrysanthemum Classifications:

Class 1: Irregular Incurve

Class 2: Reflex

Class 3: Regular Incurve

Class 4: Decorative

Class 5: Intermediate Incurve

Class 6: Pompon

Class 7: Single and Semi-Double

Class 8: Anemone

Class 9: Spoon

Class 10: Quill

Class 11: Spider

Class 12: Brush and Thistle

Class 13: Unusual

Why People Love Flowers

Flowers have a unique appeal that resonates with many individuals for assorted reasons:

• Beauty: The vibrant colors and intricate shapes of flowers are visually stunning, making them a popular choice for decoration.

• Symbolism: Flowers often carry deep meanings and symbolism, representing love, friendship, and other emotions.

• Connection to Nature: Flowers remind people of the beauty of nature and can evoke feelings of peace and tranquility.

• Gifting: Flowers are a traditional gift for many occasions, making them a symbol of thoughtfulness and care.

• Fragrance: Many flowers have delightful scents that can uplift mood and enhance the atmosphere of space.

• Seasonal Joy: Different flowers bloom in different seasons, offering a sense of change and celebration throughout the year.

  
  

These factors contribute to the enduring love people have for flowers, making them a cherished part of many cultures and traditions.

Help Me "Grow"

Kindly share an arranging tip and help me "grow"!