Flower of the month

There are plenty of reasons why chrysanthemums have been cultivated for more than 2500 years. There’s the myriad flower colours, shapes and sizes for a start, and they last for a long time in a vase. Chrysanthemums also do well in hanging baskets and pots as well as in the garden with very little TLC needed (although they do hate poorly drained soil). To make them really happy add a little lime and organic matter to soil before planting, and deadhead to keep those gorgeous flowers coming.