Today mum comes in dozens of varieties. Fuji mums project rays with curly ends. Spider mums have straight-ended rays. Starburst mums have forked ends, while spoon-ended mums have a loop at end of their rays. China mums are called "standard" and "football" because of their large, round heads. Daisy-like mums are called pompons. And those forming tight little balls are called button pomps.

Whether associated with spoons, forks or footballs, or with royalty or immortality, "mum" is word for beautiful gardens and long-lasting floral arrangements. When you care for them as cut flowers, try to keep their ancient beauty away from such modern-day contraptions as air conditioning, TV sets and heaters. Don't place them in drafts or direct sunlight. Do watch their water, and replace it when needed. This way, a bouquet of mums can make your day every day for at least a week, maybe two.

Additional information and resources related to this article can be found at: http://www.garden-source.com/archives/2005/05/30/the-rich-history-of-chrysanthemums/

Special care should be taken with planting depth. It varies according to climate you live in.

If you live in a colder area, plant a bit deeper and consult with people growing roses in your area. If you are buying potted roses, you should plant them about 1 inch deeper than their potted level.

The best time to plant roses varies depending on winter temperature. Where temperatures don't drop below -10 degrees F; either fall or spring planting is satisfactory. If you live in an area where winter temperatures go below -10 degrees F, spring planting is preferred. Plants should be planted in a dormant condition if purchased bare root, but container grown plants may be planted throughout growing season.

Spacing of rose plant is highly influenced by temperature. In regions where winters are severe, rose plant does not grow as large as in mild climates. Taking this into consideration, hybrid tea roses should be spaced 1 1/2 to 3 feet apart. Large vigorous growers, such as hybrid perpetuals need 3 to 5 feet of space, and climbers need from 8 to 10 feet of space.

If winter temperature is below 10 degrees F, roses can grow healthy if proper care is taken. The gardener must prepare for that cold, wet reality as he revels in summer air conditioning.

In zones 7 and colder, roses enjoy their last fertilization of season by August 15th to limit emergence of new rose canes, which will almost certainly not survive winter.

Additional information and resources related to this article can be found at: http://www.garden-source.com/archives/2005/05/26/how-and-when-to-plant-roses/