This fall, “Mum's” the word; or maybe it is chrysanthemum, either way it is that time of year. The night air is cool and crisp and the fall foliage abounds with an array of deep golden yellows, intense warm oranges and brilliant reds. For many, thoughts are focused on the Friday night football games and chrysanthemums which are the quintessential fall flower. They represent so many aspects of fall, yet one of the most memorable would be the use of mums in our football homecoming celebrations. At the game, the homecoming mum can be seen everywhere from the queen and her maids to the cheering fans. A fully double spherical chrysanthemum draped with ribbons representing their school colors are often carried by the homecoming maids. Many students at homecoming sport a mum wrist corsage. Mum decorations make their mark at the royalty platform with their mass display at the base. Look back at your homecoming dance picture; it probably contains a garden mum as [...]