Sometimes these chrysanthemums take me to the most unexpected places and introduce me to the most fascinating people along the way. Last week was a perfect example of that.

Earlier this year, I was thrilled to connect with the delightful Patti, Head of Propagation for the Chrysanthemum Program at Longwood Gardens. When she invited Steph and me for a behind-the-scenes visit, we didn’t hesitate for a moment, and it turned out to be an experience we won’t soon forget.

From the moment we stepped into the propagation houses, we were completely captivated. The organization, precision, and care that goes into maintaining Longwood’s mum collection is nothing short of extraordinary. Rows upon rows of neatly labeled mother stock, each meticulously cataloged and indexed in their virus-free collection, stood as a testament to decades of expertise and passion. And the secret behind it all? Longwood’s very own in-house tissue culture lab, which ensures the health and preservation of every variety they grow.

What truly amazed me was how sustainably the entire program operates. Patti and her team manage their crops using beneficial insects instead of chemicals - a natural method she swears gives them better control and stronger plants. After seeing the results firsthand, it’s easy to believe. (And yes, this is definitely on our 2026 improvement list here at Harmony Harvest!)

Of course, no trip to Longwood would be complete without peeking behind the curtain at their legendary chrysanthemum topiaries, including the breathtaking “Thousand Bloom Mum.” Imagine one single plant cultivated and groomed for over 18 months, with every bloom perfectly timed for its grand debut. It’s truly a marvel of horticultural artistry.

We even got to see the cooler where early bloomers are gently held back, kept at just the right stage until the entire display is ready. Picture endless rows of perfectly tied, perfectly uniform plants, each one a living sculpture. Patti’s scheduling precision is nothing short of masterful.

Steph and I were like kids in a candy shop, completely in awe of the different topiary forms the growers create. We learned how they trial new shapes, how they tie each plant with hundreds of tiny metal twist ties, and how every single one is carefully removed, sanitized, and reused each year. The attention to detail is astonishing and inspiring.

We also learned how the various departments at Longwood collaborate to plan their displays a full year in advance. Patti carefully selects which varieties go where, crafting a propagation schedule that allows the whole program to flow like clockwork.

To say we left inspired would be an understatement. Longwood Gardens is not just a display of beauty; it’s a living archive of horticultural excellence and a champion for preserving garden legacies for generations to come.

We’re beyond excited to continue growing this new “mum friendship” with Patti and the Longwood team, especially as she joins us this year as a featured speaker at the 2025 Virtual Mum Summit! It feels like the perfect collaboration between two groups deeply committed to the long-term preservation of quality chrysanthemums in America.

Sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys start with a single plant, and this one is certainly blossoming into something truly special.