CHRYSANTHEMUMS are making a comeback, with new colours and shapes finding fans among gardeners prepared to forget the snobbery of the past few decades.

So often these remarkable flowers have been reduced to miserable mixed bunches on garage forecourts, but new varieties produce stunning blooms right up to Christmas; they can be grown in borders, popped into pots or brought inside as house plants.

Their champions include flower garden guru Sarah Raven who sings their praises, especially the incurved and reflexed petal types which curve inward and outward so you get two colours in one bloom.

From lush reds to snowy white and zingy emerald greens, there is just about every colour on offer.

They come in a variety of shapes, from delicate daisy types to mop heads and with incurved, reflexed or spoon-shaped petals – there is even a spider form. Try the modern acid tones of Green Envy or the shaggy velvet red saucer-shaped blooms of Evesham Vale.

Gerry Ives is a senior member of Cambridge and District Chrysanthemum Society and has won many trophies.

He says: “To my mind, they are the only flower for cutting worth growing.

They are wonderful colours, they are easy to grow and last for ages. If you cut a bunch they will easily last three weeks in water.”

His favourites are Primrose EB Wedding which he protects with fleece in the greenhouse to keep insects from marking the pristine petals. Out in the garden he favours Talbot Parade, in pinks, bronze and salmon, and yellow Myss Goldie.

Late favourites include First Light and Kath Stephenson and one of Gerry’s current favourites is the bicoloured zebra grass.

The society is looking for new members – call (01223) 356404. Its next meeting is on Tuesday at Abbey Meadows Primary School, Galfrid Road, Cambridge, from 7.30pm. It will also be holding a plant sale at Cowley Road park and ride on Sunday, May 6.

source :www.cambridge-news.co.uk