The Sophian

Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: Kathy Bates

Media Credit: Kathy Bates

Media Credit: Kathy Bates

At this time of year, flowers are fading away. While most Smith students are enjoying the tail end of the New England foliage season, many of us are just hiding indoors dreading the winter to come. It is time to break that habit.

Smith is lucky enough to have our own state-of-the-art Botanic Garden, and every fall it puts on the fabulous Chrysanthemum Show. Students and staffers at the garden have been working since last winter to bring this spectacular show to life, and it is a definite must-see at Smith, especially for first-years or those who have yet to experience it.

Taking full advantage of all of Smith's facilities is arguably one of the most important things to do during a your four years on campus. Smith's Botanic Garden has much to offer throughout the year, including tropical settings to stroll through in the dead of winter and primary sources for almost any class involving plants.

Smith seniors who have attended the mum show annually encourage all students to be a part of it. "I look forward to the Mum Show every year. It's a fun event, and the mums are amazing," Lauren Arthur '10 said.

The show is an important part of Smith tradition. "It is wonderful to be a small part of Smith history by visiting the Botanic Garden for the annual mum show, which has been running for nearly a century. The mum show is a must-see for everyone, horticulture students and amateur enthusiasts alike," said Marina Zaiats '10.

For any student needing a break from studying, this jolt of floral caffeine will perk you right up.

Chrysanthemums were first cultivated in China and date in recorded history from the time of Confucius, in the sixth century B.C.E. Chrysanthemums take on many different forms, leading to unique architectures not seen in other flowers.

Walking through the show is like viewing the most spectacular fireworks display. The colors, heights and shapes of the flowers make everywhere you look a botanical vision.

"Many of these mums are grown in a Japanese-style. There are few places in the country that put on a mum show because of all the labor involved, so it's a unique opportunity in New England," said Rob Nicholson, conservatory manager at the Botanic Garden.

The show features unique ways of displaying Chrysanthemums, including "cascades" which require a 10-month training period to encourage their growth. There will also be oversized blooms known as "standards," topping plants as tall as seven feet.

The theme of the show this year is "Bamboo and Blossoms," and bamboo sculptures by Nancy Moore Bess and Harry Bower will be interspersed throughout the show as well as in the gallery. The bamboo sculptures help highlight the importance of both mums and bamboo to the botanical history of Asia, a theme touched upon by the mum show almost every year.

The mum show will also be kicking off a list of exciting events sponsored by the Botanic Garden throughout November. An exhibition titled "A Plantsman in Asia," featuring photographs illustrating the importance of plants in the lives of Asians, will be on display until Dec. 15. The photographer will give a lecture on his plant explorations on Friday at 7 p.m. in Stoddard Hall. Other events can be found on the Botanic Garden Web page or through the eDigest.

The mum show is a must-do activity at Smith, so catch it while you can. While you are there, be sure to walk through the other greenhouses. You'll be surprised how a couple of palm trees and orchids can send you on a mini-vacation from wintered Massachusetts.

As Rob Nicholson noted, "This is an 100-year tradition at Smith, and you're not a true Smithie if you don't see the mum show."  

The Chrysanthemum Show will be held at the Smith College Botanic Garden through Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Be sure to bring your Smith ID for free entry into the show.

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