Learn everything you need to know about fine craft of raising, training and displaying fancy exhibition chrysanthemums in this Tower Hill Botanic Garden presentation by plantsman and blogger Matt Mattus, to be held Sunday, November 1, from 2:30 – 4. With cultural techniques that date back to the 15th century the chrysanthemum remained popular until the early 20th century, when the economics and interest in keeping such a collection, waned. Today, those fancy varieties (spiders, recurves and brush types) as well as their training methods (columns shields, arches, cascades) are rarely seen outside of the handful of specialist collectors and botanic gardens who continue to raise and display these flowers. Inspired by this deep tradition, plantsman Matt Mattus has dedicated much of his research in learning as much as he can about the culture and history of these flowers. He has amassed an important collection of exotic and vintage named varieties, which he grows and displays in his private greenhouse in Worcester. We’ve been able to convince Matt to share with us his not only his tips and tricks, but also some of the actual specimens. A slide presentation is included, full of tactical information such as where to find all the materials you will need to create your own display for next autumn. Free with admission.  Image from www.fhshh.com.