Imagine a flower so rare, it’s like rediscovering a piece of your grandmother’s garden—a bloom that once flourished but nearly vanished from modern landscapes. That’s the story of heirloom chrysanthemums, and it’s why Harmony Harvest Farm in Weyers Cave is making headlines in the November issue of Better Homes & Gardens. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this isn’t just about flowers; it’s about reviving a piece of American agricultural history.
For Catherine Chase, the farm’s marketing coordinator, this feature is more than just recognition—it’s a victory. “This is a huge moment for us,” she says. “As a small, women-owned farm, we’re on a mission to bring back heirloom mums—those oversized football mums and spider varieties your grandmother might’ve grown but are now virtually extinct in garden centers. Seeing them celebrated on a national stage feels like a win not just for us, but for flower farmers everywhere.”
Harmony Harvest Farm, owned by Jessica Hall, her sister Stephanie Duncan, and their mother, is a 20-acre family-run operation with a tight-knit team of about 10 people. Nine acres are actively farmed, and eight hoop houses support their thriving cut flower business. “We’re over the moon about this feature,” Hall shares. “Our team is like family, and we’re incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built here in the Shenandoah Valley. This spotlight feels like a testament to our hard work and passion.”
Chrysanthemums, particularly heirloom varieties, have become the farm’s signature. “Everyone looks forward to those stunning November bouquets,” Hall explains. “These blooms are like time capsules, reconnecting people to their past.”
But here’s the part most people miss: heirloom chrysanthemums aren’t just flowers—they’re a movement. For years, customers asked how they could grow these plants themselves. “Chrysanthemums are hard to source,” Hall admits. “We started offering them via mail order a few years ago because we couldn’t bear telling people how difficult they were to find. We became obsessed with saving these varieties, realizing how close they were to extinction.”
The farm’s journey to preserve these blooms took them across the country, from the East Coast to the West, collecting rare varieties from private collections. “It’s been a labor of love,” Hall says. “We’ve worked tirelessly behind the scenes to clean up and care for these varieties, releasing new ones each season and teaching people how to grow them.”
And this is where it gets controversial: the cut flower industry is a multibillion-dollar market, yet over 80% of flowers sold in the U.S. are imported. “In the 1980s, we saw a shift from domestic to imported flowers, leaving a gaping hole in American agriculture,” Hall points out. “We’re trying to change that. Heirloom chrysanthemums aren’t just flowers—they’re a gateway to revitalizing American floriculture.”
Growing these mums, Hall insists, is surprisingly beginner-friendly. “They’re a project plant that keeps you engaged all season,” she explains. “And the payoff? Stunning blooms that glow in your garden when everything else has faded. By Thanksgiving, when most plants are gone, these mums are just hitting their peak.”
But what makes these flowers truly special is the emotional connection they evoke. “I love hearing stories from customers who remember these mums from their childhood,” Hall shares. “For many, it’s like rediscovering a lost treasure.”
Here’s the kicker: these plants aren’t patented, which means Harmony Harvest can teach people how to propagate them—a skill that’s become a dying art. “It’s about empowering gardeners to preserve these varieties for generations,” Hall adds.
One standout variety? The Chiffon mum. “It’s a showstopper,” Hall raves. “It changes colors and can even trick gardeners into thinking it’s a dahlia. It’s a must-have for any collection.”
Heirloom chrysanthemums bloom in three categories—early, mid, and late—starting as early as late September and lasting through November. “They’re one of the last plants to bloom and are surprisingly frost-resistant,” Hall notes. “It’s like nature’s final hurrah before winter.”
Better Homes & Gardens released a shorter online version earlier this month, giving readers a sneak peek at the collection. Heirloom chrysanthemums are available now—click here to shop. To learn more, visit the farm’s website or grab tickets to their upcoming virtual mum summit.
Now, here’s a question for you: Do you think the revival of heirloom flowers like chrysanthemums could spark a broader movement in American agriculture? Or is it just a niche trend? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
