In China, September is considered The Chrysanthemum month. There are nearly 4,000 varieties of chrysanthemums.  Made famous with festivals and in art, the lowly Chrysanthemum that graces our gardens when other flowers fade has a noble position in Chinese tradition.

Chinese Poets wrote odes to the Chrysantemum - this is one of the most famous.

Drinking Wine Tao Qian (b. 340 BCE) Settle home in person place But no cart horse noise Ask gentleman how able so Heart far place self partial Pluck chrysanthemum east hedge down Leisurely look south mountain Mountain air day night beautiful Fly birds together return This here have clear meaning Wish argue already neglect speech

I made my home amidst this human bustle, Yet I hear no clamour from the carts and horses. My friend, you ask me how this can be so? A distant heart will tend towards like places. From the eastern hedge, I pluck chrysanthemum flowers, And idly look towards the southern hills. The mountain air is beautiful day and night, The birds fly back to roost with one another. I know that this must have some deeper meaning, I try to explain, but cannot find the words.