Kiku Matsuri, the Chrysanthemum Festival

"If you would be happy for a lifetime, grow chrysanthemums."

Celebrated Yearly in Fall

The Garden's Chrysanthemum Festival includes a special display of cut and potted fancy chrysanthemums outdoors on the East Veranda of the Garden Pavilion.

Kiku no Sekku 2009 was generously sponsored by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, The Collins Foundation, Skagit Gardens, Tanasacres Nursery, and King's Mums.

Kiku Matsuri in Japanese Tradition

Kiku Matsuri, the Chrysanthemum Festival, is the fifth of the five annual Go-Sekku Festivals in the traditional Japanese calendar. The chrysanthemum is the official flower of Japan and has been cultivated there since the 8th century. The 16-petaled chrysanthemum is represented on the imperial family crest and is a symbol of longevity, dignity, and nobility. The Garden observes this festival with a display of mums on the East Veranda of the Pavilion arrayed in the traditional style associated with this popular flower-viewing festival.

Chrysanthemum Lecture and Demonstration

Video on Demand

Diane Durston, the Garden's Curator of Culture, Art, and Education, explains the history of the Chrysanthemum Festival. Virginia Harmon, the Garden's Director of Grounds Maintenance, discusses the cultivation and care of these exquisite autumn favorites and demonstrates potting techniques in the Garden Pavilion.