As August disappears it is hard to mask the thought that fall is just around the corner. With reluctance or joy, our thoughts turn to one of the staples of the fall garden, the hardy garden mum.

For a few, the garden mum is a great perennial. For the majority, our survival rates and plant response in subsequent years is often a disappointment. I suspect that some of the blame goes to the breeders and the newer varieties. Perhaps the emphasis is put on branching and bloom count, and garden performance is forgotten. I have had real good success with the older varieties.

Unfortunately, I am in the majority. Yet I will offer a check list, gleaned from university sources, that may help.

To establish:

1. Plant early. A green plant or one in bud is easier to establish than one in full bloom.

2. Water often until established in the landscape.

3. Plant in well drained soil. Wet soils are deadly.

4. Cut back as the blooms fade to force new growth and root development.

If they survive the first winter:

1. Make double your regular fertilizer applications on garden mums. Reduce as buds show color.

2. Prune each year after four to six inches of regrowth. Prune resulting branches again to three or four leaves. Complete pruning by July 4.

3. Watch out for aphids and spider mites. Insecticidal soap helps.

4. Divide often. Older plants will die from the center outward.

In the last several years a new type of mum has been introduced. Called Belgium mums, they are more compact with a host of flowers that may be a wee bit smaller. I liked the looks of them and planted about 30 in my garden.

My over-wintering success was about as poor as usual. Of course it was a wet, cold winter and I didn't follow all the rules above. But then I doubt if many of you will either. Even as an annual there is a place for mums in my garden.