Rainbow Mums and Perennials

i have driven by this place twice daily for the past 6 years, always admiring the featured seasonal plants, especially the fall mums. yesterday was the first time i stopped since in. all i can say is «why did i ever wait so long???»
we were greeted by the owner who explained the pricing (completely reasonable considering this is in carlisle) and also that all the plants are grown ON THE PROPERTY they’re not trucked in from wherever a la home depot/​lowes and other garden centers. she also mentioned that since these plants are grown on-​site, they’re at least three years old and very importantly have over-​wintered here. she told us that if we plant them in the ground (after we used them on the doorstep) that they should survive and return next season! very cool. for me, the best part of them being grown outdoors was they have fragrance and smell heavenly!
there’s a beautiful variety of mum types, colors and sizes as well as a nice assortment of sun or shade perennials and some really interesting ornamental grasses. i have no doubt that we’ll return in spring for plants for our shady backyard as well as some nice, low maintenance roses for out near the mailbox.
parking is easy, carts are available, knowledgeable and friendly staff. as for the «kids» question that one poster mentioned, i saw children there and everyone was welcomed and well treated. there was a sign saying «no dogs» which makes sense at a place like this.
it may be slightly off the beaten path but it’s well worth the trouble of finding it!

You can’t beat the quality of the plants here. It is a great value for the price. Go anytime from May through September, even October, and the plants look healthy, happy and fresh. In response to the comments about children… I have been there many times when customers have brought their children. The only time I have seen an issue with children is if the children are not well-​behaved and the parents aren’t disciplining them. Makes sense to me.

My wife loves this place. We have a one year old and a 5 year old and have not had any issues there with kids not sure what happened with the other poster. I have only been a few times (once to get a gift certificate for the wife) but she loves it and goes quite often.

It’s an annual fall ritual now, the trip to Carlisle for mums. The palette of colors and textures is unbeatable, but best of all is the care they give to raising these sturdy plants. They last longer than any other, when properly watered, and come back year after year in my garden.
The staff are all very helpful in selection, providing info, packing my purchases into the car. Strictly cash and check — I forgot this year, but they let me take home the plants and send my check in the mail. WHO DOES BUSINESS LIKE THIS ANYMORE? The good people at Rainbow Mums.

My new favorite place. Row after row of photo-​perfect plants… Raised on the premises by Kathy and Mark, who love what they do… And who’ll gladly take the time to pick out the most perfect plant for you…
This is what makes small businesses great! Pay a little more for a three-​year-​old perennial that looks great from the get-​go, and you’ll never waste another dollar on a crappy plant from the big-​box chains.
(Also how I justify not-​strictly-​necessary trips to Rainbow Mums, in addition to the «if I brown-​bag my lunch, I can buy more plants» compromise…)