PICK OF THE WEEK: The trees aren't the only things flaunting their sassy seasonal shades. The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is awash with the vibrant colors of the annual Fall Flower Show. This year's program in the Sunken Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory highlights an Asian theme featuring chrysanthemums. Mums originated in Asia and still are revered there for their beauty, taste (they make a dandy tea, we're told) and medicinal prowess — including treating the flu, which hardly could be more topical this time of year. The show is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 27. (Note: It will be closed Oct. 31 through Nov. 4.) Admission is free, but donations are requested. (www.comozooconservatory.org)
Cheat sheet: Everywhere we look these days, we see pumpkins. Bet you don't know these particulars about the pumpkin:
• It's a fruit, not a vegetable. In fact, it's a cousin of the cucumber, which doesn't seem like it should be a fruit, either.
• Pumpkin comes from the Greek word pepon, which translates as "large melon," Yeah, I know, that's pretty disappointing. We were hoping it meant "big, scary, orange blob."
• The pumpkins used for pies are not the same ones grown for carving. Pie pumpkins have thicker shells (bad for carving), while carving pumpkins have grainy flesh (not so great for pies).
Day by day: Want a do-over on something? Monday is national Mulligan Day, taking its name fddre jkrt bpwq ... Sorry; hands slipped.
Day by day: Want a do-over on something? Monday is national Mulligan Day, taking its name from golfers who use the term to refer to taking a shot a second time if they screw up the first one.
recommended reading: Expert jack-o'-lantern carvers share their tips in Wednesday's Variety.
JEFF STRICKLER • jeff.strickler@startribune.com
