Shopping for Mother's Day flowers in Cleveland can be nerve-wracking. Over the years I've found that trying to choose a clever gift for the mom who has everything is next to impossible. Many of us end up bringing a beautiful, enormous (and expensive) bouquet of flowers that wilt and die within a week. If you're anything like me, you've spent at least one Mother's Day frantically running into your local Giant Eagle for a last-minute bouquet, hoping you're not late for dinner.
This year Mother's Day is May 8th, giving us plenty of time to break away from the typical Mother's Day gift and get a little creative. Falling conveniently in the middle of springtime, Mother’s Day is the ideal opportunity to give fragrant and colorful flowers. But instead of that pricey bouquet, why not give flowers or plants that will last for months or years to come? Perennials such as azaleas and rhododendrons make a perfect Mother's Day gift. These blooming plants create a gorgeous presentation on Mother's Day and can be planted in a garden in late spring or early summer. No garden? A small azalea plant will do quite well in a pot, left outside to bloom during spring and summer and then brought in as a houseplant during colder months. Tulips are the perfect springtime flower, and are often given on Mother's Day as a cut bouquet. This year, consider potted tulips instead, which are usually sold while the flowers are in full bloom. Potted tulips are easy to find and can be purchased in nurseries or in the garden center at many stores in the Cleveland area. I've even seen potted tulips sold in the flower department at my local grocery store. Unlike cut flowers, live tulips can be set aside to dry after blooming. By keeping the tulip bulbs in a dry, dark place such as a brown paper bag, they are perfect for fall planting and will bloom again in the spring.
Giving a small rose bush to a garden enthusiast is always a unique idea. If you've grown roses in the past, adding a new plant is always exciting. If you have experience landscaping, but have never grown roses, you're likely to be thrilled with the opportunity to give them a go. When you're shopping, try to choose a mature, healthy starter plant with several blooms. You can wrap the pot in some interesting, colorful fabric or some natural burlap. Add some ribbon for a personalized touch. Roses can be planted in late spring or early summer, giving their roots ample time to develop before winter. For a gardener, roses are a perfect, unique Mother's Day gift certain to be enjoyed for years to come. And don't stop at perennials. Herbs such as chives, basil, rosemary or thyme also make a great, long-lasting gift. If your mom doesn't have a garden, these plants are easy to grow and can live quite happily in a container, providing fresh herbs all summer long. Select an attractive outdoor container and just place the plants inside if you choose not to pot the herbs yourself. Add a bow, some bamboo name tags and maybe a small watering can to complete the presentation.
For the less experienced gardener, annuals are always a beautiful gift. Garden centers and nurseries are usually well-stocked with healthy, colorful flowers at this time of year.
Consider a hanging basket overflowing with petunias or daisies to make a bold statement. If your mom has a flower bed, try picking several varieties of annuals for her to plant and pick up a sizeable handled basket to present them in. Throw in a new pair of garden gloves and a small shovel and you've got a lovely, thoughtful gift. Cleveland's plant hardiness zone is 5a and 5b, so if you're unsure if a flowering plant or herb will tolerate the Ohio weather, ask your local nursery or check with an employee in the garden center of your local store. Giving live plants this Mother's Day is a green, unique and fun way to honor your mom year round.