Q: I want to give my friend a gardenia bush, rather than flowers, for the loss of her child. I think it will be nice to give her the bush so she can plant it herself, as she is a bit of a gardener. Personally, I love gardenia bushes but have never planted one. Would you recommend this bush? Is it an easy plant to have?

A: I think gardenia would be very nice, but bear in mind that it has, in the minds of some, a connection to funerals.

For more information about gardenias, see Cultivating Your Gardenia Garden.

I would also suggest an ‘Endless Summer’ hydrangea, to remind the bereaved parents of the endless good weather their child now enjoys.