If she's a tea drinker, plant some tasty mint in a teapot for a fun gift that also lets brew her own fresh tea. In addition to the more traditional flavors of spearmint or peppermint, other flavor sensations can be found in orange mint and even chocolate mint. Not only do they make good tea, they are also a great garnish for fruit.
When you select flowers, play to mom's favorite colors and styles. If she has a flair for the dramatic, consider the Black-tie Combo - a pre-made basket now available at many garden centers. Or create your own container using black petunias which are relatively new among annual flowers in combination with whites. This combo will definitely more dramatic than traditional pink petunias!
Purple Cleopatra is another pre-made hanging basket that features three different types of annuals that give monochromatic color. Vein petunias combine with verbena and calibrachoa for an all-purple burst of color.
If purple isn't mom's favorite, create a combo that suits her style with an assortment of same-color plants using pink, coral or red and add a splash of white to make the colors pop.
Spikes and/or cascades of green foliage plants will also add interest to the mix. Variegated-leaf plants like begonia gryphon also add unique texture.
More traditional combos of multi-color combinations can feature bright coral, soft lavender and white. Because this combination is a refreshing mix of soft spring colors, it will fit in many places.
If your mom likes to stay current with the latest in flowers, consider giving her sun-patiens annual flowers. New this year, these flowers have all the vibrant color of traditional shade-loving impatiens-but they grow in the sun. This sun-tolerant variety can now add stunning impatiens color to containers on south and west-facing balconies and porches where impatiens would never have survived before.
Another gift-giving tip is to embellish plant gifts with an assortment of things that will please a gardening mom. Balance out showy containers with some down-to-earth practical items. For example, tuck a new trowel, package of fertilizer, gardening gloves or some seed packets among the plants. Mom will love you for your thoughtfulness.
Or get even more practical. If mom is not able to garden easily, consider giving her the gift of a service in the form of help for pruning her plants, creating a raised veggie garden or mowing the lawn all season. In the realm of growing, there are many lovely and useful gifts.
Contributed by Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, sponsors of the 9NEWS Water Wise Garden and the 9NEWS Kitchen Garden. For help finding a landscape professional, go to www.alcc.com and click on Find a Pro!
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