Blooming Greenery for Mother's Day: Live Plants and Blossoms Offer Ideal Present Choices
Every single day might feel like Mother's Day, but the official one this year falls on May 11. Forgot to grab a gift for those special ladies in your life? You're in deep trouble, mate!
The clock's ticking, and you're struggling to find the perfect last-minute gift. Let's browse some quick ideas. A visit to garden shops and nurseries this weekend could sort you out. Plants are a terrific choice for friends and relatives you hold dear.
To keep things interesting, opt for unique gifts. You'd be amazed by the variety of plants that make excellent choices as presents. With some TLC, you can gift something meaningful that will truly impress them.
Before you start wrapping those plants, use your imagination to create beautiful containers, decorations, and wrapping. Adding love to this type of gift is easier than most other options, apart from handmade bedspreads, homemade cookies, or other delightful treats – and it's too late for those now!
First up, let's talk flowers. Hydrangeas are traditional picks for Mom, even in Hawaii. While they're typically associated with cooler climates, hydrangeas can thrive in most parts of Hawaii with enough water and shade.
Orchids, bromeliads, and anthuriums are other appropriate options. If you're after something colorful, consider hibiscus plants, which come in everything from white to red and yellow shades. Gardenias, with their white flowers and green leaves, also make a fragrant gift.
For a truly unforgettable bouquet, go for native Hawaiian favorites like cinnamon, tiare, or the endemic Gardenia brighamii. Some azaleas and tropical rhododendrons are also available. However, when choosing a carnivorous plant or a cactus, you might want to think again – those choices could send the wrong message.
For those who are running out of time, a gift certificate from a local nursery for flowers or plants could be a lifesaver. And remember, plants must do more than just survive – they should maintain an attractive appearance with a minimum of care.
For problem interiors, consult your local garden center or nursery to help you choose the right plant selection. Want something that's virtually impossible to kill? The sanseveria plant, sometimes known as "mother-in-law's tongue," could be the answer. It can survive even in a dark corner and requires watering only once a month.
Source: University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human ResourcesAuthor: Norman Bezona, Professor Emeritus, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
Heighten Your Mother's Day Plant Game
- Want to craft a truly unique gift? Consider choosing native Hawaiian plants like Pakalana or orchids from Carmela Orchids for a touch of local pride.
- Don't forget to choose containers that complement your plant selection and the recipient's taste. Opt for tropical wood planters, woven baskets, or ceramic pots in vibrant colors.
- To care for your gifted plants, make sure they receive bright, indirect sunlight, are watered when the top inch of soil feels dry, and are fertilized with a balanced tropical plant fertilizer.
- Keep the humidity levels high to encourage healthy growth. You can use a humidifier or place the potted plants on a tray filled with water and pebbles.
- Looking for other ideas? Consider visiting the Mother's Day Flower Farmers Market in Waimanalo, where you can create a custom bouquet.
- To make your Mother's Day gift stand out, consider browsing native Hawaiian plants like Pakalana or unique orchids from Carmela Orchids, along with creative containers such as tropical wood planters, woven baskets, or vibrant ceramic pots.
- After choosing the perfect plant and container, remember to care for your gift thoughtfully by providing it with bright indirect sunlight, adequate water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and a balanced tropical plant fertilizer, and maintaining a high humidity level either with a humidifier or by placing the potted plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles.