Now we all know that mum loves all her children – at least that’s what
she says – but, on the home front, it pays to be prepared as the war on
the brothers and the others is waged in efforts to provide mum with a
victorious gift, as Lisa Powlesland explains:Sunday May 13 is M-Day, so now’s the time to plan your strategy in the sibling rivalry war.
If your family has unspoken rivalry when it comes to mum’s present, get one up on your siblings and in-laws by popping down to your local Go Gardening store and arming yourself with a personalised gift that will have the enemy forces talking alliances for next year’s battle.
A well thought-out present for the garden will blow out of the water any chocolates, cut flowers or even household appliances that your siblings purchase the day before Mother’s Day.
You can choose a fancy or basic pot and decorate it in her favourite colours. Simply fill with potting mix (you won’t need much so this could do for mum and mum-in-law, as long as they don’t compare notes!), throw in some potted colour of winter-flowering annuals, such as violas and primulas, and a nice card (which you can buy at most garden centres). Then, hey presto, you have retained your rank as the favourite sibling for another year.
Depending on your budget, you could also add in some designer gardening gloves with matching trowel and watering can.
If your mum likes to be an early adopter (talking trends, not children) then put her name down now for one of the new seasons roses. Yes, the battle lines are clearly drawn and rose enthusiasts take no prisoners when it comes to first dibs on new season roses. You need to order them in advance, so talk to your local Go Gardening staff for recommendations.
Roses vary from low-maintenance varieties, such as Flower Carpet, to high-maintenance glamour provided by stunning English roses, which do need a bit of attention. They also come in colours to suit every garden décor. If you are unsure, white is always a safe bet and continues to be the colour of choice for the majority of Kiwi gardeners.
If mum lives out of town, garden centres still offer the best strategy
to win her over and a great source of inspiration. Preloaded Go
Gardening Gift Cards are available from as little as $25 (click here for details). They are guaranteed and redeemable at over 200 stores nationwide. An ideal gift when combined with a card, gardening accessories or a
gardening book. Or why not simply make a date to go shopping, with
coffee or lunch at mum’s local Go Gardening centre café?Mother’s Day is a time when we remember how wonderful it is to have mum there when we need her most.
Hellebores (or winter roses) too are there when we need them. They prefer to stay out of the limelight and bloom just when the other flowers have found something better to do over winter. We know we can rely on them when others have taken their leave of the garden because things have become too tough. A bit of cold weather doesn’t deter the hellebore; in fact, it shines in adversity.
Hellabores are making a comeback with a number of new varieties. These include two new-named varieties due for release in June, Helleborus 'Winter Sunshine' and Helleborus 'Tutu'. These delightful Hellebores have been bred for prolific flowering and the sheer beauty of their blooms, all with healthy, attractive foliage.
Helleborus ‘Tutu’ has lovely, ruffled lavender flowers held prominently above the healthy, deep green foliage. ‘Winter Sunshine’ will give more impact per plant than older Hellebores. Its buds are a delicate pink, opening to rich cream flowers with yellow stamens that will mature to a deep red colour.
Pre-order some of these new releases for mum and every winter she will be reminded of her favourite child; victory will be assured!
For more information visit: www.gardeningnz.co.nz .
Contributed by Lisa Powlesland
