Mother's Day living gifts

A living gift is a great idea for Mother’s Day. Whether she lives in an apartment or in a house with a big yard, there is plant for every mom. We’ve got a few ideas for celebrating Mom with plants.

Hanging baskets can brighten up a porch, balcony, or sunny window. Many garden centers offer a variety of sizes and color combinations, so you’re sure to find something that fits Mom’s style. They can be moved easily, so she can bring them indoors if we anticipate another late-spring frost.

If you prefer to personalize, make your own container garden arrangement. In these days of social isolation, there are a number of video classes or tutorials online to help you choose plants that grow well together. Plan a container around your mother’s favorite colors or plants or make her an edible container garden that will provide food through the season.

A mini herb or vegetable garden is another living gift that keeps on giving. Try herbs like mint or lavender that make relaxing teas or a soothing bath mix, or spice up her meals with rosemary or thyme. You can even make a pasta sauce garden: tomatoes, basil, sweet peppers, and onion.

If you want to give Mom a living gift that will last well beyond Mother’s Day, consult a landscape professional to design and install a cheerful flower bed, outdoor container garden, or some raised beds for home grown vegetables all season long.

A word of caution The average last day of frost along the Front Range usually falls from May 10 to 15, so Mother's Day this year is still in the frost zone on the calendar. At higher elevations the date of last frost will be later, so know the date for Mom’s area and watch the forecast. Remind Mom to keep delicate new plants indoors until the threat of frost has passed.