DENVER – Mother’s Day happens right about when the last danger of frost has passed. That means perfect timing to give mom some annual flowers on her special day.
Unlike a short-lived bouquet of flowers, annuals keep on blooming all summer long. Or, in the case of certain perennial plants, like Shasta daisies, mom can pick many bouquets from these plants not only this year, but for many years to come.
Containers full of annuals come pre-planted either to hang or set on the porch or patio-or you can create a custom combo using mom’s favorite plants and colors. Whatever you select, make sure the group of plants works well with the sun or shade of mom’s patio or porch. Some plants like impatiens and dragon-wing begonias need the cool of the shade to thrive. Most of the common annuals – petunias, geranium, marigolds, sweet potato vine – are primarily sun loving but will still thrive with some shade.
Every spring, growers introduce new looks and styles in annuals and the selection is best around Mother’s Day. Mixed with tried and true favorites, these newbies give an updated look to containers and beds.
Here are three new plants to look for this year:
• Petunia Surprise Orange Twist. Its color is tangerine – the 2012 Color of the Year! This could be a pleaser for fashionista moms.
• A new geranium is Cumbanita Deep Rose. It works well as a stand-alone color statement or with softer shades of pink and white.
• Osteosperumum 3D Silver is another new variety whose silvery sheen will mix well in many combinations.
For moms who like to cook, consider a very practical gift of an edible plant combo with her favorite flavors:
• Give her basil and tomato plants that are well suited as companion plants when placed close together in the garden, not to mention in the pasta sauce.
• Make a salsa garden with cilantro, tomatoes, chives and tomatillos and plant it up in a bright south-of-the border container.
• Does she like tea? Get one of the tea-cup planters that are so popular and fill it with different types of mint, like chocolate, orange and peppermint and sweeten the mix with a stevia plant.
Does your mom complain she never has enough time? Give her a little container planted with THYME and add your own gift card that says you’ll do one of her least favorite and time-consuming chores. She’ll love the gift of thyme and time.
Information courtesy Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado – sponsors of the 9NEWS Kitchen Garden and the 9NEWS Water Wise Garden. For help with your landscape needs, go to www.alcc.com and click on Find a Pro.
