Do it differently with Dobbies

Dobbies is gearing up for a busy week as shoppers in Inverness and Aberdeen search for the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

A traditional, bright bouquet is always one of the most popular gifts, but this year, Dobbies is encouraging people to do it differently and give the gift of gardening.

Instead of flowers that might only last a week, choose plants and gardening accessories to help your Mum take some time out and look after her indoor and outdoor plants, getting her home and garden ready for the warmer months ahead.

Steve Guy, horticultural buying and merchandising director at Dobbies said: “Whether your mum is a gardening novice or a plant expert, we have a huge range of potted plants, flowers, shrubs and accessories available that make looking after yourhome– inside and out – simple.

“With a little care, it’s easy to achieve a burst of colour and texture that will really make an impact in your home or garden and last all summer.

“We’ve pulled together our top five picks for alternative Mother’s Day gifts this year:

For a different take on a classic flower, orchids can also be planted in a pot of your choice – perfect for ensuring your Mother’s Day gift includes your mum’s favourite colours or perfectly matches to the décor of her home. For a real showstopper, why not try planting two or three together in a larger pot, creating a talking point that will really stand out.

Hanging baskets are a great way to add colour and scent to small gardens and instantly transform your garden for spring – our £6 preplanted baskets are a great choice and are really easy to look after. A hanging basket at your front door is a lovely, welcoming touch. Choose an arrangement with primroses for a bright, vibrant splash of colour. Or for something a little more unusual, why not plant small strawberry plants in the basket. By summer, your mum will be able to enjoy tasting the fruits and using them to make homemade treats.

The camellia is our plant of the month in March – this striking and elegant flower is versatile and easy to maintain and adds vibrancy to any plant bed, patio pot or window box. Dobbies free planted container service also means you can get your present all planted up ready to go without any hassle at all.

Plant roses once and they’ll bloom every spring. ‘Mum’s Bouquet’ is a variety that makes the perfect present this Mothering Sunday. A single rose is also beautiful presented in a small, delicate vase inside the home.

A Wreath is not just for Christmas – take inspiration from bright spring colour palettes to create a beautiful floral wreath for mum. All you need is some oasis, foliage from the garden, a bunch of cut flowers, floristry twine to tie it all together and ribbon to add the finishing touch– aperfect homemade gift for her to hang on the day.

Picture: iStock Instantly transform your garden with a lovely hanging basket.