Mothers. Can you ever please them?
Let's face it. Some mothers just don't want their kid to spend a dime on them. Buying her flowers for Mother's Day could be the biggest sin you can commit. Well, one of them anyway.
Although most mothers are loving, giving humans, a few of them are among the biggest complainers ever when it comes to flowers. One day when she was ordering flowers, I asked one of our clients, "What does your mother like?" "She likes to complain!" was the answer that spilled out of her mouth. Quickly followed by, "Uh oh, don't repeat that to anyone!" But it's true. Some mothers are so touched that their child sends them flowers for Mother's Day that they demand the flowers last at least a month, if not forever. Otherwise, refund their poor, dear son's money immediately! Others know that their little girl would not want to send her something that looks like this! Refund their darling daughters' money immediately! A few simply refuse the flowers when the delivery is attempted.
Thankfully, most mothers adore it when they receive flowers from their kids or anyone. The more money spent on them, the better. We never argue with that.
What should you send your mother on Mother's Day? Well, first of all, if you know her favorite flower or color, send that. Pitifully few sons and daughters have any idea of either of these. So just ask the florist what's pretty right now. Luckily, Mother's Day falls right in the middle of the best flower season ever. There are often peonies and lilac both available. The overlap of those two crops is usually a very short period of days. Tulips are gorgeous now in many colors as are hydrangea in various shades and viburnum in deep, rich lime green that enhances almost any spring arrangement. There is also a wide range of roses, hyacinth, ranunculus and, of course orchids for a more exotic look.
The downside of all of this abundance is that growers and suppliers know that everyone wants flowers the week preceding Mother's Day. After holding them back from the florists for weeks ahead, everything is suddenly "available" but the prices are higher than ever. You may think the prices are outrageous and we have to agree somewhat. But there is little we can do to change things other than boycott Mother's Day. And then, all of those sweet little mothers who never complain will have their hearts broken and think their children do not love them.
What's a kid to do? Send the best thing you can and let Mom know you love her. Even if it's just a single rose, or better yet, a single peony. Remember Mother's Day. It only comes around once a year.
