Blooming great: how to buy flowers for Mother’s Day – or just for a treat

theguardian.com:

If you want to say thank you to – or remember – your mum, or someone who is like a mum to you, you may be considering buying flowers for Mother’s Day on 27 March.

Or maybe you are trying to source the perfect blooms for a special occasion, or simply want to treat yourself.

But where should you go, and which flowers should you pick, to get value for money? Which florists are offering the best discounts, and which are the most ethical and environmentally friendly?

Most florists charge at least £2-£3 extra for delivery on Mother’s Day itself, as high demand for couriers pushes up the costs. Sometimes it can add £10 or more. So consider sending your mother flowers earlier in the week, when they should qualify for cheaper or even free delivery.

As well as saving you money, this strategy gives you peace of mind because if there are any problems, you have time to contact your florist and organise a replacement.

Another benefit, says Aron Gelbard, the chief executive of the online florist Bloom & Wild, is that if the flowers arrive midweek, they often look more spectacular on Mother’s Day itself.

You may also be able to choose from a wider range and get better value for money if you order for delivery in advance, before the most popular bouquets sell out.

For those keen to buy blooms when they are in season, at the moment Annabel Lamb recommends opting for classic British springtime flowers such as tulips, hyacinths, irises, scented narcissi and daffodils: “They are our British beauties.”

Lamb and her family have been growing flowers in Lincolnshire for 40 years. Just over a year ago she decided to start selling the farm’s own produce directly to the public, and set up an online nationwide delivery service for her flowers called Love