Gift plant

[mypropertea]

Hi, as part of putting up a new fence we have had access to the neibours garden. We have been as careful as possible, and she is happy with the result, but some of her shrubs look a bit harassed. Anyway I thought it would be nice to give her a plant to say thank you, what's nice this time of year? I would rather it was an outside plant as she already has many house plants.

Thanks :)

[mypropertea]

Anyone? Or are you all cross with me for upsetting the shrubs to begin with? :(

[Sosidges]

Daphne or witch hazel have lovely winter scents.

[mistlethrush]

These are in flower at this time of the year and are very pretty if your soil is moisture retentive. I've seen them growing in tubs too but I presume that they need a good amount of watering to keep them in good shape.

[mypropertea]

Oh, they are gorgeous.

[mypropertea]

I have a witch hazel but it is so pathetic (less than 2 foot high after 8 years) that I didn't realise it had a smell!

[mistlethrush]

Wootens are very good at delivery too (I've used them for quite a lot of gifts, not local to me, and they do a very good delivery service)

[bookbook]

Hydrangea?
But f you get the chance, pop to your local garden centre and you will actually be able to pick something!

[shovetheholly]

What way does her garden face, and what's the soil like? The ideal gift will suit both - for example, I love a Daphne but I can't grow them in my garden because winter waterlogging and north-facing aspect mean they sulk and rot.

If this all sounds too complicated, how about buying her a Crocus voucher so she can choose something for herself??

[PurpleWithRed]

I'm with the Crocus voucher - have been very impressed by their service and plants, and I hate people buying plants for me, I am very fussy!

[AbyssinianBanana]

A bag of bulbs! She can plant them in pots or garden for next spring. Or some paperwhites to grow indoors for holiday season.

[shovetheholly]

YES purple!

It sounds terribly ungrateful to reject a plant, doesn't it? But my heart does sink when I am given things sometimes, because what do you do? I love 99% of plants, but the ones I don't like, I loathe with an irrationally-strong passion (I'm looking at you, double Barbie-pink gloxinias and border begonias).

On the other hand, being given a plant that makes your heart sing is a wonderful thing. I was given a gorgeous hosta by my wonderful BIL, and I love it so much.

[bookbook]

Vouchers- what a good idea!
I have received National Garden Vouchers as presents, and that is even better, as you can choose where to spend them, and on what!
And yes, I have a gift plant, looking at me on my kitchen windowsill. It was a rather small Anthurium , now , a couple of years later it is a rather large Anthurium. I don't really like them. I have been trying to give it away, without any success, and I really can't bring myself to throw it out.