For me, there's one thing worse than not getting flowers on Mother's Day, and that's being given carnations. On the other hand, a bouquet of paperwhite narcissi makes me as happy as a Chloe handbag. Because anyone who says 'it's the thought that counts', is lying; buying your mother the right flowers - the ones that suit her style - will put you firmly in her good books. And we all know what that means, don't we? Yup: extra babysitting.
So, before you buy a bouquet for a mum in your life (this includes yourself!), here's the talented Rachael Scott from Hedgerow Florist's guide to picking the best blooms, based on your mum's home decor...
Rachael says:
This British-grown bouquet includes anemone, hellebore, alder and paperwhite narcissi
'The first thing to think about is choosing flowers that are in season, both because they look lovely, and because it's better for the environment; I created all the arrangements pictured here using flowers that are in season for Mother's Day. These include: ranunculus, tulip, frittilaria, hellebore, narcissi, anemone and hyacinth. I would also recommend buying British-grown wherever possible, as it saves on airmiles and is more sustainable. Mother's Day is early this year which makes it harder, but some florists, like ourselves, go out of their way to use British-grown flowers. These include: That Flower Shop (London), Bareblooms (Oxfordshire) and Swallows and Damsons (Sheffield). The British Flower Collective is also a good website for sourcing florists who are passionate about using seasonal, local flowers.'
Find your mum's perfect flowers...
Ranunculus, Frittilaria and Hellebore/Photo: Hedgerow Florist
If her decor is...Neutral
'Bunches of paperwhite narcissi would sit well in a neutrally decorated home.'
If her decor is...Minimalist
'Keep it simple! A large bouquet of a single type of flowers, such as double tulips, would look fantastic. Alternatively, a few branches of blossom looks good in a pared-back house.'
If her decor is...Traditional (period home, lots of antiques)
'Jewel-coloured flowers always work against darker wood/antiques. Try a posy of richly-coloured anemones. Or Dutch Master-style parrot tulips. Or maybe bunches of muscari (grape hyacinth).'
If her decor is...Bold colour pops
Paperwhite Narcissi, Hellebore and Tulips/Photo: Hedgerow Florist
'Ranunculus grow in a vast array of candy colours and would be ideal to add additional pops of colour to your mum's home. They look great as single stems in smaller vases as well as in bunches.'
If her decor is...Eclectic (or maybe just messy)
'A mixed posy of traditional spring flowers in bright colours, e.g. hyacinth, tulips and narcissi, would look great in a jug on the kitchen table.'
If her decor is...Glossy and glam
'An opulent bouquet of pale spring flowers and foliage would be ideal. The key here is to choose the flowers in similar tones. Cloony Ranunculus are a favourite, along with frittilaria, hellebore, double tulips and some quince blossom. Go for pale creams, pinks, dusty lilac and silvery foliage.'