A container of thank yous

A pot is for a season and not just for mums, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

GIVING a bouquet of flowers is a lovely thing to do, but why not create a longer-lasting pot of joy for someone you love or someone who needs cheering up?

Mother’s Day falls on March 14 and a container planted up with seasonal cheer will certainly be a welcome gift. Alternatively, give it to someone who you think would appreciate it; an elderly neighbour or housebound friend.

At this time of year there is an almost endless range of plants to choose from. Spring bedding is everywhere, as are almost-flowering bulbs that will grow and bloom when the bedding may have started to die down.

Set their colours off against ferns, ivies, even herbs, and you have a pot that will provide interest for months to come.

The plants I have chosen are a mix of colorful bedding spring bulbs on the cusp of flowering and foliage plants.