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Buying a thank you present for a gardener....hydrangea ???

a1154a1154 Posts: 1,108
in Plants
I need to go buy a thank you gift for a lady I don’t know at all. On discussion (would you like wine? Chocolates?) there was a complete NO please don’t. We were stood in her lovely garden....you like a garden plant ? hesitates, oh yes, that would be lovely! 
I’m feeling under pressure now. 
I did have a look at her garden, quite colourful, small trees, plenty shrubs, and hydrangeas both in the garden and in pots. 
So would you buy this hydrangea lover...another hydrangea? Or could you suggest something else please, but it needs to be looking good right now, and easily available, as garden centres are limited round here. Thanks for any help. 
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  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Must admit it's quite difficult as l'm assuming that you don't really know soil conditions , aspect, etc (although hydrangeas obviously do well !).
    Personally, I would buy National Garden gift vouchers that can be used in most garden centres,  then she can choose something herself. 
    If you'd rather give an actual plant, it might be safer to stick to the hydrangeas  :)
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    edited September 2020
    In a garden centre I doubt you’ll find an unusual plant that might appeal to a hydrangea connoisseur. I might be tempted to get her something from here https://www.etsy.com/uk/search?q=hydrangea painting&ref=auto-1 and I have to say the hydrangea notecards are winking at me, not least because they’re cheap!

     I might then supplement it with a hydrangea bouquet. A single blue/purple head presented in a straight sided vase makes an elegant, understated gift and the vase will then be perfect for her own hydrangeas. Do you have a florist near you?
    Rutland, England
  • PerkiPerki Posts: 2,527
    What about a garden centre gift card ? can't really go wrong with a rose .
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Something individual to identify you, could be a hibiscus?  We have one sent to us by a friend in Australia, now passed away, and every time it flowers it reminds us of him.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Perki said:
    can't really go wrong with a rose .
    You could - I hate them  :D

    A voucher would be the most appropriate idea. If she already has a lot of hydrangeas, she may not have room for another. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I would get a voucher and a young plant that goes well with hydrangeas.

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    The problem with a voucher is that it is so dull. You might as well buy her socks.
    Rutland, England
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    But far better than a plant you don't want, but would feel obliged to keep - and plant in your garden @BenCotto :)   
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • rachelQrtJHBjbrachelQrtJHBjb Posts: 819
    I guess it depends how much you would like to spend. Plants are always tricky unless you know the person really well. Instead, why not consider something that's useful or garden-themed? For instance, I love the trug I bought from Trugmakers.co.uk, following a recommendation from a friend. Aston Pottery has a good online offering, such as a pair of garden themed mugs https://astonpottery.co.uk/gift-shop/designs/  The only other thing I can suggest is a pair of wrist warmers, made from recycled cashmere. Supremely warm, I love these in winter to fill the gap between cuff and glove.https://www.turtle-doves.co.uk/collections/cashmere-wrist-warmers  Whatever you decide, I am sure she will be delighted that you out some thought into your gift.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I do like the Aston pottery mugs, l have a couple myself  :)
    Hopefully @a1154 can get some ideas from these replies. Being nosy, l'd like to know what the decision is  :)
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