Gardener insights?

[osuche]

So, my MIL has been an absolute angel the past week or so, and I'd like to send her something to express my gratitude.

She is a gardener, and loves any and all of the following:
- Orchids (the rarer the better)
- Roses and tropical flowers
- Fruit trees
- Chile and other "spicy" plants

I'd like to get her a "rare" plant - something I can ship to her or have delivered to her.

Any ideas of WHAT I should get her? Something rare and beautiful that wouldn't die in Ohio is good...

Any ideas of HOW I buy/locate the item? Are there any good mail order or online shops or sources for this stuff?


Thanks for the help!!

[IowaMan]

I know very little about things like this but my best friend's mom (who lives about 10 miles from me) does have a few plants that she says are "rare" for our climate. She gave me site site to look at.

I know she has had some success with the bleeding heart vine and it really is pretty when it's in bloom.

http://www.rareflora.com/special.html

[scotzoidman]

At the risk of being a pimp...

Night-Blooming Cereus (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260161042052&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=016)

Just sayin'...

[Winston77]

www.Gurneys.com is where I go. They have specials all the time and some great plants and seeds.

[Oldfart]

I don't know what plant to suggest, but don't order anything from below the equator direct. They'll be locked into the wrong season and won't cope well with the adjustment. Grab one which has had a couple of generations on home soil (it thins out the bugs as well).

[PantyFanatic]

The Pixie that I would first ask is Mae. She is more than a garden hobbyist. :nod:

[Loulabelle]

I'd just say go for Orchids! I'm a complete Orchid slut - I currently have 5 and I think they make the most wonderful gifts. If you can't find one that's rare, you could at least go for one in an unusual container.

[WildIrish]

At the risk of being a pimp...

Night-Blooming Cereus (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260161042052&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=016)

Just sayin'...


That's a very pretty plant but I'd never get to see it bloom! I'm a daywalker. :p

[Coaster]

I too would go for the orchid...............

[Mae]

If you are leaning towards the orchid family, and she likes chocolate...

http://phylum.stores.yahoo.net/sherarflowor.html

For something a little different, there is the Beaucarnea or "Ponytail Palm". The fronds have razor sharpp edges and grow from a bulb. So, you have to be pretty careful.

http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/subs/bea-rec-sub.asp

Also, a really interesting rose is the "Purple Tiger" floribunda. I have one in my yard and it is gorgeous with a marvelous scent.

http://www.bauerphoto.com/roses/PurpleTiger.html

Note: There is also a quest amongst orchid-lovers for that elusive "black" orchid. This one would be pretty close. :)

http://www.ladyslipper.com/366j.htm

[themi01]

OK I'm gonna be the rebel How about a Bolivian Rainbow Chile ?seen here http://www.chileplants.com/search.asp?CategoryID=1&HeatID=&TypeID=&UseID=&Color=&FleshID=&LengthID=&WidthID=&OrientationID=&FoliageID=&HeightID=&SeasonID=&Location=&SpeciesCode=&StockStatusID=&Keyword=bolivian+rainbow+&Search=True&SearchMode=&SearchButton=Go

[osuche]

Thanks everyone. I went for orchids :) The chocolate ones - thanks to (((Mae)))

[Mae]

Osuche...glad I could help with that. :)

themi01...I've seen those chiles and WOW! Neat plant!

[PantyFanatic]

:D ^^^

Do I know our Pixies or what? :brows:

[Loulabelle]

Oh no! I NEEEEEEEEEEEED a chocolate Orchid now!!!!!!!

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to get one over here. Boooooooo!

[Oldfart]

"There is also a quest amongst orchid-lovers for that elusive "black" orchid."

Just ask Basil StJohn, silly.

[Mae]

I don't know, OF. Would Brenda Starr aprove? :D

[Oldfart]

Of course, it'd give her something to report.

[scotzoidman]

That's a very pretty plant but I'd never get to see it bloom! I'm a daywalker. :p
The buds show during the day before they're ready to open, and usually reach full bloom within an hour or two after dark...can be a great excuse to invite the neighbors over for a "bloom party"...

[sodaklostsoul]

Thanks everyone. I went for orchids :) The chocolate ones - thanks to (((Mae)))
That looked cool but I would end up killing it off with in a month. :(

[WildIrish]

The buds show during the day before they're ready to open, and usually reach full bloom within an hour or two after dark...can be a great excuse to invite the neighbors over for a "bloom party"...


I can hear my neighbors now


"C'mon dear...it's just about time...let's head over to the blooming idiot's house"

[Mae]

:roflmao:

[sodaklostsoul]

:roflmao: