Twist-n-Shout means endless summer of hydrangeas
If Mom's a fan of Endless Summer hydrangeas, has Bailey Nurseries got an idea for you!
Twist-n-Shout should be in garden centers this Spring. It's the latest offering from the first group to introduce reblooming hydrangeas.
This is a lacecap, and its colors depend on your soil. The idea is that some of the blooms are lipstick pink. If your soil is alkaline, that's what you get. But if the soil is acidic with pH 5-5.8, some of the blooms will be periwinkle, others pink. This was developed by Michael Dirr of the University of Georgia, known for his woody plant prowess.
Check endlesssummerblooms.com for shops that carry the different varieties of reblooming hydrangeas. Be sure to ask whether they have Twist-n-Shout if you have your heart set on the newest variety.
Fair Trade gifts could cheer mom
Another idea for Mother's Day gifts is fair trade shops like Ten Thousand Villages. This tray with reverse painted tiles is $74 and was made by Peruvian artisans of Manos Amigas. Perfect for breakfast in bed. And if blue is Mom's color, how can you resist?
The not-for-profit tries to design products that appeal to current Western tastes, although the world or global look is more and more popular here, too.
If you shop on the Saturday, May 9, before Mother's Day, you can also celebrate
World Fair Trade Day. The idea is to get out the word to everyone how important fair trade is to artisans living in developing countries. Advocates would like you to shop for fair trade items and urge retailers to carry more. Visit tenthousandvillages.com to find a shop near you or to order goods. There are shops in Glen Ellyn, Grayslake (Prairie Crossing), Oak Park and Evanston. Also visit worldfairtradeday09.org.
Keep shopping or win a plant for mom
You may notice a theme here. In fact, we have two themes: Mother's Day gifts and hydrangeas. Chalet in Wilmette holds its annual Garden Faire from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 2, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 3.
One of the events is a $5 raffle where you can win your mother one of 25 new INVINCIBELLE Spirit Annabelle hydrangeas. These pink reblooming shrubs from Spring Meadow Nursery in Grand Haven, Mich., are supposed to be as easy to grow as the white ones. And they will be difficult to find this Spring. Chalet will donate the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Of course, many gifts for mom will be available during the fair.
Events will include David Wanniger from Beaver Creek Nursery talking about favorite trees and shrubs at 1 p.m. each day.
Soil testing is free at 9 a.m. Saturdays, earth-friendly pest controls will be discussed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, and garden tools will be sharpened for $10 each from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
Chalet is at 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette. Call (847) 256-0561 or visit chaletnursery.com.