For Mother’s Day, think terrariums, bonsai trees or affordable luxury

A reminder: May 8 is Mother’s Day.

You could get Mom flowers — yawn — or you could switch things up a bit and go with something that’s fresh and green but lasts longer, serves as a conversation piece and perhaps even provides flavor and sustenance.

We’re talking terrariums, bonsai trees and herb boxes.

Betsy Ford, floral designer at Trapp and Co. can custom-make a terrarium for Mom, using a container from Trapp or a glass container that you supply.

The type of container — open or closed — determines the type of plants. Closed containers, including cloches and lidded jars, work best for tropical plants such as ferns because they like humidity. Arid plants such as cacti and succulents grow best in open vases.

“I’ve had people come in with huge pickle jars, and I know West Elm has great containers. It’s nice to have someone bring their own container because it’s usually something they really like,” Ford says. “We use a variety of plants, usually three to seven plants depending on the size of the container, as well as bark, decorative rocks and soil.”

She created an open-air terrarium for us using a dome-shaped glass vase with layers of soil and rock serving as the base for several succulents and a miniature orchid.

Prices for terrariums at Trapp start at $50.

Several other local florists, including Studio Dan Meiners, the Fiddly Fig and Crestwood Flowers, sell ready-made and customized terrariums.

Prices at the Fiddly Fig start at $35.

If your mom likes to cook with organic products, an herb box for her kitchen counter might be the ticket. The Fiddly Fig can fix up a pretty one in a wooden box for $80.

Another flora option combines bonsai with Powell Gardens, which will host several events Mother’s Day weekend starting with the Bonsai Society of Greater Kansas City Spring exhibit. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 6-8.

Several bonsai growers will display their trees that have been cultivated to appear twisted and shaped by the winds. Kathy Schlesinger, society board member, will be on hand at 1:30 p.m. each day, presenting introduction to bonsai sessions. The exhibit and presentation are included with garden admission.

If you go on Sunday, you can also treat Mom to a brunch buffet at Cafe Thyme. Prepaid reservations are required for each of the four seatings between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Stick around after brunch for a concert by Victor & Penny on the Missouri Barn terrace from 1 to 3 p.m. The local duo write their own songs and modernize Prohibition-era jazz with guitar and ukulele. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Outside food and nonalcoholic beverages are permitted, or you can buy food, beer and wine at Cafe Thyme’s outdoor grill and reFresh in the Missouri Barn.

Rounding things out is Powell Gardens’ annual plant sale, featuring hundreds of varieties of herbs, perennials for sun and shade, annuals, tropicals and more — all selected by the garden’s horticulture staff. The professionals who make Powell Gardens beautiful will be on hand to answer questions and help with purchases.

If Mom isn’t into plants, then we’ve come up with other affordable yet luxurious gifts? You know, like $32 hand-forged scissors and $5 bars of soap? Check out our photo gallery above.

This story was originally published April 29, 2016 at 4:28 AM with the headline "For Mother’s Day, think terrariums, bonsai trees or affordable luxury."