Mothers' Day celebrations in 2020 will no doubt be different - but there will be a return to tradition in one sector of gift giving.
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The traditional Mothers' Day flower in Australia, the Chrysanthemum, is having a resurgence.
And the good news from Southern Highlands florists is the flower, which is being sourced through local growers, is an impressive and colourful option to say 'I love you mum'.
It is also good news as the availability of previously popular imported blooms, such as roses, have become more costly to access.
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Flowers by van Til owner Melanie van Til said that while it was still possible to access imported flowers, the costs of freight had increased significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In turn that has resulted in higher prices charged for imported flowers.
"Local growers are coming into their own, they are going gangbusters," she said.
But the rise in demand for locally grown flowers has also resulted in a rise in their price.
Ms van Til said that chrysanthemums may not be what people in recent years had opted to buy mum for Mothers' Day.
However, she assured that the new hybrid varieties were 'quite beautiful'.
"We also have an extensive selection of bulb products such as hyacinths," Ms van Til said.
Michelle Clayton from Blooms of Bowral has sung the praises of the variety of chrysanthemums available.
Ms Clayton said she had sourced a variety of colours of the flowers from local growers in Mittagong, Yanderra, Tahmoor and Thirlmere.
"The chrysanthemum is traditionally the Mothers' Day flower in Australia, but people have tended to buy roses in more recent years," she said.
"We can still get some roses, but imported flowers are harder to source and more expensive.
"The crysanthemums that are now available are beautiful and come in a variety of colours including pink, mauve, gold and white.
"My staff are really enjoying working with them."
Ms Clayton said that she would also be offering other gift options for Mothers' Day that could be ordered online, with a phone call or by dropping into her Bowral shop.
She said chocolate, wine and fruit baskets were a great alternative gift idea for mum.
Cindy Stone form Flowers on Argyle in Moss Vale said Mothers' Day 2020 had become a 'tricky time' for sourcing flowers.
She said even local suppliers appeared to be running low, while imported flowers had become too costly.
"We have flowers available, but urge people to get their orders in early," she said.
Ms Stone said she also had other gift ideas available including plants and a variety of hampers.
Mothers' Day 2020 will be subject to a case of the early bird will get the blooms.
The general consensus from all three florists is that people should get their orders in early so as not to be disappointed.
"The earlier the better," Ms van Til said.
Meanwhile Ms Clayton said that there would be a point when her books would be closed.
She said that while she would be making deliveries from Friday to Sunday there would be a shut off point.
"Please don't leave it until the last minute," she said.
How will you celebrate Mothers' Day? Do you have a great photo with your mum that you would like to share in our Mothers' Day tribute? These can be sent to jackie.meyers@southernhighlandnews.com.au
