Aww that's so sweet.

I'm fussy about my flowers and am often disappointed by local efforts (baby's breath anyone?).

I know these people are delivering and I like their products. I also like that they offer nice small bouquets. Especially for older people, a large arrangement and big heavy vase are unwieldy.

https://bouqs.com/flowers/mothers-day?bcid=103254&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=B_SKAG_RMK_Exact_103254&spop=1

I also like Farm Girl Flowers based in San Francisco. The longest lasting bouquets I have ever received (and sent) came from them. Some florists also offer orchids which last for a long time. I just sent my mom a bouquet. She lives in assisted living, and it has been very hard for her to not be able to have visitors. I am sure your mom will appreciate some flowers.

https://farmgirlflowers.com

Please don't use a national company. Look up Sun City AZ florists on Google, check reviews and call direct. You'll get better service and better product.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=sun+city+az+florists

I agree with Sushi, I often try to use a local florist nearby to the recipients address when ever I can.

That said, I also like Bouqs,the site that Mtn mentioned. They are small scaled and very elegant.

Skibby....I remember my dad doing exactly that when I was a kid and he would order flowers for my mom or his mom. He would call a local florist and tell them what he wanted to spend and then usually just ask for a “seasonal” arrangement—-fall colors, or colorful Spring assortment, etc.

I also recommend calling a local florist. You can discuss your budget, what they have in the shop, vases, etc. This approach has always worked best for me.

Farmgirl is wonderful, but they are a bit pricier than Bouq and don't have the mini bouquets I favor for the elderly.

Unless you know the florist, local so often ends up being FTD-y. (Apologies to anyone who likes FTD! )There are exceptions; a small gourmet market near me has the *best* flowers in my area, by far, including several fancy florists. But IME there are a lot of uninspired local floral shops. YMMV.

When you go on their website you can get a street view of the shop.

Mtn—-I agree. DH always goes the FTD-y route with me and I am never impressed. Of course I never say anything. One time we were discussing a flower order for my sister in law and I told him I was going to research local florists and order directly. He questioned why I wasn’t just using an online service like FTD and I explained you get better flowers, better arrangements, better service, etc. Alas, it didn’t sink in. Sigh.

I’ve always had a better experience going local. Only once was I underwhelmed. And nowadays when you can send a picture to the sender so easily I would think florists are even more conscious of doing a good job.

I am also picky about my flowers. I call local shops to ask what they have on hand, and if they use sword fern, which is telling, imo. Also, when I visit a friend or family member I think I might be sending flowers to, I hunt down a shop I like for those future needs. This has made it lots easier.

I agree Marti, and I do have a few local sources in certain areas where I've visited. I love cut flowers. I have to post the ones I got at the grocer's today (not the place I mention about, just a "normal" grocery store but even they have upped their game.)

Thank you all for your replies. I thought I updated this thread already, but it seems my post didn’t “take.”

I did check out bouqs and farm girl, thank you for those ideas. I ended up calling a local florist, I wanted to talk to a person, so hopefully my mother will receive a nice surprise on the specified day.