Everyone loves to get flowers. But more often than not, they're dead and gone within a few days.

A plant that keeps on growing is the gift that keeps on giving. So, this Mothers' Day forget about a bought bouquet and instead give your mum a potted plant.

Got kids? Whether the gift is for your mum or their mum, get them involved in the potting and planting.

Go one step further and help them decorate the pots. Terracotta pots and water-based house paint test pots are best for this.

Is your mum a whizz in the kitchen? Give her a potted herb.

Does she love fresh flowers? Why not plant her some polyanthus or primulas?

I'm a big fan of growing polyanthus in pots because you can keep them in or outdoors. Further more, they grow easily and there's a wide range of colours to choose from.

Got any potted citrus trees? Polyanthus also look great planted around the base of a lemon tree.

So, what are you waiting for? Head down to your local supermarket or garden centre and grab some Awapuni Nurseries polyanthus seedlings.

While you're there, don't forget to get a pot to plant your flowers in.

If you think the pot will live inside, consider how water will drain out of the container.

Choose a pot with holes in the bottom and a saucer underneath, or place some rocks in the bottom of the container before adding potting mix.

You'll also need to choose between indoor or outdoor potting mix. It's not a deal breaker, but indoor potting mix doesn't have as much peat and fibre as outdoor mix so it doesn't retain as much water - perfect for inside conditions.

Once you've got everything ready, simply dig a little hole in the potting mix and plant your seedling. A 40cm (diameter) size terracotta pot will fit roughly five polyanthus plants inside it.

Put your pot in a sunny spot and in around four to six weeks your seedlings will start to flower.

If you do decide to give the pot as a gift, remind the recipient to deadhead the flowers.

Removing the dead flowers on this type of plant is important because it prevents them developing a fungus, which will affect the rest of the plant.

Not sure how often to water it? Check the soil with your finger. If it feels dry water it. If it doesn't, don't.

Lastly, don't forget to tie a ribbon around your gift!