But ask a florist and in many ways it's business as usual.

"We're absolutely flat out," Simone Collins from Maitland City Florist said this week.

She wasn't kidding. When The Mercury called she twice had to put us on hold while she took an order over the phone.

"I think COVID-19 has us all in a massive spin and in general people are sending out a lot more flowers.

"We're hearing a lot of sad stories from people who say they won't be able to see their mother on Mothers Day for the first time ever."

Simone said with travel restrictions in place the range of flowers available is limited this year.

"We have no roses, for example. Zero," she said. "I've never known that before. Orchids are pretty much out of play too.

Related content: Chrysanthemums, the Mothers day gift that keeps giving

"Occasionally I'll get people blowing up about it - just a couple - but there's not much I can do about it. If we don't have the stock I can't sell it.

"We have tulips from local growers, chrysanthemums of course.

"I think in general we need to look at Australian natives ... they're doing really well. And on the positive side, it's a good opportunity for the local growers to step forward.

"They seemed to have bounced back strongly after the bushfires which is good."

Any colours standing out?

"Pinks and purples, for sure."

Do you have anything different planned for this Mothers Day? Write to us at lowerhunter@austcommunitymedia.com.au