The Forever Mother’s Day Garden

Almost every Mother’s day I am rewarded with breakfast in bed and freshly squeezed juice to enjoy.  I have received hand-made pottery, candles, purses, and artwork.

Sometimes I will get home-made cards, and exquisite flowers.

Having two grown-up kids and two teenagers, I have experienced many fantastic Mother’s Days.

The kids (unsurprisingly) know the kinds of things that bring me joy. It’s the thought. The effort. The creativity they use. It is so special to me that it brings about a tear to my eye.

When I was in one of the gardens weeding today, I became conscious of something pretty awesome.

At least 75% of my plants were given to me on or around Mothers Day! I even have a garden ornament that my oldest son made for me in welding class when he was just a freshman in high school. It means the world to me, especially since he will not be with me this year.

They are a living representation and demonstration of sorts.

Like a family there is much growth over the years. Sometimes dividing and pruning are necessary to maintain a healthy plant and share what you cherish and hold dear with others.

They are nurtured and protected as much as possible, but sometimes nature must take it’s course. Ultimately the plants come back to greet me and make me smile once again, usually stronger and even more beautiful.

There is also a few reminders of the mothers in my life gracing my garden.

There is a lovely pair of stone pots that I bought with a gift certificate from my mother years ago. The pots lie empty right now, still undecided about what to plant in them.

Although we are distant, I will soon be reminded (when the pots are full and in bloom), that where there is a seed planted and nourishment given, the plant will unavoidably become sturdy and charming as if it belonged all along.

There is also a gorgeous heirloom rose. This rose is directly taken from a parent rose that has been in my mother-in-laws life for 40+ years. I love seeing the old-fashioned beauty and simplicity of that pastel pink rose.

My gardens have many plants and items from my husband, my father, relatives, neighbors, and friends new and old alike.

I know many mothers will be out in their gardens today. Enjoy every second of it!

My Mother Kept a Garden

My Mother kept a garden,
a garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
that gave my life its start.

She turned me to the sunshine
and encouraged me to dream,
Fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem…

And when the winds and rain came,
she protected me enough
But not too much because she knew
I’d need to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example
always taught me right from wrong-
Markers for my pathway
that will last a lifetime long.

I am my Mother’s garden.
I am her legacy-
And I hope today she feels the love
reflected back from me

~Author unknown~