We started a Mother’s Day tradition a few years ago, even though we didn’t even know we were doing it at the time. It was fairly simple, but it has blossomed into something so wonderful. One Mother’s Day, my husband and his mom decided to bring home lots of different flowers to plant in pots and planters for the front of our house. There are two things I am definitely not good at: cooking and gardening, so I was surprised at how much fun this was.
Planting and arranging
We started planting and arranging right away. The arranging was the most fun for me, because I love organizing. We then used potting soil and started planting. My mother-in-law instructed me on where the flowers should be located (sun or no sun) and how many times a week they would need to be watered. I was shocked that it was a success. Those flowers made it until the end of summer and into early fall. My son, Jonah, is a lot like me; he hates getting dirt under his nails. He always has gloves on and loves to arrange the flowers with the different colors. Brooklyn is the complete opposite. She enjoys digging up the dirt and finding worms. Even our tortoise, Isha, joins in for a family planting session. If it’s nice, she hangs out in the grass while we are gardening. Grandma Judy is the expert gardener, who plants tomatoes and many other vegetables each year in her own garden.
A new tradition
Now, planting with my kids is kind of a tradition. Instead of buying me things for Mother’s Day, my husband and the kids will go out and pick out some flowers to plant. They will come home and we will all plant them all together. The little two (11-years-old and 4-years-old) will help me water and care for them all summer. We usually go out for dinner after washing up from planting flowers. It’s mostly low-key and simple, and that’s exactly what we love about it.
Making memories
Gardening does not come easy to me. I have to plant annuals and work really hard to keep them alive for about four months. We usually plant the pretty flowers-pansies, daisies, hibiscus in many different areas to make the front of the house look nice. My mother-in-law guides us to where we should plant the flowers, depending on if it needs more or less sun. She is also good at helping me get the right amount of potting soil and the “food” for the plants to grow and stay healthy. As long as they are visible to me each day, I will likely remember to water them or beg my children to do so. It is truly a struggle for me, but I love planting them with my children. I believe that one day, it might be a fond memory for them!
Maybe I’m getting old, but as I reflect on holidays and traditions, this has become a favorite. After all, those who plant a garden believe in a promise of tomorrow. Life is short, so everyone should truly enjoy small traditions within your own families. If you don’t have one that has been passed down, there is no time like the present to start your own unique tradition. No matter how small, they will be big memories for someone tomorrow.
What are your Mother’s Day traditions?
