Mother’s Day Inspiration in the Cottage Garden

Looking for a little Mother’s Day inspiration in the cottage garden? Come along for a springtime stroll through my garden as I share what’s blooming, some thoughtful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day with flowers and plants, and a few garden-inspired gift ideas I’ve found this season.

For me, Mother’s Day marks a turning point in the garden. Our average last frost date is around April 18th, but I never fully exhale until Mother’s Day has passed. That’s when I know it’s finally safe to plant tomatoes and peppers in the garden, and when everything really begins to take off.

This day always feels like the unofficial start to the best part of the gardening year. The blooms are bursting, the beds are filling in, and the possibilities seem endless.

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The Cottage Garden in Full Bloom

By the time Mother’s Day arrives, my cottage garden is starting to burst with life. Most of the plants are still green and haven’t started blooming yet, but there are a couple of stars!

Rhododendrons

The rhododendrons are in full bloom, with their bold clusters of flowers bringing vibrant color and structure to the garden’s backdrop.

Azaleas

These Pacific Northwest spring favorites are popping the garden with their cheerful, delicate blooms.

Many of the varieties have already come and gone, but this gorgeous purple shade is blooming right now.

Clematis

Clematis vines are putting on a beautiful display, climbing up trellises and arbors with star-shaped blooms that add height and romance to the garden.

This pink Montana Rubens clematis had taken over this arbor in the most beautiful way, welcoming you in with a soft splash of color.

I always show this view, but unfortunately, the entire plant just never came up one year.

The spring-blooming clematis comes in the most gorgeous colors when not much is happening in the garden yet.

The evergreen clematis is a showstopper right now. Its glossy green leaves provide year-round interest, and its fragrant white flowers give you an early spring surprise.

Lilacs

Lilacs are in full bloom, filling the air with their sweet, nostalgic fragrance, while hellebores continue to hold their own from early spring.

Columbine

The columbine are dancing through the garden with their delicate, nodding blooms—each one a whimsical burst of color that feels right at home in a cottage setting.

I bought a few more of these perennial plants for the spring garden, including some cream and purple varieties.

Weigela

The weigela is just starting to bloom. Its arching branches are covered in soft pink flowers, which draw in hummingbirds and add a lovely pop of color to the garden at this time of year.

Hellebores

I can’t believe that my winter-blooming hellebores, or lenten roses, are still going strong.

Their subtle, delicate blooms bring quiet charm and lasting color to the shady corners of the garden.

Late-Blooming Tulips

When I think of the perfect spring flower, I think of a tulip. Here are a few that are in full bloom around the garden.

This tulip is by far my favorite because of how unique it is. The “Greenstar” variety has two layers of alternating petals, the shade of Granny Smith Apples, and white outer edges that point like a court jester’s hat. 

Flower Containers

I’ve also started filling my containers with freshly planted annuals, including petunias, lobelia, and geraniums, which bring instant color to patios and garden pathways.

This is the time of year when everything begins to feel full of promise, and the garden becomes the perfect backdrop for celebrating a day that’s all about love, beauty, and growth.

A Mother’s Day Brunch to Remember

We’ve been lucky to enjoy several sunny Mother’s Days out on the deck, with views of the Puget Sound on one side and the blooming garden on the other. It’s one of my favorite ways to celebrate, surrounded by flowers, fresh air, and family.

Lilacs are usually at their peak right around the first part of May here in the Pacific Northwest (Zone 8B), and they always steal the show.

One year, I set our outdoor table with a vintage quilt for a tablecloth and layered in some favorite pieces of vintage china. It felt like the perfect mix of sentimental and seasonal.

I still laugh when I look back at the pictures from that brunch—the lilacs looked stunning during the meal, but the moment we started clearing the table, they completely wilted!

This is a perfect reminder that flowers, like memories, are fleeting but all the more special because of it.

Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Garden

Mother’s Day looks different for everyone. Some will spend it surrounded by children or visiting with their mom, while others may be celebrating from afar, or honoring the memory of a loved one no longer with them.

For me, Mother’s Day is deeply personal. My daughter, Katie, passed away almost seven years ago, and each year, I honor her by planting something beautiful in the garden. It’s a quiet, meaningful ritual that brings both comfort and connection.

If you’re looking for a way to add a special touch to the day, here are a few garden-inspired ideas to try, whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or simply spending the day soaking in the beauty of spring.

Favorite Flowers to Plant for Mother’s Day

Create a Special Garden Together

Design a flower bed in your mom’s garden using her favorite blooms, or plant a container garden if space is limited. This is a wonderful way to spend quality time together and create lasting memories.

You could also have your children create a planter or window box for you—a gift that grows over time.

Want something more practical? Try planting an elevated herb garden, or get creative with hanging baskets and colorful pots for the porch or patio.

A Gift From the Garden

There’s something incredibly special about giving a gift that comes straight from the heart and the garden. These thoughtful, handmade ideas are meaningful and a beautiful way to share the joy of gardening with someone you love.

Share Your Divided Perennials

If you’re dividing your perennials this spring, why not set a few aside for your mom?

Transplant them into her garden or tuck a few small primroses into a charming basket or vintage pot if she’s short on space.

There’s something so touching about receiving a plant that’s been growing in a loved one’s garden—it becomes a lasting reminder of that connection.

Create a Garden-Fresh Flower Arrangement

Fresh-cut flowers never go out of style. Gather a handful of blooms from your own garden and arrange them in a vintage pitcher, mason jar, or other unique vessel. It’s a simple gesture, but one that always feels extra special.

Make a Hanging Basket

Hanging baskets are surprisingly easy (and fun) to put together yourself, and they’re often much more affordable than pre-made ones.

Around Mother’s Day, prices always seem to spike, so creating your own not only saves money but also allows you to customize it with your mom’s favorite colors and plants.

Gift Her Some Seedlings

If you’ve been growing annuals from seed, plant a few flower seedlings in containers or directly in your mom’s garden. Not only will she enjoy watching them grow, but she’ll also have fresh flowers to snip and enjoy all summer long.

Final Thoughts on Mother’s Day from the Cottage Garden

Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones, remembering someone dear, or simply soaking in the beauty of the garden, Mother’s Day is a time to pause and appreciate the moments that matter most.

For gardeners, it often marks the true beginning of the season—a fresh start filled with blooms, sunshine, and endless possibilities.

I hope this little tour through my cottage garden has given you a few ideas and a bit of inspiration to make your own Mother’s Day special. However you choose to spend it, may your day be filled with love, memories, and of course… flowers.

Until next time,

Happy Mother’s Day!

More Garden Inspiration for Mother’s Day

My Thrift Store Addiction | The Crowned Goat | Shiplap and Shells | Calypso in the Country | Open Doors Open Hearts | Follow the Yellow Brick Home | Cloches and Lavender | Lora B. Create & Ponder 

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