Are you looking for some gardening inspiration for Mother’s Day? I’ll take you on a tour to see what’s blooming in my cottage garden, share some ideas on how to make Mother’s Day even more special with flowers and plants, and show you some great garden-inspired gift options I found this year.
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Mother’s Day is the day when everything changes for a gardener like me. Our average last frost date was April 18th, but I really don’t breathe easy until Mother’s Day has come. And I especially don’t plant my tomato and pepper plants in the garden until then.
Mother’s Day is just the beginning of my favorite time of year. The garden is finally coming to life.
I’m joining several talented bloggers today for a MOTHER’S DAY IN THE GARDEN blog hop, hosted by my sweet friend Cecilia at My Thrift Store Addiction. Make sure to hop on over to each of the inspirational blog posts by clicking on their links at the end of this post.
If you’re coming over from CoCo at the Crowned Goat, welcome! How fun was it to learn how to make a lavender hand scrub? I am definitely trying that. CoCo always has the best ideas.
The Cottage Garden in Full Bloom
My cottage garden will be filled with blooms just in time for Mother’s Day… from this pink Montana Rubens clematis covering the arbor to the many rhododendrons and azaleas throughout the yard.
The Tulips are in Full Bloom
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 variety is called “Charming Beauty” and is a cross between an egg-yolk yellow and peach, and opens to a ruffled double bloom that resembles a garden rose or peony.
This “Renown Unique” tulip has full, peony-shaped, watermelon pink flowers that have yellow anthers rather than the usual black.
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 point that bend like a court jester’s hat.
Like a vibrant pink teacup from Alice in Wonderland, the “Santander” tulip starts in the bud stage as peach-blush. As the fringe edged petals open and turn cotton candy pink, they reveal a blue throat and black anthers.
Mother’s Day Brunch
We’ve been lucky enough to enjoy several sunny Mother’s Days out on the deck overlooking the Puget Sound and the garden. The timing is perfect for lilacs, which are in full bloom around the first past of May for us here in the Pacific Northwest, gardening zone 8B.
I used a vintage quilt as the tablecloth and vintage china for our Mother’s Day garden tablescape last year.
I always smile when I see these pictures because the lilacs made it through brunch, but as soon as we were clearing the table they started wilting like crazy!
Ideas for Mother’s Day in the Garden
There are so many different ways each of us will spend Mother’s Day. Some will spend the day with their mother or children. Some will celebrate virtually. And others will honor the loved ones that aren’t with us anymore.
My daughter, Katie, passed away almost 3 years ago. I honor her every Mother’s Day by planting something special in the garden.
Some of My Favorite Flowers to Plant for Mother’s Day
- Lilacs
- Lilies
- Roses – Did you know that pink roses symbolize appreciation and gratitude?
- Azaleas
Create a Special Garden Together
Design a garden bed in your mom’s garden with her favorite plants. If she has more limited space, create a container or window box of flowers. You could have your children do this for YOU as well!
Here’s a fun idea! Plant an elevated herb garden. This one is from Hammacher Schlemmer. Here are some more options.
SHOP THIS LOOK
Containers and hanging planters are also a fun thing to work on together.
A Gift From the Garden
It always feels so good to give a gift from the heart that has meaning and lots of love. Here are a few Mother’s Day gift ideas from the garden.
Share Your Divided Perennials with Your Mom
The timing couldn’t be better…if you’re going to be dividing your perennials this spring, put some aside for your mom and plant them in her garden. Some small primroses like these could even be planted in a sweet little basket or pot if she doesn’t have much garden space. It will mean so much more to her knowing they came from your garden.
Create a Flower Arrangement from Your Garden
Who doesn’t love a flower arrangement? Cut some fresh flowers from your garden and put them in a vintage vessel.
Make a Hanging Basket
It’s so easy to make hanging baskets of flowers and you will pay so much less if you create one yourself. It could be me, but I swear the prices always go up right around Mother’s Day.
Seedlings You’ve Grown
Plant some of your annual flower seedlings in your mom’s garden or a container. This will give her the gift of having fresh flowers to cut throughout the summer.
Garden Inspired Gift Ideas for Mom
Go to my blog post, Mother’s Day gift ideas, to see more of my favorite gift options.
Mother’s Day in the Garden Blog Hop
Now it’s time to hop on over to my friend Shelley at Calypso in the Country where I know you will enjoy her Mother’s Day table setting. The other bloggers are listed below and you will be able to visit each of them by clicking on their name. Enjoy!
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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Let’s Connect on Social Media
- Follow me @shiplapandshells on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook
- Join my Facebook Gardening Tips & Tricks Group!
Kim,
First let me say how truly sorry I am about losing that sweet baby at 3. You are so brave to be able to speak about the lose. You are honoring her memory in the best sweetest way.
I could look at your garden all day. Sitting and seeing all this beauty must be amazing. How I miss gardening. But big deal I make our deck our Garden room. Your tulips are stunning and the Peony tulips are so pretty.
I can’t wait to have warmer days and begin planting.
Cindy
Thank you, Cindy. I appreciate your kind words. I actually lost her 3 years ago when she was 26, so I was able to have many years with her. This is the first year I’ve been able to share it with others. I love that you make your deck the garden room! So happy to be hopping with you today.
Kim, love your great ideas for a Happy Mother’s Day!
Your garden is such an inspiration. I planted two lilacs last year and I can’t wait to have blooms like those on your table. I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter. A garden tribute is a beautiful way to commemorate her.
Thank you so much Marie. I appreciate your kindness. I actually “borrowed” the lilacs from my neighbor. My 3 shrubs are still a long way from blooms like this.
Kim, your garden is gorgeous and I am smitten wirh your lovely brunch table! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you so much Cecilia and thank you for hosting this wonderful and inspiring blog hop sweet friend.
One of my favorite places in all of blog land, Kim, love your garden so much! It always seems really peaceful and relaxing. I could sit at your beautiful lilac table and talk for hours. Thank you for reminding us we can still find special ways to honor our loved ones no matter what the season. Big hugs, CoCo
You always have that special ability to make me smile CoCo. Thank you so much for the kind words and I have a feeling that we would talk for hours if given the opportunity! Hugs back sweet friend.
Kim!!
Your garden!!!! I love it!! Mine is literally empty right now! But we are getting them! It’s supposed to be warm this week!!! haha I love you elevation herb garden! I’ve been thinking about building one for the porch…maybe I’ll do it this year!!!
Thank you, Aliya. I definitely think you should take the time to build an herb garden! I’m looking forward to seeing your garden once it’s in full bloom. Thanks for visiting!
Kim, I am so sorry you lost your daughter. I hope your space in the garden brings you some peace. As always, your stunning flowers and gardens inspire me. You are surrounded by so much beauty. And I love your lilac themed table as well – gorgeous! Great to hop with you again!
Shelley
Thank you for the kind words, Shelley. The garden really does take me away, I get lost in it. I’m so happy that I got into gardening when we moved here. I don’t know how it happened but now I’m obsessed…in a good way.
Love every glimpse of your gorgeous gardens, Kim. Those peony tulips are amazing! I need to keep the gardening mojo going long enough in the fall to get some Spring bulb flowers planted; I always peter out:( I am so sorry to hear about your huge loss; I had no idea. Whenever I get frustrated with my big kiddos that are still home, I remember to cherish every moment I have with them. You just never know. Planting flowers and plants as a memorial in your garden is perfect. Love hopping with you!
Thank you, Lora. Hugs to you and thank you for the kind words. I am LOVING the tulips that look like peonies. I am going to get so many more this fall. Yes, I know you will cherish every single moment with your kids. It’s so important. Always love hopping with you all well.
I just love looking at photos of your garden. It makes me want to get out and enjoy my own but it’s a bit cold. I especially love those santander tulips – they are so beautiful.
What a lovely post full! Tulips are my favorite flowers and I love all the varieties you have any your garden. Your flower arrangements are stunning too. How sweet to plant something new in your daughter’s memory!
I hope you have a beautiful Mother’s Day with your garden bursting forth in bloom!
Kim,
I loved this post and especially seeing that sweet photo of you and your daughter. I’m so sorry for your loss and I know Mother’s Day is a hard time for you. I’d love to share this post on my Sunday’s Dirt Road Adventures.
So gorgeous and that greenstar tulip is striking!
I only found your blog just a little while back. Just fell in love with your home your declaratiing style and that wonderful green house and that breath taking view. So I was excited to say the least when I signed up to get your blog.
My heart skipped a beat when I read the words that you had lost your daughter. I know your pain. I lost my husband seven years ago. The pain never leaves but with each day the Lord helps us and we do smile again knowing we will see our loved ones again in Heaven….where they are waiting on us. Have a beautiful day and a beautiful Mothers Day
I’m in awe of your garden friend (and that lovely view). I can’t wait to see it all as it grows.
Kim, visiting your garden is always a treat. When I visited WA, I saw a peach colored peony tulip for the first time, in the market place. I’ve been wanting to plant some ever since. Maybe this is the year!
I would love it if you shared this post at my new Friday With Friends Link Party. The next party starts this Friday at 8am MT.
Happy mom’s day to you 🙂
RR