by Janet Lee Harrold

Is it just a coincidence that we celebrate our mom’s the most beautiful time of the year? In our hurried and jam  packed schedule, am I the only one that remembers to take a moment and breathe in the beauty and many different fragrances of springtime? Over the years Mother’s day has become like most other holidays- commercialized. As a mother, I can promise you that most mother’s are not looking for expensive gifts, fancy dinners or jewelry. What most moms want to do on their special day is to spend quality time with their children, whether her children are young toddlers or grown adults, the most precious gift that you can give to your mom is something that money just can not buy.  If you live local to Cedar Grove Gardens in the Boston area, one of the most expensive places to live, Mother’s Day  doesn’t have to be expensive at all.

If the weather is in our favor, enjoy taking mom for a  walk in the south end, where a few varieties of red dogwood may still be lining the streets,  this is such a short lived season that you really don’t want to miss it. While you are there why not take a walk through the Boston Public Gardens and enjoy the sights and smells of the first public botanical gardens in America. You can expect to see mid season tulips, swan boats, trees of many colors and varieties like the beautiful chartreuse colored weeping willow trees that surround the lagoon and of course Mrs. mallard and her 8 ducklings, in fact if you time it right, you may just catch the beloved tradition that has been going on for more than 30 years “The Duckling Day Parade”  

Maybe you’d rather not travel in town, that’s o.k. instead inhale the perfume in the air of  the Arnold Arboretums “Lilac Sunday”   take the 45 minute tour or browse on your own, the smells are intoxicating and the views are simply breathtaking. In addition they have children’s activities on the Honeywell lawn,  among other activities, children can make a Mother’s Day card and enjoy the many vendors trucks if they get hungry.

I hope that you take the time and enjoy both the beautiful flowers that the springtime has to offer and your Mother’s company on her special day. Keep in mind that Cedar Grove Gardens is always here for you if the commercial route is the way you prefer to go, with flowers that are always fresh, unique gifts that you don’t find in the big lot stores and indoor and outdoor plants that arrive daily.