Mother's Day

Pack a Picnic, Pick some Flowers, Give a Garden

This year, give your Mom the things Moms want most.  Give her the gift of your time.    A perfect picnic takes very little planning and is a cinch for Dad and kids to put together. 

Plan a simple menu that the kids can participate in preparing.

My husband and kids are planning to pack Rhubarb and Granola Muffins along with Greek Orzo Salad.  The kids are taking care of the fresh snacks of Fruit Kebobs, Cheese and Apples and Peppers with Hummus.  My kids are always so happy to be part of the planning and preparation. 

Put together some fun and games.

Make sure that Mom has some time to put her feet up.  A little relaxation and pampering should also be on the menu.  This is not her day to run after the kids or have to keep them entertained.  Pack a few balls, a Frisbee, shovels and pails, toy cars and butterfly nets.  Extra points for bringing along a copy of Mom’s favourite book or magazine! 

Pick your destination.

Looking for a shady forest area, a beach or a park? There are so many great spots so close at hand.  My favourites are:

• Watson’s Mill in Manotick
• Rideau Falls
• Pink Lake in Gatineau Park
• The NCC Arboretum
• Jock River Landing in Barrhaven
• Long Island Locks in Riverside South
• Rockcliffe Park
• Petrie Island in Orleans

 Pick some Flowers

It would not be Mother’s Day without the perfect bouquet of flowers or a plant for Mom.  We always chose Ontario-grown cut flowers and potted plants. So much agriculture is done here in Ontario and flowers are just one product of many that we can be proud to say are grown locally.  This Mother’s Day and for any other special occasion, pick Ontario grown. 

Give her a Planting Box

With the May long weekend just around the corner, many Moms are anxious to get out into their gardens.  I think that a beautiful box of seeds and plants make a wonderful gift.  Find a pretty box, something recycled works for me, and have the kids decorate it.  Stop in at your local nursery and pick up all of the supplies Mom will need to get her garden growing.  I always like to put in a new pair of gloves, the latest little gadget, a few tomatoes plants and a new hat.  

Happy Mother's Day.