As Mother's Day approaches, I find myself looking back at countless memories I've shared with my mom, particularly in our garden. For as long as I can remember, her passion for gardening has been the cornerstone of our family's home, filling it with vibrant colours, soothing fragrances, and an undeniable sense of tranquillity. Her flowers decorated our house and her fruits and vegetables were used in countless recipes. I still call her today for some special mom recipes and gardening tricks.

Mom's love for gardening and cooking goes beyond a hobby; it's a way of life and she passed it on to all of us. From the beautiful rose bushes, and her lovely put-together containers to her thriving tomato plants, every corner of her garden tells a story of enjoyment, dedication, patience, and love. Each plant is nurtured with care, mirroring the nurturing spirit she extends to her family and friends. I can see it in her health and spirit how much her love for nature and gardening helped her to be the fit and beautiful positive person that she is. She is a true role model for me. Always positive, never complains, full of gratitude and kindness.

One of my fondest memories is of us spending hours in the garden together. I would watch her in awe as she effortlessly transformed a few flowers into lovely floral displays. She taught me so much about caring and sharing and the gratitude and importance of being WITH Mother Nature. She is the reason I became a florist and feel so connected to plants and nature.

But Mom's garden is more than just a beautiful place; it's a sanctuary, a place where she finds peace and joy amidst life's inevitable ups and downs. Whether she's tending to her plants or simply sitting on her patio between her flower-loaded containers, soaking in the serenity of nature, her garden serves as a peaceful place for all of us to relax and connect.

As Mother's Day approaches, I am reminded not only of the countless hours of joy and laughter we've shared in her garden but also of the invaluable lessons she taught us through her love of gardening. From the importance of patience and perseverance to the beauty of finding joy in life's simple pleasures, Mom's garden has been a classroom unlike any other.

This Mother's Day, as we honour the incredible women who have shaped our lives, I can think of no better way to celebrate my mom than by spending time together in her beloved garden, surrounded by the beauty she has cultivated with her own two hands. Obviously, she showed how much she loves flowers so I will definitely give her some nice rose bushes for her garden ... maybe some hemerocallis or hosta and ferns for her shade garden and some cut flowers to enjoy. If you are unsure what to give your mom as she might be very specific in taste and available space, why don't you give her a gift certificate from Botanus so she can choose what she likes?

So here's to all the beautiful moms out there! May they be celebrated with love and appreciation. They are our true heroes.