The Avid Gardener: Celebrate a Green Mother’s Day

With Earth Day recently passed and Mother’s Day just around the corner, why not combine the two celebrations by presenting eco-friendly gifts for the indispensable women in your life?

Here are some ideas.

Start by cleaning up an existing garden or planting a new spring one for your mother. Get your hands in the dirt by clearing away excess brush, cleaning out rain barrels and removing standing water, raking leaves and cutting back perennials.

Gear up for the new growing season by transplanting seedlings, setting up irrigation systems, mulching, building raised beds, filling containers with annuals and sharpening tools. These are all great ways to help.

Working outside can work up an appetite for a delicious locally sourced brunch. Shop around ahead of time and provide a lovely holiday meal using ingredients from farms in Centre County.

There’s nothing better than a homemade Belgian waffle with some strawberry jam complete with a refreshing ginger shrub cocktail. And don’t forget the local cheeses and meats.

Is she a fan of indoor gardening rather than outdoor? Does she already have houseplants?

You can add to her “jungle” by purchasing one or two plants for which she’s been asking. Easy care picks include various types of sansiverias, succulents or the indomitable spider or philodendron plant. Present each in a pretty pot complete with both Latin and common names as well as general care.

Numerous local plant sales are great places to look for winning house plants along with free growing advice.

There are many sales returning in May, including two big ones: the native plant sale at the Boal Estate grounds today (May 7), as well as the Master Gardener Plant Sale on May 21 at Penn State Ag Progress Days Site.

Another great way to honor all outdoor loving moms is to plant a tree in her memory or honor. Trees, just like mothers, quietly improve the life around us.

This column appears in the May 5-11 edition of The Centre County Gazette.