Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13! Have you ever wondered about the origin of this national holiday?

The earliest Mother's Day celebrations we know of were ancient Greek spring celebrations in honor of Rhea, the mother of the gods. But those were in honor of one particular mother. England's "Mothering Sunday," begun in the 1600's, is closer to what we think of as "Mother's Day." Celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent, "Mothering Sunday" honored the mothers of England.

Here in the United States, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker, organized a special day to increase awareness of poor health conditions in her community. She believed that this cause would be supported most by mothers, and she called this "Mother's Work Day."

In 1907 her daughter Anna M. Jarvis, a schoolteacher from Philadelphia, initiated a movement to formalize a special day to celebrate mothers and was successful, with the help of legislators and businessmen. The first Mother's Day celebration was at her church and the white carnation, her mother's favorite flower, became the flower representing Mother's Day. By 1914, President Wilson formally made the second Sunday in May the national day to honor mothers.

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS:

Having trouble thinking of a gift? Why not do something a little different for Mother's Day? Instead of giving her a bouquet of roses or carnations, plant her a rose or flower garden! If she already has a has one—add to it! If she lives in an apartment, consider a container garden.

Why give one bouquet that will soon fade away, when you can give years of pleasure from living flowers instead?

If children are looking for gifts for a gardening mother, why not let the them put together a gardening basket for her? Perhaps some small pots and plant stakes, some clippers and gloves. They'll have fun picking things out and she'll have fun using them.

Turn to ‘M’ in Trees and Shrubs (an illustrated a-z of 8500 plants) and before any other listing you will see a two-page full color enlarged photograph of one gorgeous, creamy white Southern Magnolia flower cupped gently and safely above thick dark green glossy foliage. Beholding this picture says it all for the magnolia and demonstrates how this one in particular boldly represents the genus.

There are many, many species and cultivars of magnolia (hundreds). This tree (and sometimes shrub) originated both in North America and also throughout Asia. Having said that, it is obvious that there will be a species or cultivar available for your climate zone. There are both deciduous species (lose their foliage for a short time during the dormant season) and evergreen species, which as the word implies, never lose their foliage.

The magnolia genus is an ancient one. We admire the beauty of its flower but this same flower carries with it an interesting history. Its flowers are considered to be “primitive” in the flowering plant world (angiosperms). Apparently because it evolved long, long before bees, the flowers evolved to be pollinated by beetles. To ensure pollination, the flower structure remained simple, not complex. In the center of whorled, large petals stand numerous tall pollen-coated anthers. Any nectar-seeking insect, such as the early beetles, accomplished the necessary pollination for this genus.

There are also deciduous species of magnolia, which are quite well represented. The Saucer Magnolia or Tulip Magnolia (M. soulangeana) comes to mind. The flowers are borne on the branches in spring first, before the foliage. There are several cultivars available, offering a variety of flower colors from white to pink-purple petals to rosy pink. Another favorite among the deciduous magnolias is the Star Magnolia. Clusters of fragrant white star-shaped flowers will abundantly bloom before the foliage reemerges each spring.

Fall and spring are both good times for planting a magnolia. Remember to consider the ultimate size of the variety that you select when deciding where to place this newcomer in your garden. Magnolias need full sun. If placed into too much shade, the tree may grow to be too leggy, while lack of sun might limit the degree of flowering. Dig a hole at least twice the size of the ball of the new tree, and mix your native soil at least 50-50 with planting mix. Water regularly, but do not over-water. Once established, the water can be reduced. In the spring, feed with , which is an excellent general-purpose fertilizer.

No garden should be without this wonderful tree. Standing alone, boldly displaying its flowers or tucked in with the camellia, azalea, Chinese fringe (Loropetalum), and rhododendrons, the Magnificent Magnolia is a must-have for everyone!

• For eventual use as fertilizer and mulch, make your own compost pile for recycling dead plant material, including that from your kitchen. (Do not use material from diseased or pest-infested plants.)
• Use natural fertilizers instead of ones made of manufactured chemicals.
• Instead of using chemicals to defend your plants, use other gardening techniques to prevent your plant from getting diseases or pests. Ask us for organic tips to keep your plants growing healthy.
• Instead of using weed killer, use a weed-pulling tool to pull the weeds. Use thick mulch to help keep weeds down.