We all know that almost everyone loves to receive flowers on a special occasion. Of course, Mom on Mothers Day is no exception. Mom would love the gesture almost more than anything - even if she specifically said: "Please, don't buy me any flowers."

So, in our efforts to make a special Mothers Day for Mom - how in our budget do we include, and afford, a nice bunch of flowers to greet her when she awakes?

With times gone by, the once very well know "local florist" has almost become non-existent. If one has been so lucky to keep afloat; most have diversified their business. Some local florists have adopted to selling retail plants, trees and shrubs; similar to a landscape supply business. Others have become the "corner market" who have retail fruits and veggies for sale in addition to their florist business.

In my neck of the woods, we have the "local florist" who has been in business for over 50 years. Most recently, he has expanded his goods to include those of a "big box" garden center, and also has obtained a liquor license to sell wine and beer. Is this what they mean by the "local watering hole"??? He seems to be doing better than any other business in the town!

Most local Big Chain Supermarkets have their own floral center.  While most are self-serve;  there is nothing wrong with that.  With some imagination you could have yourself the prized, and most loved centerpiece for Mothers Day.

My local ShopRite offers pre-bundled flowers of 24 different varieties.  They come in small plastic sleeves, which are displayed in a very neat and shopper friendly fashion.  With a Club Card, each sleeve of flowers are 3 for $10.  A true bargain - a great BIG bunch of flowers to be had for only $10. bucks.

Pick and choose; and bundle them up.  Bring them home without Mom knowing about it and get to work with making a spectacular arrangement for Mothers Day..... It just takes a little work on your end.  Not to fear!

Choose one or two bunches of flowers that Mom likes.  You should, by now, know her preference on flowers, colors, or scent.  Then, the third bunch should be a filler or background piece.  Greens or Baby's Breath work well.  Other fillers such as Wild Grasses, Eucalyptus, Weeping Willow Branches, or even stark tree branches can add to your great display!

Become creative and allow the kids to make their mark.  Allow them to choose a simple glass vase at the dollar store.  Let them choose special ribbon (again, dollar store) and wrap a bow around the vase.

Your children already know how important Mom is, and how important the day will be for her.  Get them involved - this is part of the fun!  Allow them to be crafty, creative, and resourseful (green) and allow them to make a mess.  Children have great ideas and can make great gifts for Mom. 

Some of my favourites:

1.  Recycle old magazines.  Have kids cut out pictures of flowers and paste on a large poster board for a made-at-home Mother's day card.  Let them use crayons and markers to jazz it up and personalize it.

2.  Rely on grass clippings and weeds! - Let your child make a secret garden just for Mom.  An old pie pan will do.  Use rocks or sand collected at the beach for the base.  Use grass clippings and some of those "weeds" (flowers) to make a nice arrangement.  I would keep this outside on the porch for Mom to enjoy.

3.  A painted picture, or personalized finger painted one, is always something that I have loved.  Have children "plan" a special picture just for Mom.  Let them decide the theme and colors involved.  Again, let them make a mess - as it's always much more fun that way.