From Carnations to Cut Flowers: The History of Mother’s Day and Its Deep-Rooted Connection to Plants Windswept Flower Farm

Mother’s Day has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One minute you’re knee-deep in seed trays and spring planting plans, and the next you’re frantically wondering, “Do I have time to grab a gift that isn’t just a last-minute grocery store bouquet?”

But here’s the beautiful thing—flowers and plants aren’t just a convenient gift for Mother’s Day. They’re actually woven into the very origin of the holiday itself.

That’s right. Long before Mother’s Day became a brunch reservation and greeting card frenzy, it was deeply tied to flowers, symbolism, and a woman with a very specific vision… that, ironically, she later tried to stop.

Let’s dig into the roots (pun fully intended) of Mother’s Day, how it became a floral celebration, and why giving plants or flowers might just be the most meaningful—and sustainable—way to honor the mothers and mother figures in our lives.

The Origins of Mother’s Day: More Than Just a Holiday

Mother’s Day as we know it began in the early 1900s, thanks to a woman named Anna Jarvis.

After her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, passed away in 1905, Anna wanted to create a day to honor the sacrifices mothers made for their families. Her mother had been a community organizer who promoted public health and peace—so this wasn’t about fluff and fanfare. It was about deep respect and gratitude.

In 1908, Anna organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration in West Virginia where she handed out 500 white carnations.

The Carnation Connection: Why Flowers Became the Symbol

The white carnation wasn’t chosen randomly.

Anna Jarvis selected it because it was her mother’s favorite flower—and because she believed it symbolized:

Purity
Faithfulness
Enduring love

She even went as far as to say that the carnation “does not drop its petals, but hugs them to its heart as it dies,” making it a perfect representation of a mother’s love.

Over time, the symbolism expanded:

White carnations honored mothers who had passed
Pink or red carnations celebrated mothers who were still living

And just like that, flowers became permanently tied to Mother’s Day.

The Irony: The Founder Hated What It Became

Now here’s a twist that most people don’t know:

Anna Jarvis eventually despised what Mother’s Day turned into.

As the holiday gained popularity, big businesses jumped in—especially box store florists and greeting card companies. Prices rose, commercialization exploded, and the day shifted from a heartfelt tribute to… well, a bit of a marketing frenzy.

Anna actually spent much of her later life campaigning against Mother’s Day, even organizing boycotts and filing lawsuits to try and stop it.

So yes—the woman who started Mother’s Day hated the flower industry’s involvement in it.

But here’s the nuance: she didn’t hate flowers themselves. She hated the commercialization of sentiment.

Which brings us back to modern-day—especially for those of us growing our own gardens or running small farms.

Bringing It Back to the Roots: Meaningful, Homegrown Gifts

If Anna Jarvis walked into your garden today and saw you growing your own flowers to give to your mom, grandmother, or chosen family?

She’d probably approve.

Because the spirit of Mother’s Day was always meant to be:

Personal
Thoughtful
Rooted in care and intention

And what’s more intentional and symbolic than something you’ve lovingly nurtured yourself?

Shifting Back To Mindful, Intentional Gestures

In today’s world—where sustainability, organic practices, and mindful living are becoming more important—plants and flowers are more than just pretty gifts.

They’re symbolic. They’re regenerative. They’re alive.

Here’s why they will always be a true gift of love:

1. They Represent Growth and Nurturing
Much like motherhood itself, plants require patience, care, and attention. Giving a plant is like saying, “I see the way you nurture life.”

2. They’re Sustainable (When Grown Right)
Locally grown, organic flowers or plants have a much lower environmental impact than imported bouquets flown in from across the globe.

3. They Keep Giving
Unlike cut flowers that fade, potted plants, herbs, or perennials continue to grow—just like your appreciation.

4. They Connect Us to Nature
And let’s be honest—most moms could use a little more time outside with a cup of tea and fewer interruptions.

Best Plants and Flowers to Give for Mother’s Day

If you’re growing your own or sourcing locally, here are a few meaningful and beautiful options:

Peonies

Lush, romantic, and fleeting—these blooms symbolize love, honor, and prosperity.

Herb Plants

Think rosemary (remembrance), lavender (calm), or mint (refreshment). Practical and meaningful.

Roses

Classic, yes—but when grown organically and gifted thoughtfully, they never go out of style.

Daisies

Simple, cheerful, and symbolic of innocence and joy.

Tulips

Represent comfort and warmth—perfect for early spring gifting.

Sunflowers

Bright, bold, and full of positivity—like a warm hug in plant form.

A Micro Farm Twist: Gifting Plants with Purpose

If you’re running a small farm or dreaming of one, Mother’s Day is a beautiful opportunity to connect your values with your offerings.

Instead of generic bouquets, consider:

Hand-tied, seasonal arrangements
Potted edible gardens (herbs, strawberries, greens)
“Cut-your-own bouquet” experiences
Seed kits for future blooms
Native plant starters for pollinator gardens

These gifts don’t just look good—they do good.

They support:

Pollinators
Soil health
Local ecosystems
Sustainable farming practices

And they create a deeper connection between the giver, the receiver, and the land.

The Pollinator Connection: A Gift That Extends Beyond One Day

Here’s something that often gets overlooked:

When you give someone a plant—especially a flowering one—you’re not just gifting them.

You’re also feeding:

Bees
Butterflies
Hummingbirds
Beneficial insects

That potted lavender or native wildflower mix becomes part of a much larger ecosystem.

So in a way, Mother’s Day flowers can become a multi-generational gift—supporting life far beyond a single day of celebration.

A New Tradition: Slow, Intentional Gifting

Maybe this year, instead of rushing out to grab whatever’s left on the shelf, we slow things down a bit.

Maybe we:

Grow something ahead of time
Pick a bouquet from the garden
Share a plant with a story behind it
Or even plant something together

Because at its core, Mother’s Day was never meant to be about perfection or price tags.

It was meant to be about connection.

Back to the Garden

The story of Mother’s Day is a little messy, a little ironic, and surprisingly poetic.

It began with a daughter, a flower, and a desire to honor something deeply meaningful.

Somewhere along the way, it got commercialized—but that doesn’t mean we can’t reclaim it.

As gardeners, growers, and lovers of the natural world, we have a unique opportunity to bring it back to its roots.

So this Mother’s Day, consider skipping the rush and choosing something grown, something living, something intentional.

Because a flower isn’t just a flower.

It’s a story.

And the best ones are the ones we grow ourselves.

Happy Growing!