Published: May 05, 2008 11:22 am            

The genesis of garden flowers for Mother’s Day then and now

Scientist tells us that on our earth 114 million years ago, just after sunrise, the first flower appeared to receive the rays of the sun. They tell us it probably did not survive very long because of the environment. But it was there just the same and that’s what is important.

Prior to that time there was vegetation but no flowers. We don’t know what the flower looked like but it must have been impressive. Maybe not because of its size but because of its uniqueness. Nothing similar had ever been seen before.

Scientists go on to speculate that sometime later when the first human encountered a flower they inspected it because of its beauty. But unfortunately it had insufficient taste and nourishment value. It was just pleasing to look at and wonder about.

I’m sure that later on our ancestors found a correlation between blooms and fruit. As I walk around my yard I admire the smallish white blooms on my blackberry vines but I am more appreciative of the eventual fruit they will produce. I think our ancestors discovered this connection and reveled in the anticipation of things to come when they found these blooms.

I also appreciate the inedible blossoms that decorate our yard. The daffodils were great but they’re gone. The coral honeysuckle is not as showy as I would like but it is in bloom. I think the partly shady location is the problem. And the Iris or flags are fantastic and at their maximum bloom for this year. I have a Grandiflora Rose called “Arizona” which is a fantastic coppery orange with salmon red toward the edges and yellow in the middle.

I also have a red climbing rose that my mother gave to me which is just now coming into a radiant display. Speaking of mothers, their day is coming upon us and perhaps a visit to the garden center would be in order for a gift. My wife has already put out a hint for yard plants as in hot pink azaleas. I think it’s a strong likelihood if we can find the right plants.

She has recently become interested in our yard and the possibly of new plants in the landscape. Last week I drove into the driveway and discovered pots of four knockout roses, three burning bushes and one purple sand cherry. She also asked me about photinias to finish out our view-shielding hedge in the back yard. They’re all good choices.

I have this visual that keeps playing in my head. I see this ancient male ancestor of ours bending down to pick one of the newly discovered flowers to offer to his mother, or perhaps to offer to the mother of his children. Maybe that was the first Mother’s Day. If you’re fortunate to have a mother to honor, why don’t you continue the tradition from long ago and offer them a flower for this Mother’s Day.

Editor’s note: Phil Beatty is a special correspondent for the McAlester News-Capital and Democrat. Contact him at phil_beatty@yahoo.com.

        

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