Ten Tree-speriences for Your Tree-lovin' Mother this Mother's Day
Flowers are just the foreword. Mama wants trees.
We know mothers. They can be quite self-effacing when it comes to their Mother’s Day plans. “Oh, honey, anything where we’re together!” A bit more prodding might result in, “Okay, maybe some flowers, but that’s all!”
Cram it, lady. I heard you remark upon those Cherry Blossoms last month. I saw you pick up that multi-colored maple leaf in October. Woman, you love trees. And trees you will get. Here are ten tree-sperience ideas for your Mother Tree this Mother’s Day:
1. You take Mom to your local garden
I’m sure you already had this one on the “maybe” list, but if Mama is so inclined, allow her to smell the roses then take to find the more interesting fare. Of course, the best local garden in Los Angeles is Huntington Gardens, but I’m sure you know your local spot.
2. You take Mom to the arboretum
If Mama is a taxonomist at heart and loves identifying and exploring trees the world-over in a confined area where they can’t escape her suffocating embrace, take her to your local arboretum, latin for “Tree Zoo”. Again, my local is the fab LA Arboretum, and, again, I’m sure this is already on your list.
3. You take Mom on an Old Tree Hike
Identify an old tree in your area, then take Mama on a drive or short hike to see it, then picnic the shit out of that shit. Mama loves trees, and Mama loves picnics. Smash ‘em together? Oh, mama! For me, this would be anywhere in Angeles National Forest.
4. You present Mom with a copy of Finding the Mother Tree
Dr. Suzanne Simard’s memoir of scientific discovery from 2021 never gets old. Pitch mama thus: “Mom, I think you’ll like this. It’s about a woman who discovers the interconnectedness of earth’s greatest creatures, then brings in the experiences of her life in order to help her explain it to others. Kinda like you.”
5. You take Mom to a native plant nursery, pick out a native tree, then plant it together.
To quote Stefon, this idea has everything: Quality time, ecosystem awareness, fingernail dirt, reminiscences of people and times gone by, and spritzers on the porch afterward. My favorite native plant nursery is the Theodore Payne Foundation and I lean towards a blue oak, but do some quick googling for “native plant nursery” and you’re money.
6. You and Mom take a bonsai class together
A new skill? Mama love. A new skill that involves tiny trees? Mama love more. Again, consult your local google.
7. You frame a leaf from the tree in your childhood home’s backyard
A simple elevation of the common can yield remarkable waterworks.
8. You and Mom do spa day, but make it trees
“Mom, did you know Eucalyptus was originally thought to be a promising lumber material in California in the late 19th century, but then came to overwhelm the state?” “While we’re enjoying the purifying effects of this palo santo and the lack of demons in this sauna, let’s applaud the Ecuadorian government for its reforestation efforts involving this tree.”
9. You take Mom to see the most environmentalist play of the 19th century, “Uncle Vanya”, at Lincoln Center
My guy Anton Chekhov, tree lover. Currently starring Steve Carrell and on until June 2nd. Am I the only one who believes Yelena gets the hots for Astrov by the way he says, “Look, I’m not against cutting wood, but why destroy the forests?”
This mom loves your tree-sperience suggestions!!