Mother Is a Gardener

By Pat Graham and Joan Ashton

Instructions

As you read poem, identify flowers.
Center and glue poem picture on colored paper. Punch two holes through paper at top and thread ribbon or piece of yarn to make hanger. Tie bow in front.
Print “Happy Mother’s Day” and your name on back.
Present poem with bouquet (see page 33) to your mother or grandmother for Mother’s Day.

My mother has a garden that she waters every day.
Sometimes she picks the flowers and makes a bright bouquet.
She says the flowers remind her of things that children do—
So come into the garden, and I’ll explain to you.

She says I’m like a daisy,
a golden ray of sun,
Or like a happy marigold,
always full of fun.

Here’s a lacy lilac;
it scatters sweet perfume.
And here’s a yellow daffodil
to brighten up a room.

I’m like a carefree dandelion
growing wild and free.
And I am like a hollyhock,
as tall as I can be.

Here’s a strong snapdragon,
as big and brave as Dad.
And here’s a small, sweet violet
trying to be glad.

I’m like a quiet crocus
with promise for the spring.
I’m a purple pansy
that makes you want to sing.

If I am like a flower, then surely you must know
That mother is the gardener, for she helps me to grow!
She cultivates and nurtures and enriches patiently.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for creating her for me.

Sharing Time Ideas

To use this poem for a program:

Assign children to memorize parts. Use fourteen children or combine parts. Children could hold paper flower like the one they are speaking about (see page 33).
Add appropriate songs at beginning and end or inserted between verses. For example: “I Often Go Walking” (Sing With Me, D-15), “Little Purple Pansies” (Sing With Me, G-21), “Love Is Spoken Here” (Ensign, March 1981, page 50), “Mother, Tell Me the Story” (see page 46).

Illustrated by Julie F. Young