Dear friends & Beautiful Moms, I hope you had a wonderful Mother's day today. After a whole week of rain In the Hudson Valley, the weather was perfect for this Mother’s Day— sunshine warmed the earth, a light breeze rustled the leaves, and carried the sweet smell of lilacs to my open window. A trip to a garden center for flowers and a walk through the woods, made me think about the wild mothers of nature I see each spring... As an artist and wildlife rehabber living deep in the woods, I have a front-row seat to spring’s quiet miracles. I’ve seen songbirds return to the same trees—and, in my case, under my barbecue. What a surprise— Last year the surprise was when I went to plant flowers in the flower box outside my kitchen window. There were no flowers to be planted in the box as there were baby birds under some growing weeds. So in the fall I took down the flower box that a Carolina wren had nested in to freshen it up. But I was too slow to put it back in time this year and, as it turns out, a new surprise when I went to clean out the barbecue. A nest with one tiny tan Carolina Wren egg! No barbecuing this year —at least not until the babies fledge. I will be ready next year with a proper bird house that I making for both of us to be happy. She will have a cozy home to come back to every year and I can have my flowers and barbecue back. After a good cleaning and power washing. Have you ever heard a Carolina Wren song? Many of these wild mothers are caring for their first young, guided by instinct, love, and sheer will. They look like seasoned pros, but I often wonder: do they feel as unsure as I did when I became a mom? I’ll never forget coming home with my first child. She was barely a week old and sleeping so soundly—too soundly. It made me anxious as she in my opinion was too quiet. So, I woke her up just to make sure she was okay. She cried, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Motherhood. It’s a tough job—and one of the most important one to life on this planet. It’s about the spirit of nurturing that runs through all of nature. And moms—every kind—are amazing. Another surprise for Mother’s Day is the beautiful Flower Moon. Tomorrow night, look up: the Flower Moon will rise in full bloom. Named for the explosion of wildflowers that cover the land in May, it’s a celestial celebration of growth, birth, and beauty. I like to think of it as nature’s way of honoring mothers of all kinds. The Flower Moon symbolizes growth, abundance, transformation, and release. It invites us to let go of what no longer serves us—old habits, beliefs, fears—and make room for something new. How fitting that Mother’s Day arrives just before this powerful full moon. Give a Gift That GrowsIf you’re looking for a meaningful, earth-friendly gift for yourself or someone you love, consider planting a container herb garden. It’s one of my favorite gifts to give a gardener or a cook—something small, fragrant, and full of purpose. Here are a few of my favorite companion herbs that are gentle on wildlife and great for repelling pests: 🌿 Basil + MarigoldA natural pairing. Basil repels mosquitoes and aphids, and marigolds deter nematodes. Both attract pollinators. Save the marigold seeds as you deadhead them for next year. 🌿 Thyme + LavenderAromatic and sun-loving, these herbs keep flies and moths at bay. Bees adore them, and a sprig of lavender makes a calming tea or bath. 🌿 Mint (in its own pot!)Mint spreads quickly, so keep it contained. Its strong scent repels ants and mosquitoes and makes a refreshing tea. 🌿 Sage + RosemarySun-loving and resilient, this duo keeps garden pests like cabbage moths away—and they’re delicious roasted with veggies or meat. Quick Tips for Thriving Containers:• Use pots with good drainage and organic soil• Water early in the day• Make sure they get 6+ hours of sunlight• Harvest often to encourage growth Under the Flower MoonOn Monday night, take a moment to step outside and soak in the silver glow of the Flower Moon. I use this moon to pause, reflect, and plant intentions—whether in soil or in spirit. In this season of new beginnings, may we honor not only the mothers we know, but also the unseen nurturers—the ones who carry life in the quiet woods, in treetop nests, and even deep within the garden beds. With muddy boots and gratitude,All my love to you and yours,JoAnne