{05.06.14} Space

Exactly one hundred years ago, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day in the United States. Back in those days, the gift most mothers would have received was a simple bouquet of flowers. It's an easy and effective symbol of your appreciation and affection and it sure beats the random overly-marketed gifts on store shelves (and filling gift guides this time of year). Your mom probably doesn't need another tea pot, book of quotations or a pair of shoes from her son. But she'd love to know you're thinking about her and after all, when was the last time she received some beautiful flowers? "Moms and grandmothers respond to scale," says florist Brent Wang, who suggests opting for fuller blooms like peonies or a potted plant like hydrangeas or succulents that will last her all spring.