Though I know you already have the date circled on your calendar (right?!), Mother’s Day is right around the corner on Sunday, May 13. Now is the time to think about that perfect gift for the moms, grandmas, sisters, wives and other Queen Bees in your life who balance a buzzing household, killer career and endless to-do lists, all while staying as sweet as honey.

While flowers may seem like an easy out for a quick gift, as a mother myself, I can say that I do love how flowers brighten up our home and garden, particularly during the spring. And, by gifting mom with a few varieties to plant in her garden, you can support the other leading ladies in everyone’s life – honey bees!

Honey bees and other pollinators need diverse, abundant forage to stay healthy. By planting pollinator-attractant seeds and plants in your garden, you can help pollinators and brighten mom’s day. Read on to learn about some of my favorite plants to help #FeedABee here in North Carolina, and visit pollinator.org to identify the ideal native varieties for your region.

1. American Holly

If mom loves trees in the yard, consider gifting an American Holly, which blooms a beautiful white flower in the spring.

2. Eastern Bluestar

Blooming a cool blue, eastern bluestars attract butterflies, hummingbirds, carpenter bees and moths.

3. Sunflowers

Blooming insummer, sunflowers are guaranteed to brighten anyone’s day, especially if you’re a bee or a butterfly.

4. Climbing Hydrangeas

If mom prefers vines, consider getting her a climbing hydrangea, which blooms May-June and attracts butterflies.

5. Sage or Thyme

Round out mom’s herb garden with a great-smelling plant that humans and pollinators love!

Good luck selecting the perfect gift that gives back, and happy Mother’s Day!