Where to get the best produce

9:26am Monday 3rd March 2008

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, the day on which people in this country traditionally honour their mum - whether it is with a simple card, some flowers or some sort of sweet treat.

It all started back in the 1600s with Mothering Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent. All the young men and women who worked in service were allowed, on this one day a year, to visit their mother church'.

This meant that most mothers would be reunited with their children on the day, for many the only day of the year they were able to spend time with their loved ones.

A special cake, called the mothering or simnel cake, was often brought along to provide a festive touch.

These days, of course, Mother's Day is a great excuse to pamper your mum and do something special for her - whether it is through a gift or by cooking a meal or taking her out.

Worcestershire Farmers' Markets producers can help - even at this late stage.

There's nothing mums like more than a few flowers and Chaddesley Growers - who you will find at today's Droitwich Farmers' Market - are offering primroses in every possible colour a primrose can be.

They are even offering gift sets, ready to give to your mum, so you don't even have to wrap it up.

Primroses were often picked by the young servants on their way to church to give to their mums all those centuries ago.

Chaddesley Growers also have also spring twigs - delightful sprigs of willow, pussy willow and eucalyptus - which make lovely centrepieces for dining tables or just on the window sill in your mum's kitchen.

You'll also find the Meadow Days stall at Droitwich, where you will be able to buy your mum a variety of spring flowers for her to enjoy.

Meadow Days' Sarah Hodgkins said: "We're preparing lots of decorated baskets of spring flowers, which include primroses, primulas and tete-a-tete daffodils.

"These would make perfect Mothering Sunday presents."

If your mum has a sweet tooth, why not head to the Beez Neez stall at today's market for some of their delicious honey, jam or chutney.

These make excellent gifts and are sure to brighten your mum's day.

Tomorrow, at the Royal Worcester Porcelain Farmers' Market, you'll find the Four Acres Nurseries' stall, which also has a range of spring flowering plants.

* This week's farmers' market dates - Saturday, March 1, Victoria Square, Droitwich, 9am to 2pm.

Sunday, March 2, Royal Worcester Porcelain, Worcester, 10am to 2pm.

Next weekend's market is at High Street, Bromsgrove, on Saturday, March 8, 9am to 5pm.

For more details see the farmers' markets website at www.wfmg.co.uk

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