Sunday is Mother’s Day. It’s a day to honor the very special women in our lives.  And it also keeps some people busy in West Columbia.

“Mother’s Day, or the Saturday before, is the single-biggest day of the year for us,” said Jackie MaCaulay, owner of Jarrett’s Jungle and Garden Center on Sunset Boulevard.

She said a lot of flowers are sold on Mother’s Day.  “Red and pink flowers are the most popular colors,” said MaCaulay. “And we sell a lot of hanging baskets.”MaCaulay described the “European garden” Jarrett’s sells as a basket full of potted flowers, ferns, and ivy, arranged with saucers for ease of watering, and Spanish moss, or green moss to cover pots.  

“It looks like a garden scene. Our customers love them, and we were the first in the Columbia area to offer them,” said MaCaulay.

MaCauley also said anthurium is a popular flower for mothers. The plants produce beautiful, long-lasting, waxy, heart- shaped “flowers” that last throughout the year.”Flowers on Mother’s Day are a very traditional gift,” she said.  Another West Columbia favorite on Mother’s Day is Grecian Gardens on Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia.

“It’s definitely busier than a normal Sunday,” said Vivi Koutrakos of Grecian Gardens. “Mother’s Day, along with Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and the holiday season are some of the busiest times
for the restaurant industry.”

It’s a cordial atmosphere that has become a tradition.  “We are happy to see many friendly faces.  Some families and friend-groups have made Sunday lunch at Grecian Gardens part of their weekly routine, said Koutrakos.

“Others have made Mother’s Day lunch at Grecian Gardens an annual event, bringing groups of ten to twenty.”  

And there are more flowers sold, too. Sighter’s Florist and Marketplace on Meeting Street, in West Columbia’s River District, also sees a spike in flower sales for Mother’s Day, said Jean who works at the store.”We sell some of everything,” she said. Daisies, roses, carnations, irises. The spring assortment is popular. It has a lot of different flowers in it.”

And not too far from Sighter’s is another place where mothers love to eat.

“Yeah, we are really busy on Mother’s Day,” said Trip Turbyfill, of Cafe Strudel on State Street. He said there is definitely an increase in mothers at his restaurant on their special day.

Koutrakos also said Grecian Gardens will be ready.We see a lot of families (multigenerational) and our menu has something for everyone. Some favorites for moms include: Roasted Chicken with Greek potatoes, classic Lasagna, Crab cakes, and traditional Spanakopita. 

And if your are looking for something to do after lunch.The South Carolina State Museum is celebrating Mother’s Day (on Sunday) with free general admission. Mothers will also receive 10 percent off in the Cotton Mill Exchange gift shop.