BLOSSOMING TOGETHER

North Haven Gardens is home to an assortment of plant aficionados

Story by ALYSSA HIGH | Photography by LO KUEHMEIER

Daffodils. Tree peonies. Poppies. Azaleas. April brings blooming flowers of all sorts.

In addition to selling plants and gardening materials, North Haven Gardens focuses on community and education and provides space for garden aficionados to discuss their favorite foliage. Garden advisers coach classes varying from lawn care to vegetable gardening to seasonal insects.

Several groups meet at the North Haven Gardens each month, including Bonsai Society of Dallas, the Orchid Society, the Texas Daffodil Society, the Dallas Rose Society, the African Violet Society, the Dallas Organic Garden Club, the Sogetsu School of Ikebana and the Bonsai Society of Dallas. All have meetings scheduled throughout April.

“With our community outreach and what we do here with the clubs and societies that meet with us, some of them for 30-40 years or more, we’re part of a community of gardening which we pride ourselves on,” Education and Outreach Coordinator Rusty Allen says.

Some of the clubs, like the Texas Daffodil Society, are part of national chapters that date back to the founding of the United States, while others are local groups that focus on learning from each other.

“Customers get a chance to come in here, and we have a beautiful atmosphere; there’s an ambience here,” Allen says. “They can have lunch and then go sit down on a Sunday afternoon and paint. There’s a destination to come and stay here for a while and relax and learn something or buy a plant, all in one spot.”

The Bonsai Society of Dallas was founded in 1965 as the first club of its kind in Texas. Though its name has changed from Bonsai Society of Texas to Bonsai Society of Dallas, BSD still welcomes all who have an interest in bonsai art, regardless of age and skill level. BSD holds demonstrations, workshops and guest lectures throughout the year in addition to meetings at 9 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month.

The Greater North Texas Orchid Society meets on the first Sunday of each month in North Haven Gardens’ classroom. The club, which has been operating since 1947, focuses on how to grow and show orchids. The group hosts beginner classes called “Orchid 101” at North Haven Gardens’ tropical gardens followed by a regular meeting to discuss best practices and prepare orchids for show and sales.

The Texas Daffodil Society is focused on stimulating interest in and developing an appreciation of growing daffodils. The society hosts informational speakers, bulb sales, information booths and an annual daffodil show. Membership is open to anyone interested in learning more about daffodils.

The Dallas Rose Society enjoys roses of all types, and its members are just as varied. While some participate in rose shows, many join the monthly meets every third Sunday at 3 p.m. to discuss how to better grow their plants. The society’s meetings are free and open to all.

The First African Violet Society of Dallas was founded in 1954 as the first club dedicated to growing Saintpaulia, aka the African violet. FAVSD members grow the violets to enter in competitions through monthly meetings, conventions, workshops and shows at the state and national level. In April, the group will travel to the NASA Area African Violet Spring Sale and Display in League City, the Dallas Metro Tri-Club Sale at North Haven Gardens and the Moonlight African Violet and Gesneriad Society Spring Show and Sale in Fort Worth. The African Violet Society of Dallas meets every third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. in the North Haven Gardens classroom.

“As great pleasure and pride can be had from the successful growing of these wonderful little beauties, we are happy to share the insight that our combined years of experience has brought us,” the group’s website says.

The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club has been digging in Dallas since 1993, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The club discusses organic gardening and related subjects through education and community outreach and is hosting “Tasty Cooking with Herbs” with guest speaker Kevin Burns on April 23 from 2:304:20 p.m. at North Haven Gardens.

Burns will be discussing what he has learned about growing, caring for and using herbs in the garden from his 20-plus years of experience. Burns was inspired to start a garden after touring formal gardens in Germany on his honeymoon with his wife. Since then, he has grown his carbon footprint knowledge to composting, recycling, rainwater harvesting, making his own laundry soap and using a clothesline instead of a dryer. Burns and his wife own a 55-acre ranch outside of Fredericksburg that has been designated as a Wildlife Management Area.

The Sogetsu School of Ikebana studies a style of Japanese flower arrangement that dates back over 1,500 years. Unlike traditional bouquets, Sogetsu focuses on the lines, shapes and forms of the individual flower.

“The Japanese see cutting a flower as giving it a new life, instead of destroying its life,” says Sue Smith, president of Sogetsu Dallas. “The ‘less is more’ is part of the concept; you will notice more lines and branches et cetera, fewer types of flowers in the arrangements generally.”

The Dallas chapter of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana meets the fourth Thursday of each month with a $5 beginners class at 11 a.m. and a regular meeting at 1 p.m. Registration is required, but visitors are welcome.

WHERE CAN I FIND LOCAL ...?

AC & HEAT

ALEXANDER HOME REPAIR. AC/HEAT

Repair & Install. LIC#28052 469-226-9642

THE HEATING & AC EXPERTS

Installations & Repairs

Emergency Services

24/7 On-Call

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS!

TACLA67136C 214-710-2515 dallasheatingac.com

APPLIANCE REPAIR

JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE

TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898

BUY SELL TRADE

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. Top Dollar Paid.1-866 -433-8277

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

Cabinet Refacing, Built-ins, Entertainment/ Computer Centers. Jim. 214-324-7398 www.squarenailwoodworking.com

CLEANING SERVICES

ALTOGETHER CLEAN

Relax ...We’ll Clean Your House, It Will Be Your Favorite Day! Bonded & Insurance. Free Estimates. 214-929-8413. www. altogetherclean.net

CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133

WANTED: HOUSES TO CLEAN, Organize, De-clutter, or Pack. Sunny 214-724-2555

WINDOW CLEANING Power washing No Job To Small. 30 Yrs exp. 214-360-0120

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS

AT ODDS WITH YOUR COMPUTER? Easily Learn Essential Skills. Services include Digital Photo Help. Sharon 214-679-9688

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let a seasoned pro be the interface between you & that pesky Windows computer. Hardware/Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $100/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 972-639-6413 / stykidan@sbcglobal.net

CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING

ADVANCE STONE ART CREATIONS

Decorative Concrete Overlays. 214-705-5954

BRICK, STONEWORK, FLAGSTONE PATIOS Mortar Repair. Straighten Brick Mailboxes & Columns. Call Cirilo 214-298-7174

BRICK WORK, DRIVEWAYS, PATIOS, Flagstone. Call Eli 469-870-5420

CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable. Chris 214-770-5001

CONCRETE, RETAINING WALLS 25 yrs exp.

T&M Construction, Inc. 214-328-6401

EDMONDSPAVING.COM Asphalt & Concrete Driveway-Sidewalk-Patio-Repair 214-957-3216

FLAGSTONE PATIOS, Retaining Walls, BBQ’s, Veneer, Flower Bed Edging, All Stone work. Chris 214-770-5001

Electrical Services

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricdfw.com

50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333

BRIGHT LIGHT ELECTRIC • 214-553-5333

TECL 31347 Brightening Homes and Businesses

LAKEWOOD ELECTRICAL Local. Insured. Lic. #227509 Call Rylan 214-434-8735

TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658

WHITE ROCK ELECTRIC All Electrical Services. Lic/Insd.TECL-34002 214-850-4891

EXTERIOR CLEANING

G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/Exterior. 214-808-8925

FENCING & DECKS

4 QUALITY FENCING • 214-507-9322 Specializing in Wood. YourWoodmaster.com

AMBASSADOR FENCE CO. Automatic Gates, Fences/Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers, Arbors. AmbassadorFenceCo.com 214-621-3217

FENCING, ARBORS, DECKS oldgatefence.com

214-766-6422

LONESTARDECKS.COM 214-357-3975

Trex Decking & Fencing, trex.com All Wood Decks, Arbors & Patio Covers

HANNAH WOODWORKS

• Decks • Pergolas

• Patio Covers

Hannahwoodworks.com 214-435-9574

FLOORING & CARPETING

EPOXY GARAGE FLOORS

Many colors to choose (flakes optional) Call Nick for bid 214-341-5993 hastingsfloors.com

HARDWOOD INSTALLATIONS Waterproof, hardwood, carpets, tile laminate, & vinyl click. 214-772-9503. Free In Home estimates

FOUNDATION REPAIR

• Slabs • Pier & Beam

• Mud Jacking • Drainage

• Free Estimates

• Over 20 Years Exp. 972-288-3797

We Answer Our Phones

GARAGE SERVICES

UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned. 214-251-5428

GENERAL CONTACTING

A2H GENERAL CONTRACTING,LLC Remodel, Paint, Drywall/Texture, Plumbing. Electrical, Siding, Bathroom/Kitchen Remodels Tilling, Flooring, Fencing. 469-658-9163. Free Est. A2HGeneralContactingLLC@gmail.com

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS

LAKE HIGHLANDS GLASS & MIRROR frameless shower enclosures • store fronts replacement windows • mirrors 214-349-8160

PRO WINDOW CLEANING prompt, dependable. Matt 214-766-2183

ROCK GLASS CO Replace, repair: windows, mirrors, showers, screens. 214-837-7829

HANDYMAN SERVICES

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

DANHANDY.NET Repairs Done Right For A Fair Price. References 214-991-5692

HANDY DAN The Handyman. ToDo’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

HANDYMAN SPECIALIST Residential/ Commercial. Large, small jobs, repair list, renovations. Refs. 214-489-0635

HANDYMAN WANTS your Painting,Repairs, To Do Lists. Bob. 214-288-4232. Free Est. 25+yrs exp.

HOME REPAIR Doors, Trim, Glass. Int/Ext. Sheetrock, Windows, Kitchen, Bathroom 35 yrs exp. 214-875-1127

HOMETOWN HANDYMAN All phases of construction. No job too small 214-327-4606

ONE CALL WEEKEND SERVICES

Contractor & Handyman. Remodels, Renovations . Paint, Plumbing, Drywall, Electrical. 469-658-9163

Let

HOUSE PAINTING

HECTOR PEREZ PAINTING

Commercial/residential. Intrior/ Exterior. Fair Rates. 214-489-0635

RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513

TEXAS BEST PAINTING LLC Resd,Interiors 30Yrs. 214-527-4168

TOP COAT 30 Yrs. Exp. Reliable. Quality Repair/Remodel. Phil @ 214-770-2863

VIP PAINTING & DRYWALL Int/Ext. Sheetrock Repair, Resurfacing Tubs, Counters, Tile Repairs. 469-774-7111

KITCHEN/BATH/TILE/GROUT

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

MELROSE TILE James Sr., Installer, Repairs. 40 Yrs. Exp. MelroseTile.com 214-384-6746

TK REMODELING 972-533-2872

Complete Full Service Repairs, Kitchen & Bath/Remodeling, Restoration.

Name It- We Do It. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

JIM 972-992-4660

• Tubs, Tiles or Sinks

• Cultured Marble

• Kitchen Countertops

WE REFINISH! www.allsurfacerefinishing.com 214-631-8719

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

#1 WHITE ROCK TREE WIZARDS

Professionals, Experts, Artists serving Dallas 15 years.Trim, Removals. Tree Health Care services. Insured. Arborwizard.com. Free Est. (972) 803-6313.

A BETTER TREE MAN Trims, Removals, Insd. 18 Yrs Exp. Roberts Tree Service. 214-808-8925

Lawns, Gardens & Trees

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

MAYA TREE SERVICE Tree Trim/Remove. Lawn Maintenance. Resd/ Commcl.Insd. CC’s Accptd. mayatreeservice.com

214-924-7058 214-770-2435

MONSTER TREE SERVICE DALLAS

Certified Arborists, Fully Insured 469.983.1060

NEW LEAF TREE, LLC

Honest, Modern, Safety Minded. 214-850-1528

PAT TORRES 214-388-1850 Lawn Service & Tree Care. 28 Yrs. Complete Landscape

Renovation. New Fence Install & Brick Repair. Concrete Removal and Gutter Cleaning. RED SUN LANDSCAPES • 214-935-9779 RedSunLandscapes.com

TAYLOR MADE IRRIGATION Repairs, service, drains. 30+ years exp. Ll 6295 469-853-2326. John

Dallas Kdr Services

• Lawn service

PEST CONTROL

WHERE CAN I FIND LOCAL ...?

REMODELING

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

"Keeping Children & Pets in Mind"

Termite Specialist - Mosquito Mister Systems

Licensed · Insured · Residential · Commercial · Organic 214-350-3595 • Abetterearth.crw@gmail.com abetterearth.com

PLUMBING

AC PLUMBING Repairs, Fixtures, Senior Discounts. Gary Campbell. 214-321-5943

PLUMBING ISSUES?

We’re the Experts!

30 Years of Excellent Service

• Water Heaters • Water Leaks

• Sewer Backups

• All Plumbing Repairs

ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS!

POOLS

24/7 On-Call

972-379-4000 staggsplumbing.co

CERULEAN POOL SERVICES Family Owned/ Operated. Weekly maintenance, Chemicals, parts & repairs. CeruleanPro.com 214-557-6996

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

C.A.S. BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

Personal/Small Business. Payroll, Accounting, Organizing, Consult. Cindy 214-577-7450

REAL ESTATE

FENN CONSTRUCTION Kitchens And Baths. Call Us For Your Remodeling Needs. 214-343-4645. dallastileman.com

O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Remodeling Dallas For Over 24 Years www.ObrienGroupInc.com 214-341-1448

RENOVATE DALLAS renovatedallas.com 214-403-7247

SQUARE NAIL CONSTRUCTION

Kitchen/Bath remodeling

Re-facing, Pergolas/Decks. 30Yrs exp. 469.585.1588, 469.585.7756

TK REMODELING 972-533-2872

Complete Full Service Repairs, Kitchen & Bath/Remodeling, Restoration. Name It- We Do It. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

MP ARCHITECTURAL Design & Construction. mattandpaul.com 214-226-1186

ROOFING & GUTTERS

BERT ROOFING INC.

Family owned and operated for over 40 years

Services For You

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply.Promo Expires 7/21/21.1-833-872-2545

DONATE YOUR CARS TO VETERANS TODAY. Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800 -245-0398

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-402-0373

FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892

GENERAC Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt. Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-844-334 -8353

HUGHESNET Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live.25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499 -0141

”WE

ESTATE HOME NEEDS TO BE SOLD?

Facing forclosure? IG Heron Homes Call Ricardo Garza @ 469-426-7839

GARDEN OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

Walnut Hill @ CENTRAL.3 Smaller Suites Avail. Flexible Terms 214.915. 8886

• Residential/Commercial • Over 30,000 roofs completed • Seven NTRCA “Golden Hammer” Awards • Free Estimates www.bertroofing.com 214.321.9341

Roofing iding utters Joe Clifford www.exteriorscc.net 469·291·7039

MOBILE HELP, America's premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you're home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936

SAFE STEP North America's #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

THE GENERAC PWRCELL, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services

TUTORING/ LESSONS

GARTH ORR - TUTOR Math & Physics grade 8-12. Private Tutoring that works! garthorr.com

Worship

WILSHIRE BAPTIST CHURCH 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

Open to all / Worship at 11 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. wilshirebc.org schedule.

Services For You

NATURAL WEED, FEED, DISEASE AND INSECT CONTROL

PEST CONTROL

MCDANIEL PEST CONTROL

Prices Start at $85 + Tax For General Treatment.

Average Home-Interior/Exterior & Attached Garage. Quotes For Other Services. 214-328-2847. Lakewood Resident

MOSQUITO SHIELD 972–850-2983

Imagine A Night Outside Without Mosquitoes

NATURE KING PEST MANAGEMENT INC.

Squirrels, Racoons, Skunks, Snakes, Possums, etc.

Pest & Termite. Neighborhood Resident 30+ Yrs.exp. 214-827-0090

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS If you have water damage and need cleanup services, call us! We'll get in & work with your insurance agency to get your home repaired and your life back to normal ASAP! 855-767-7031

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation,production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

DENTAL INSURANCE-Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance -not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-888-623-3036 www.dental50plus.com/58 #6258

Look

By CHRISITINA HUGHES BABB