Inspired Living Omaha - May/June 2020

A N O M A H A W O R L D - H E R A L D P U B L I C AT I O N • S E R V I N G N E B R A S K A & W E S T E R N I O W A

M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0 INSPIREDLIVINGOMAHA.COM

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Heirlooms and

curated ColleCtions

M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0

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VOLUME 18

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ISSUE 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Christen 402-444-1094 | chris.christen@owh.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER Jessica Thompson 402-444-1120 | jthompson@owh.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Marjie Ducey 402-444-1034 | marjie.ducey@owh.com

ONliNE OrdErS ONly - Store is Temporarily Closed 1702 Cuming Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-502-5265 • prairieinbloom.com

COPY EDITORS Shelley Larsen, Pam Richter, Karen Windle ON THE COVER Lisianthus growing in the hoop house at Harvest Home Flowers Photographed by Chris Christen CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS Jeffrey Bebee, Canoyer Garden Center, Kiley Cruse, Brooke Gordon, Heidi Hoffman, Indian Creek Nursery, Lanoha Nurseries, Mulhall’s, Urban Trail Gardens, Kayla Wolf CUSTOM PUBLISHING SALES MANAGER Brett Snead | 402-444-1425 | bsnead@owh.com ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Marilyn Martin | 402-444-1405 | marilyn.martin@owh.com Deborah Fernsell | 402-444-1209 | dfernsell@owh.com EVENTS Tam Webb | 402-444-3125 | tam.webb@owh.com

1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102 Inspired Living Omaha (ISSN 23795948) is a publication of the Omaha World-Herald. ©2020, Omaha World-Herald, a Lee Enterprises Company. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the specific written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by those interviewed are their own. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for content, opinions or practices, or how the information herein is used. All materials submitted, including but not limited to images, logos and text that appear, are assumed to be the original work of the provider, and the publisher is not responsible for unintentional copyright infringement.

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ON THE COVER

HARVEST HOME FLOWERS

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SEE PAGE 32

CONTENTS

28

18 DESIGN DONE RIGHT 8

THE LITTLE JEWEL BOX

BEFORE + AFTER 18

PROJECT TO PROJECT

36 MAKE IT YOURSELF 36 38 40 42

NATURAL ROOM SCENTS FLOWER POT LIGHTHOUSE NATURE PAINTBRUSHES LAVENDER SACHETS

LUXURY HOMES

IN THE GARDEN

24

44

AN ADVERTISING FEATURE

WITH RON HARVEY

SPEAKING OF PLANTS

EXPERIENCE LOCAL

26

39 39 48

NO MORE BLANDSCAPES

NEAR + FAR 28 32

THE CLASSICS SOUTHERN LOESS HILLS SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PASTURES OF PLEASURE BLOOMING BUSINESS

inspiredlivingomaha.com

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Grow where you’re planted BEFORE THE CORONAVIRUS so rudely

As I write this, spring is delivering a hopeful

little faults in my interior decor. A corner table

explosion of new life — and perhaps, freedom to

that begged for a different lamp, an accent wall

be out and about.

that screamed for a brighter hue, a powder room that clamored for pizzazz.

Then sheltering in place became de rigueur, CHRIS CHRISTEN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 6 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

happy. And isn’t that what’s most important?

barged in on our lives, I’d occasionally lament

and I came to see my surroundings in a different light.

My home is perfect. It’s safe, comfortable and

I’m betting yards will be looking better than ever this spring, with time on our hands to pamper lawns, plant gardens and touch up landscapes.

In my backyard, a young willow stands out among the cedars, maples and walnuts, its

graceful whips dancing in the breeze.

the original plant followed the Keeler

I received bulbs five years ago from

The tree was a gift from my husband,

family to Nebraska and Colorado. The

Springfield artist Carl Weiss, and these

Kurt, on our fifth wedding anniversary

tradition continues with Kurt’s brother

are offsets. The blooms are intoxicating

— the year of wood.

in California, too.

— they smell just like grape Kool-Aid!

I love that tree in the golden glow of

A clematis vine, which we

Trees, plants and flowers are an

sunrise and the silvery light of the moon.

affectionately call The Swiss Plant, was

integral part of our lives. They provide

Even shrouded in fog, it’s enchanting.

a housewarming gift from five cousins

us with beauty, tranquility, sustenance, a

I’m not the best gardener, but I do

who visited from Switzerland in 2006. It

sense of place. And very often, a sense of

have a few flowering perennials with

is the picture of resilience. We have seen

home and family.

sentimental roots, too.

it as a seemingly dead, dry stick — only

Wisteria on a trellis stirs fond memories of Kurt’s grandparents, who grew the vine as florists in Emporia, Kansas, in the early ’20s. Cuttings from

to miraculously green up and flourish

Here’s wishing you the joy of watching them grow.

with stunning pinkish-purple blossoms.

Heirloom purple iris peek at me through my home office window. inspiredlivingomaha.com

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BEFORE 8 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

DESIGN DONE RIGHT

THE LITTLE JEWEL BOX Couple bring glamour of the Roaring ’20s to a landmark Art Deco condominium

A

STORY CHRIS CHRISTEN PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE curious neighbor had a request.

“May I peek inside?”

Mary Jo Maley happily obliged.

The neighbor gingerly stepped into the entryway,

peered around a corner and sighed. “It’s just a little jewel box.”

Mary Jo beamed. That’s exactly what she and interior designer

Courtney Otte envisioned for the Paxton condominium home.

Mary Jo and Robert Maley moved into the historic downtown hotel building in November 2018. Their eighth-floor unit has 1,560 square feet and views of the western edge of Gene Leahy Mall.

The Maleys downsized from a 1950s raised ranch near 76th and Pacific Streets. Mary Jo has a green thumb, and the Westside neighborhood home had a sizable garden, CONTINUED

ON PAGE 10

inspiredlivingomaha.com

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 which she loved. “I’m a farmer’s daughter. I love getting my hands in the soil,” says the native of Westphalia, Iowa.

But after three years, the home’s steps proved impractical for Robert’s two new hips and chronic back pain – a reminder of the Marine vet’s late ’60s tour of duty in Vietnam.

When it comes to interior design, Mary Jo is adventurous.

“I’m not afraid to mix patterns,” she says.

He’s practical. “I don’t always get it, but I trust it,” he says of her design pursuits.

10 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

Reading helped occupy Robert’s time on days when workers needed to be in the condo and the homeowners needed to be out of the way. “Just give me a book and a corner and I’m happy,” he says. The Paxton lobby provided a comfortable retreat.

The Maleys met 40 years ago in Omaha’s Dewey Park. He had just finished practicing his back hand on the Park Avenue tennis courts when he came upon a damsel in distress. Mary Jo had been jogging and twisted an ankle.

“I gave her a ride home and we exchanged phone numbers.

It was fate,” he says.

LIVING AND DINING AREA Mary Jo recovered the cushions of a pair of vintage numbered-and-signed designer chairs but kept the original fabric to preserve the resale value. The chairs were a lucky find at a local furniture consignment shop.

KITCHEN The countertops, backsplash and cabinets are existing to the Maleys’ condo unit. The island is perfect for meals for two. An upholstered bench is in the foreground.

SITTING ROOM (PREVIOUS PAGE) Furnishings and accessories are a mix of high and low acquisitions. Interior designer Courtney Otte took this room from a shell to a little jewel box, incorporating upcycled items, thrifted finds and cherished family pieces.

Their condo home has “modern elegance with a contemporary spin.” It’s captured in every magazine-perfect element, down to the classical music playing in the background.

“Mary Jo has a very defined taste,” Courtney says. “She knows what she likes.”

Her style, however, has evolved with the decades: Country French in 2014.

Southwestern in the 2000s.

Full-blown shabby chic in the 1990s.

American country in the 1980s.

“A downtown condo needs an elegant look to match the Art Deco architectural details,” Mary Jo says of the Paxton.

“We only brought a few cherished pieces from previous residences,” she says. “These were incorporated along with items the former owner left behind. We mixed in some inherited items and made a few new acquisitions to create the look.”

Furnishings and accessories are a mix of high and low acquisitions: a large vintage Baroque-style mirror from Midwest Pickers, designer-signed Lucite and chrome leather

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 inspiredlivingomaha.com

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12 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

Homeowner Mary Jo Maley

I like bold, dangerous pattern plays

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 chairs from the Posh Peacock, a Philippe Starck dining table from Allens Home.

Shortly after moving in, Mary Jo hired Courtney, who owns The Modern Hive, for the redesign of a second bedroom into a sitting room.

It was the first time the Maleys had

SITTING ROOM Mary Jo’s love of roses and other garden flowers stands out in every room.

worked with a designer. Courtney first interviewed her clients about their style and color preferences, budget and more.

She also took inventory of furnishings designated by Mary Jo as “must-use,” “don’t use” and “I’d like to use.”

They discussed the Maleys’ everyday lifestyle, too.

“I was over the moon with the sitting room rendering Courtney did last March,” Mary Jo says. “It exceeded my expectations in every way.”

An antique Italian-crafted daybed acquired from a sister moving out of state was a “must-use” in the space.

A photo in a Veranda design book of a massive black lacquered armoire begged for the repurposing of two smaller armoires to get the look.

Courtney had artists Stratton Davis and Sara Griffith lacquer the wood in a black finish with gold highlights. Craftsman Thomas Mollak of TCM Woodworking replaced the rattan door insets with mirrors. Lucite hardware provided the finishing touch.

Mary Jo had specified Art Deco columns so Courtney made use of an existing corner bump-out to incorporate a column to look as if it were always there and crowned the column with decorative plaster pieces.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 inspiredlivingomaha.com

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 The sitting room’s black-and-white striped area rug, floral-print textiles and animal-print arm chairs are a testament to Mary Jo’s condo-wide decorating approach: “I like bold, dangerous pattern plays.”

Mary Jo, who once dealt in antiques, accessorizes with vintage glassware and “other pretty little things to feather the nest.”

Small vases of fresh peonies and roses are daily joys. In the living room, orchids are the standout blooms. “I just love fresh flowers in the home,” she says.

“We are enjoying our transition to condo life,” Mary Jo says.

The Paxton’s amenities include two restaurants, a large exercise room and a security station. Entertainment venues are a short walk away.

And there’s a third-floor terrace for container gardening.

The Maleys are especially eager for the transformation of Gene Leahy Mall and the riverfront.

“We have a front-row seat to the action,” Mary Jo says.

14 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

MASTER BEDROOM Calming plums and soft textures are inviting elements in Mary Jo’s choices for the master bedroom.

POWDER ROOM Whites and grays look crisp against polished chrome fixtures in a powder room just off the sitting room. A bud vase with garden roses provides a feminine touch.

ENTRYWAY The wall color and mirror are carryovers from the condo’s previous owner.

Mary Jo’s chevron console table couldn’t have landed in a more perfect space!

inspiredlivingomaha.com

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BEFORE + AFTER

PROJECT to PROJECT Room-by-room upgrades to Millard home made ‘Pinterest dreams’ a reality 18 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

STORY MARJIE DUCEY PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE BROOKE AND BEN GORDON weren’t in love with their house when they purchased it a few years ago.

They’d already redone their first home. So their motive in moving to the River Oaks subdivision near 184th and Harrison Streets wasn’t a fancy step up.

The builder-grade two-story home

MAIN ROOM Ben built the floating shelves specifically to go with the extra-long buffet.

DINING AREA They added the feature wall for some instant “wow” when you enter the house.

BEFORE

satisfied a practical purpose. Its 2,500

lege, has done 100% of the work, includ-

and moving the laundry room to the

square feet and four bedrooms were just

ing tiling, electrical and plumbing. If it’s

second floor. Ben also helped realize

what the growing family needed.

on YouTube, the project engineer can

Brooke’s ideal little girl’s room for

“We just bought it for the space and have fallen in love with it as we updated it,” Brooke says.

Their goal was to make it their own, and they’ve done that by tackling projects big and small.

Ben, who took up woodworking in col-

figure it out. Brooke does the designing and planning.

“He makes all my Pinterest dreams a reality,” she says.

Some of their bigger projects: remodeling the kitchen, replacing flooring, adding a feature wall in the dining room

5-year-old Laney.

He has made custom furniture, including a vanity for the upstairs bathroom and floating shelves in the kitchen.

The kitchen redo was the most

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 inspiredlivingomaha.com

19

KITCHEN

UPSTAIRS BATHROOM

The kitchen renovation took six months, far longer than they expected.

“Building the vanity from scratch allowed us to get the exact final product we were looking for,” Ben says.

BEFORE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 challenging because it took so much longer than the couple had anticipated. They replaced countertops and hardware, painted cabinets and replaced some with the floating shelves and installed under-cabinet lighting.

It was a six-month process, Brooke says, because Ben could only work on the remodel evenings and weekends. “We

nient, which is helpful with a third child on the way.

They have only a few areas left to tackle. Finishing the master bath and adding built-ins in the family room are on that list.

One thing they’ve shied away from is landscaping, which will be a challenge with the tall slope in the backyard.

“That’s not our jam,” Brooke says.

They’re enjoying what has evolved

did it December to Easter, so it was hard

into a modern farmhouse vibe, but prob-

hosting events.”

ably not for long. In a few more years,

Brooke’s favorite transformation is

when this house is done, they plan to

the laundry room, because it’s now so

move on to an even bigger dwelling and a

light and airy and much more conve-

new round of projects.

20 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

While that may sound daunting to some, it’s not to the Gordons. They both love it. They give themselves a few days off after each task is complete and then move on to the next one.

“I think ... having a vision in our head ... and turning it into a reality and being pleased with the result is such a cool experience,” Brooke says. “That’s what keeps us going from project to project.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

BEFORE

inspiredlivingomaha.com

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BEFORE

22 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

THE TRANSFORMATION

Brooke and Ben Gordon love doing renovation projects. Here’s their list of completed projects (so far) at their current home. To see more of their house projects, follow them on Instagram @gordonhomedesigns

UPSTAIRS LAUNDRY

FLOORING

(At left) “We knew having an upstairs laundry room would be a gamechanger. However, turning an empty loft into a functional laundry with walls and plumbing was no easy task. This project took about three months from start to finish.”

“People thought we were crazy for tearing up brand new carpet, but we love the warmth and richness that wood floors bring to a space. At the same time, we replaced all of the existing trim with taller, square, craftsman-style basework and casing for a modern farmhouse look.”

MASTER SUITE (At right) “Our bedroom was a sea of boring gray. I wanted it to be bold and neutral at the same time, so we did a black feature wall for boldness, white for tranquility, and pops of soft color to create warmth.”

KIDS’ ROOMS (Below) “These rooms were some of the first projects we did when we moved in. We wanted our children to feel settled in our new house, so we designed spaces they each could love.”

UPSTAIRS BATH “Our only requirement was to use up 150 square feet of subway tile taking up space in our garage. We designed the rest of the bathroom from there!”

POWDER ROOM “It wasn’t bad to begin with, but we wanted something a bit more custom, so we built a floating vanity and painted the walls black.”

KITCHEN “The dark espresso cabinets were not our style, so we stripped them to bare wood and gave them new life with a two-tone paint job and brass hardware. We also added floating shelves to open up the space.”

DINING ROOM “We wanted the entrance of our house to make a statement, so we added a dark feature wall to showcase our unique dining room table.”

inspiredlivingomaha.com

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620 N. 158th St. $499,999 Incredible opportunity in Barrington Park. Four-bedroom, four-bathroom two-story home on a 0.53 acre lot. Super functional floor plan. All four bedrooms on the second level.

Master bedroom has a walk-in closet, full bathroom, jetted tub, shower and double sink vanity. Cathedral ceilings in main level living room with sliding door to wood deck. Walk-out finished basement with family room, wet bar, full bathroom and billiards area. Great lot location in Barrington Park. Three car attached garage. Whole house vacuum system.

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Lot backs to pond area with great views and no rear neighbors. Very close walking distance to your new neighborhood pool! The open great room and kitchen features a large quartz island with tons of seating, real hardwood floors, wine refrigerator, stainless steel appliances with gas cooktop and double ovens.

Oversized and creative walkthrough pantry off the kitchen. Main level laundry convenient from kitchen and master bedroom. Three garage spaces with immense storage space! Covered composite deck off main living area.

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The incredibly unique main floor offers a family room, lounge with attached bar, kitchen, movie theater, master and two additional guest bedrooms. Main floor ceilings from 12’ to 22’. Private upstairs suite with loft, bedroom, bathroom and two walk-in closets. Finished lower level with wet bar, wide open rec room and media rooms, workout room, flex room and so much more.

Extensive landscaping, Trex deck, cedar ceiling on the covered deck, outdoor kitchen and oversized patio for all the entertaining you will be doing in the backyard. Make this dream your reality today!

120 N. Lakeview Way $1,400,000 Simply showstopping and exquisite, this executive estate is like none other, with over 7,000 sq. ft. of high-end finishes and space for entertaining. Be wowed by the generous space and flowing open concept main floor, featuring chef’s kitchen with brand new high-end appliances and oversized island, wine bar, smooth ceilings, surround sound, new fireplace, and loads of natural light.

Master retreat with its own private deck, coffee bar, heated tile floors, and to-die-for master shower. Sunroom with a view for miles, private office, formal dining room, loads of cabinets for storage and all heated tile complete the main floor. Basement with full 2nd kitchen, wine cellar, billiards room, two guest suites with full bathrooms, pool room with towel storage, hot tub and sauna, and a convenient 2nd laundry room, play room and fitness room. Brand new deck, railing, 50-year roof and much more.

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Custom built by Curt Hofer with family and entertaining in mind. The main floor with soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, unique and open farmhouse kitchen with endless views, high end appliances, new range, granite countertops, oversized dropzone/laundry room with double washer and dryer and endless cabinets for storage. Six bedrooms plus upstairs play loft for the kids. Master retreat with private Juliet balcony. Lower level with pub-style bar, sunken family room and billiards area. Outdoor oasis with full iron fence, fire pit, pool with automatic cover, outdoor fireplace and plenty of green space to enjoy.

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inspiredlivingomaha.com

25

GARDENING

No more blandscapes Try something new in your containers this year, with options for both shade and sun

T

hese are not your usual suspects — there’s not a potato vine or spike in sight.

Not that there’s anything wrong with using either in your containers. But you might

be ready for something new and fresh this season.

No more blandscapes, says Amy Mefford, manager at Indian Creek Nursery.

Start as usual with your thrillers, fillers and spillers. But your containers don’t need much more.

“We try to keep things here more on the simple side,” says Angie Phillipp, a container design

specialist at Mulhall’s. “You get more of an impact than with a ton of different flowers.”

Sunpatiens and begonias work well if your container is in a sunny area, offering big showy MARJIE DUCEY

SPEAKING OF PLANTS

blooms. Consider tropical plants if your container is in the shade — many can provide great color and texture, even if they don’t bloom.

Check with your favorite nursery staff for options that will bloom all summer.

Here, five container gardening pros share ideas for winning combinations.

LEFT: CANOYER GARDEN CENTER; RIGHT: INDIAN CREEK NURSERY

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

Michelle Patten, Canoyer Garden Center

Amy Mefford, Indian Creek Nursery

This rustic container uses bright contrasting foliage for dramatic effect. The King Tut grass has pom-pom flower heads that will remind you of fireworks. The coleus is a bronze orange with a purple sheen. The lime green is provided by golden oregano, which has culinary uses.

Designed to be hummingbird friendly, this combination is easy to care for and will bloom all summer. Perfect for a sunny spot.

Fertilize once a week and water daily if it’s hot. All of these plants are perennials that could be planted in the ground at the end of the season. Agastache can be used to make tea.

PLANT LIST

PLANT LIST

Persian Shield, Scaevola Whirlwind Pink, King Tut Grass, Golden Oregano, Angelonia Angelface Perfectly Pink, Coleus Colorblaze Sedona Sunset

Cuphea, Petunia, Lilriope, Agastache, Dusty Miller

26 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

DESIGNER Angie Phillipp, Mulhall’s This tropical shade arrangement would be perfect for a covered patio or front entryway. It’s easy to care for, too. “It doesn’t mind going to the dry side, but when you do water it, you’ll want to water it thoroughly.”

PLANT LIST Bird of Paradise, Schefflera, Stromanthe, Ming Fern, Pteris Fern, Hebera Ivy CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: MULHALL’S, LANOHA NURSERIES, URBAN TRAIL GARDENS

DESIGNER Catherine Willis, Lanoha Nurseries This summer container takes full- to part-sun and features low-maintenance, compatible plants. Water when the soil feels dry. Deadhead geraniums when necessary.

PLANT LIST Ravena Majesty Palm, Geranium, Dusty Miller, Diamond Frost, White New Guinea Inpatiens, Silver Licorice

DESIGNER Ron Harvey, Urban Trail Gardens Display this succulent arrangement as you would a hanging basket. It needs at least four hours of sun but can tolerate all-day sun, too. Water weekly. In the fall, bring it inside and place it near a sunny window or under a grow light.

PLANT LIST Haworthia Wide Zebra, Sedum Burro’s Tail, Grafted Pink Moon Cactus, Echeveria Perle von Numberg, Kalanchoe Aurora Borealis, Variegated Devil’s Backbone, Pancake Plant, Sedum Ogon inspiredlivingomaha.com

27

N E A R + FA R

PASTURES OF PLEASURE Carpets of lilies trumpet summer’s arrival at Glenwood flower farm

28 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

I

Visit omaha.com/ inspiredliving for the Peverills’ tips on growing daylilies

STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS CHRISTEN

t may have been divine intervention.

Lu Peverill’s mom had a

friend in hospice care. So mother and daughter went to visit her together.

Jim Schultz, the dying woman’s son-

in-law, was also there.

As their small talk unfolded, Jim told

Lu of his daylily business in upstate New York. Lu, who has roots in farming and gardening, listened with interest. Jim took note and suggested that she could start a daylily farm of her own.

Lu dismissed the idea. She was happy being a counselor at Lewis Central High School nine months out of the year. She also liked her summers and her pastures in rural Mills County just the way they were: unspoiled and uninterrupted.

But when Lu and Jim met again at his mother-in-law’s funeral, Jim resumed the conversation. This time, Lu’s husband, Todd, was tuned in.

“We should do this,” he told Lu. “It’s perfect.”

Todd coaches boys track and cross country.

In addition to being a high school counselor, Lu is an assistant

SOUTH SEAS

coach to Todd’s teams.

Summers could easily be devoted to a flower farm, Todd rationalized.

“I like being home in summer — with downtime,” she told him.

A few weeks after the funeral, a box with 12 of Jim’s favorite plants arrived.

His handwritten note said, “Just plant them and see what happens.”

Lu put the lily starts in the ground in a tidy row near the house. By midsummer, the plants were putting on an impressive show. “They were beautiful,” Lu says of the prolific blooms.

Still, she wasn’t convinced she wanted to be a commercial grower.

HILLSDALE LILY GARDEN What: Commercial daylily farm open to the public.

Where: 2.5 miles southeast of Glenwood, Iowa, off U.S. Highway 34 Open: June through August Hours: Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. After August, call 402-917-0510; last day to purchase lilies is Sept. 30. Clubs and tours welcome by appointment.

Special event: Blooming Daze, the last week of June through the first week of July.

Information: hillsdalelily.com “He offered to sell us whatever we

“Then Jim sends another handwrit-

wanted for pennies on the dollar,” Lu

ten note saying, ‘God has been good. It is

said. “I try to lead a spiritual life. So I

time for me to pay it forward. I want to

started thinking, maybe it’s not what I

help you start your lily farm.’ ”

want but maybe it’s meant to be. So we

threw together $500 and bought our first plants.”

The Peverills would name their business Hillsdale Lily Garden, in a nod to the railroad town that existed here when Lu’s grandparents tilled the ground for flowers and vegetables more than a century ago.

The starter plants from Jim’s farm arrived in the fall of 2015. About the same time, Todd noticed he wasn’t feeling 100% and suspected it was his heart. The former All-American high school and college runner already had a stent. Now he would need triple bypass surgery.

“All I could do was cry; we had 600

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 inspiredlivingomaha.com

29

JUST PLUM HAPPY

TEMPLE TREASURE

RUBY THROAT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

it’s hard to ignore Going Bananas — a rebloomer that starts

plants to plant,” Lu recalls.

early and blooms through frost. Lu is partial to Scintillation in

Todd, ever the optimist, said, “We’ll just ask the crosscountry boys to come plant them.” He called for volunteers at practice and seven or eight teens raised their hands.

Ever since then, student help has been invaluable, the Peverills say. They hire two or three teens each summer.

This year, one of the young men who helped plant those first

Pink. “I’m a pink girl.”

Each lily variety is cataloged by name, photo, description, bloom time and price. Customers can flip through the binders, select their favorites and then walk 5-foot-wide paths to see them in full glory in pasture beds from June through August.

This isn’t a pick-your-own garden. Shoppers tag their se-

lilies is returning as a college freshman to manage the gardens

lections and note them on slips of paper for Todd and his teen

with Todd.

helpers, who dig up, bag and haul the plants to the checkout

The grounds include a newly constructed greenhouse, where Todd’s goal is to have five plants of every variety in bloom by Mother’s Day. “It’s still an experiment at this stage,” Lu says.

table, and ultimately, to waiting vehicles.

“At this point, it’s a hobby,” Lu says of the colorful carpets of plants. “We both still have full-time jobs.”

All told, Hillsdale features 160 varieties of lilies, including

Meanwhile, Hillsdale Lily Garden continues to expand.

30 newcomers for 2020. The No. 1 seller, season after season,

“Someone keeps buying plants,” Lu teases her husband.

is Bamboo Blackie. “Its sales are triple everything else,” Todd says of the prolific bloomer that changes color as the day wears on. Lemon Custard and Alabama Jubilee round out the Top 3.

Todd’s personal favorite is a new variety, Purple Peace. But

LEMON CUSTARD

30 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

ROYAL TRUMPETER

“If you can’t drive the shovel into the ground, you’re not working,” Todd lobs back.

He calls to his trio of teen helpers. “Come on, guys.” And they’re off to dig up a clump of Custard Candy to go.

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31

N E A R + FA R

Blooming business Vegetables were their livelihood, then garden flowers became a farmers market hit

STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS CHRISTEN

O

ne good thing led to another

“Like most gardeners, we got overly

Jamie’s description, was a dump. “It was

than we needed,” Jamie says.

awful,” she says. “And we had no money.”

So the couple, who were living in rural

and dilapidated buildings, prepared

duce at the farmers market in Wahoo.

garden plots and started renovating the

“There were just a handful of vendors in

house.

those days,” Jamie says.

As their family expanded, so did their

and Norman Rohda, though

vegetable farm. “Our children grew up at

Their foray into micro farming started simply enough in the late 1990s with a vegetable garden.

32 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

They cleared overgrown vegetation

Ithaca, started selling their excess pro-

for backyard farmers Jamie

they didn’t see it coming.

bought 11 acres. But the property, by

ambitious and grew more vegetables

the market,” Jamie says of her blended brood of seven.

By fall 1995, the Rohdas were looking at crop ground near Waverly. They

By summer, they had a vegetable crop and a stand at the Haymarket Farmers Market in Lincoln.

In their second or third year, Jamie cut some flowers growing in their yard and assembled a couple of bouquets to see how they’d sell. They were hits. So

bunches of blooms and fillers to use in their own bouquets and arrangements.

“It got to be way too much. I was

HARVEST HOME FLOWERS What: Family cut-flower farm. Open for group tours by appointment.

Where: 12800 Raymond Road, Waverly Information: 402-525-9025; harvesthomeflowers@gmail.com she grew more flowers and sold buckets of loose mixed stems and hand-tied bouquets at her stand.

“We weren’t looking to be farmer/ florists,” Jamie says. “But it just became natural for people to ask me if I did weddings, so I dove into that.”

And then area florists and designers began placing wholesale orders for

Plus, Harvest Home Flowers could flourish as a family endeavor.

“Our kids all helped and got paid,”

overwhelmed,” Jamie says of going to

Jamie says. “It wasn’t entirely an option.

market, preparing cut flowers, arranging

It was just what our family did.”

bouquets, delivering wholesale orders —

Today, the kids range in age from 16

and homeschooling five of their seven

to 40-something. “I don’t think any of

children. “I certainly felt a pull when the

them will make a career out of garden-

kids were young, as any working parent

ing,” Jamie says. “But they’ve all wanted

does.”

to try their hand at their own gardens

In 2015, the family quit selling at farmers markets. It was a risk with 75% of their farm income coming from the market and 25% from wholesale cut flowers.

But she loved flowers first — her roots stretching deep, from memories of a

after leaving home.”

Perhaps the future of the farm lies in the hands of the five grandchildren.

“I love seeing our 10-year-old grandson’s intense interest in plants and seeing the three older girls make sweet bouquets with Grandma’s flowers,”

grandmother’s huge flower garden to

Jamie says.

part-time jobs in floral shops.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 inspiredlivingomaha.com

33

THE SECRET TO DAHLIAS Dahlias really aren’t that difficult to grow, says Jamie Rohda. The bigger challenge is keeping pests off them and storing them over the winter.

She places nets over her dahlia blooms to protect them from pests and the elements. Perfection for bouquets is paramount.

A tip for the home gardener: Don’t rush to plant dahlias too early in the spring. The soil needs to have had a chance to warm up or you risk having the tubers rot.

And at the end of the season: Ideally a dahlia tuber wants to be stored at 44 F in 80% to 90% humidity. “Most people don’t have a place that fits that criteria so they end up having to purchase new tubers each year. We have a walk-in cooler for storing ours over the winter.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 Vegetables for themselves stayed in the mix when the Rohdas switched to wholesale cut-flower farming.

“Vegetables go in wherever. You’ll see green beans with dahlias.”

Growing flowers and vegetables together attracts good bugs and pollinators, she says.

Sustainability and crop rotation are practiced among the neat, irrigated rows.

“The garden plots won’t be exactly the

“I try not to do much that’s businessrelated between Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Jamie says.

“My greenhouse is my happy place during the colder months and rainy days. I think having a bit of down time in

certainly is interesting.”

Harvest Home Flowers’ 2020 summer open house is hanging in the balance, as well. “We like to do it every year, but I don’t promise it.”

Garden clubs and group tours are

winter gets me ready for the craziness of

welcome by appointment. But Jamie

summer.”

stresses, “It’s not like touring Lauritzen

The ultimate “happy place,” however

Gardens. It’s a working flower farm.”

is seeing everything spring to life each

Her tours are a chance to see their 1½ to

spring.

2 acres of garden plots, greenhouse and

Anticipation builds in April, starting and hardening off plants in the green-

hoop houses.

Wildly blooming fields aren’t likely. “A

same from year to year,” Jamie says. “I

house, cleaning out gardens, weeding,

great many flowers are cut before they

love to experiment with crops.”

cutting away dead growth and pruning

are their showiest,” Jamie says.

Dahlia, zinnia and tuberose are constants.

Lisianthus, too. “It was one of the first crops I put in and said to myself, ‘Now I’m a serious flower farmer.’ ” If there’s a slow time on the flower farm, it’s in November and December.

34 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

bushes.

Two daughters — a high school sophomore and a college senior — were home to help this year.

The eldest is to be married July 18.

“Hopefully, that will work out,” Jamie says. “Planning in this year of COVID-19

“You might argue, and I’d agree, that it was a hobby that grew out of hand,” Jamie says.

“We’re right on the cusp of craziness,” she says of planting season.

“By the time July hits, it’s 100 mph until the first freeze.”

inspiredlivingomaha.com

35

MAKE IT YOURSELF

Scents + sensibility Natural ways to give the air in your home a wonderful lift

is Tr y th combo Orange on Cinnam Clove

36 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY

K

HEIDI HOFFMAN

eep your living spaces smelling naturally fresh

Tr y th is combo Lime Mint Vanilla

year-round with simmering waters infused with herbs, spices and fruits. These stovetop recipes bring nature’s subtle fragrances together in minutes. Use our lists to mix and match ingredients for signature fragrances of your own.

For a stronger scent, simply double or triple the ingredients in a larger pot on the stove.

WHAT YOU NEED Recommended herbs Rosemary Thyme Mint Parsley Basil Recommended mixers Vanilla extract Almond extract Cinnamon Cloves Lemon Lime Apple Orange Peppermint extract Cranberry Ginger root

Tr y th is combo Lemon Rosema ry Vanilla

1. Thinly slice citrus fruits, apple and ginger root.

2. In one canning jar, place 3-4 slices of fruit, 4-6 drops of one extract, 3-5 drops of another extract or 2-3 sprigs of herbs.

3. Top off with water and place jar in the refrigerator.

4. When ready to use, pour the contents of the jar into a pot on the stove. Bring to a boil and then let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Note: These fragrances can also be made ahead and stored in the freezer, either with or without the water added. Just be sure you use freezer-safe wide-mouthed mason jars. inspiredlivingomaha.com

37

MAKE IT YOURSELF

Brilliant beacon Take a shine to this lighthouse in miniature for the garden

38 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

THE CLASSICS

TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY KILEY CRUSE

.

Clay pots have scores of uses but this lighthouse project outshines them all. It’s easy and affordable, and a fun conversation piece — day or night!

WHAT YOU NEED 3 or 4 clay pots of varying sizes (10-, 8-, 6- and 4.5-inch) Outdoor acrylic paints Paintbrushes Small solar yard light Hot glue gun and glue sticks Embellishments (optional) Paint-safe or washi tape (optional)

1. Check to make sure your solar light fits through the hole in the bottom of the smallest clay pot. We used a wood boring bit to enlarge the hole on our smallest pot. It chipped a little but the light hides it.

DINKER’S BAR & GRILL

GARDEN CAFÉ

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A classic café and Rockbrook landmark.

Start your day with made-from-scratch breakfast. Lunch offers delicious comfort food, signature soups, salads and hot, traditional chicken and beef entrées. Dine with friends and family, or host your next group meeting at Garden Café.

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.

.

2. Paint pots with two or three layers of your base color; let paint dry completely between layers.

3. Lightly pencil decorative designs on your lighthouse, then stack the pots to note how much of the design, if any, is covered by the pot resting on top of it.

4. Paint windows, doors and other distinguishing features on your lighthouse. Use pieces of tape as straight-edge guides, if necessary.

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THE MARKET BASKET

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No need to do without your favorite Market Basket specialties. Check out our website menu. Brunch, lunch and dinner are all available, plus Christopher Elbow Chocolates, Stonewall Kitchen jams, our bakery treats and more! Call to place your order for curbside pickup or delivery.

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SOUTHERN LOESS HILLS

5. We used a heavy-duty plastic lid to add an observation deck to the top.

A wooden fence from our family’s Christmas village worked well for a railing. We glued jute around the fence to cover the metal holding the slats together and to give it a more rustic feel.

6. Stack your pots together, using a hot glue gun as you go.

7. Insert the solar light into the top pot, and proudly place your lighthouse in an outdoor spot for all to see.

HILLSDALE LILY GARDEN Visit our acre of flowers, with 160 varieties.

We offer fresh dug, potted daylilies and limited potted Asiatic and oriental lilies.

Open by appointment in May. June, July and August hours: Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 1-6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Gift certificates available. Credit cards accepted.

61258 HWY 275, GLENWOOD, IA 402-917-0510 0000128133-01 HILLSDALELILY.COM

ADVERTISE WITH US! List your small business on the Inspired Living Omaha directory page.

Space includes a square photo or logo, 35 words and contact information.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE 402-444-1425 BSNEAD@OWH.COM

inspiredlivingomaha.com

39

MAKE IT YOURSELF

Strokes of genius Paintbrushes, made from natural materials 40 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY KILEY CRUSE

C

ollecting nature objects for this all-ages activity is half the fun. Roam your backyard or go for a neighborhood walk and see what interesting things you can find. Look for different textures and patterns that will make good prints. The more natural materials you collect, the more painting you can do.

WHAT YOU NEED Straight sticks (one for each paintbrush) Natural objects (flowers, grasses, leaves, pine cones, etc.)

Elastic bands String Poster paint Large roll of paper or poster board

1. Trim sticks to about 12 inches long.

2. Wrap an elastic band around an end of a stick. Slide a nature object under the elastic band to hold it in place.

3. Using string or twine, further secure the nature object by wrapping it a number of times and tying a knot.

4. Pour paint onto paper plate.

5. Dip paintbrushes into the paint and create on the paper. Source: messylittlemonster.com inspiredlivingomaha.com

41

MAKE IT YOURSELF

Sweet, simple sachets TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY KILEY CRUSE

I

f you love the scent of fresh lavender in the summer garden, handmade sachets are the perfect

way to preserve it year-round.

Soft little pillows of dried lavender buds and rice tuck neatly in drawers, cabinets and chests. They’re just right for closets, the laundry room — even your car. Tied with ribbon, a few sachets make a sweet little gift, too.

Every few months, as the scent fades, simply give the sachets a massage to release more of the essential oils.

What I especially love is that the sachets featured here are easy to make.

I’m not a skilled seamstress yet I whipped up my first set of four in about 30 minutes.

WHAT YOU NEED Dried lavender Rice Fabric of your choice (breathable) Needle and thread Scissors

1. In a bowl, combine one part lavender with one part rice; this is your sachet filling. The rice offsets the sometimes too-strong scent of lavender and gives your sachets a little heft.

2. Cut two 4-inch squares of fabric.

Stack the squares, right sides together, and pin to prevent slippage while sewing.

(You’ll be sewing the sachets inside-out.)

3. Stitch a ¼-inch seam along three sides. (If sewing by hand, use a basic running stitch.) Stitch the fourth side, leaving an opening equal to the width of a teaspoon for inserting the sachet filling.

4. Snip the four pointed corners to avoid bunching and turn the pouch right-side out. Using a spoon, add the sachet filling.

5. Fold unsewn fabric sides inward and close the opening with a blind stitch.

42 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

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Sign up for our monthly newsletter Get a hand-picked selection of stories and photo galleries from the Inspired Living staff delivered straight to your inbox.

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inspiredlivingomaha.com

43

44 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

IN THE GARDEN

dest i na t io n g r e enh o us e

E

ven as a farm kid growing up in northeastern Nebraska, Ron Harvey liked to cultivate the unusual.

He was the one

proudly displaying 85-pound watermel-

OWNER’S AFFINITY FOR ‘WOW PLANTS’ DRAWS VISITORS TO LINCOLN NURSERY STORY MARJIE DUCEY PHOTOGRAPHY KAYLA WOLF

ons and monster pumpkins. So Harvey says it’s not far-fetched that he owns

He has owned his business south of

a greenhouse, Urban Trail Gardens in

the Haymarket District for about 14

Lincoln, that specializes in plants you

years. At 955 S. Fourth St., it’s far from

won’t find at box stores.

the busy streets of Lincoln, so Harvey

“Instead of corn and alfalfa, I’m growing vegetables and pretty flowers,” he said as he took a break from watering.

describes it as a destination greenhouse.

The property was more affordable and he also likes the quiet atmosphere for

customers, the plentiful parking and the garden space. A pond with a waterfall and a stream, fish tanks and colorful vivariums attract even non-buying visitors.

“It’s practically like a botanical garden,” the 54-year-old says. “In the summer, some people come and treat it like that.”

It’s hard to resist the merchandise once you arrive, however.

Harvey, ever the farmer, grows all of his inventory, including plants with deli-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

inspiredlivingomaha.com

45

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

them until spring and the busy season

business and couldn’t wait to open a

cious names like Amaranthus Dread-

arrives. It’s a seven-days-a-week job

store of his own.

locks and Crossandra Orange Marmalade. He sells more than 100 varieties of succulents and 200 to 300 kinds each of perennials, annuals and tropicals.

“We need to have those wow plants that get people excited,” he says.

It’s a nearly year-round job. He starts

until he closes on Oct. 31.

That’s his least favorite time of year, when he’s cleaning up, getting things organized and scrubbing the greenhouse walls. In the past, he might have traveled during this six weeks or so. But now it just leaves him time to enjoy a few of his favorite TV shows and racquetball.

plants from seeds, cuttings, plugs or

Not that he’s complaining. He’s

bare roots in December and nurtures

always enjoyed the retail side of the

46 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

It’s the same reason an athlete loves to play sports, he says. It’s a hobby he’s always enjoyed and can now make money doing.

“It’s fun to see the excitement on our customers’ faces when they come in and see some of the beautiful planters we’ve put together,” he says, “or some of the unique plants that we’ve grown.”

ON THE HOME FRONT Harvey still finds time to garden at his current home in southwest Lincoln. There’s no sunken garden or pond, but the beds are tidy and easy to maintain.

His best tip for home gardeners: Don’t let the weeds get a chance to take over. “It always helps to freshen the mulch each season, covering up any tiny weeds that may have gotten started already.”

FAVES OF THE MOMENT Ron Harvey says he doesn’t know if he can pick a favorite plant.

“It changes weekly,” he says. “It’s hard to pick a favorite when you love them all so much.”

But here are five unusual flowers that he particularly enjoys: » Golden Shrimp Plant Tropical appearance but very easy to grow in hot sun or a spot that gets only a few hours of sun. Put it in a sunny window at the end of the summer and it blooms all winter. » Crossandra Orange Marmalade Shiny green foliage and what Harvey calls “just the prettiest orange sherbet-colored flower.” » Amaranthus Dreadlocks A fun plant that he likes to grow in a tall pot or hanging container. “Its flowers dangle like dreadlocks and are a burgundy red. It’s really unique.” » Brazilian Plume Flower With its unusual poofy pink flower, it gives you another option for shade besides begonias and impatiens. » Impatiens Congo Cockatoo This really looks like the beak of a cockatoo with its orange and yellow curved flowers. inspiredlivingomaha.com

47

SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY .

.

ALL SEASONS FLORAL & GIFTS

BEAU JOYAU

EHLY’S INTERIORS

Summer is here, and we are excited to spread good cheer! Florals, decor and gifts for all occasions, good reasons and just because. Visit our website to shop online, or visit the store! Call ahead to check our open hours. Helping you make happy spaces & moments!

Like our name, Beau Joyau i s a “beautiful jewel.” Gorgeous jewelry. Stylish casual atti re. Largest varied collection of Polish Pottery i n the Midwest. Call or visit us on Facebook to refresh your wardrobe and table settings with new summer merchandise.

We do windows! We repair blinds! Family owned and operated for over 43 years.

Full interior décor service; blinds, fabrics, drapery, upholstery, wallpaper and carpeting. Stop by our showroom to see the latest in décor fashions.

16939 WRIGHT PLAZA, SUITE 136 402-991-9300 0000128185-01 SHOPALLSEASONSFLORALOMAHA.COM

2312 BOB BOOZER DRIVE 402-330-6557 EHLYSINTERIORS.COM

2947 S. 108TH ST., HILLTOP PLAZA 402-301-7103 0000128176-01 FACEBOOK.COM/BEAU J OYAU

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ADVERTISE WITH US!

ERWIN’S JEWELERS Erwin’s offers an extraordinary selection of fine jewelry, wedding and engagement rings and jewelry repairs. Our extensive gift collection suits all tastes and includes Creighton and blue jay fused-glass from Omaha artist Deb Kubik.

223 W. MISSION AVE., BELLEVUE 402-291-2454 ERWINS J EWELERSCO.COM

LEGACY ART & FRAME

List your small business on the Inspired Living Omaha directory page. Space includes a square photo or logo, 35 words and contact information.

A cozy little shop around the corner in Dundee. Filled with great finds, antiques, consignments and chandeliers. Framing for antique and contemporary works of art.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE 402-444-1425 BSNEAD@OWH.COM

111 N. 50TH ST. 402-330-6665 LEGACY ART & FRAME ON FACEBOOK

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NEW LIFE THRIFT

SPRUCE & ROSIE JANE

VILLAGE NEEDLEWORKS

Always a fun experience! Fin d designer, vintage, antiques, clothing and furniture.

Shop NLTique Boutique for special items.

Call for pickup of your estate sale leftovers, clothing and furniture. Ranked Best Thrift Store in Nebraska by BestThin gsNE.com.

Like us on Facebook!

Fun Midtown shopping! Rosie Jane has an amazing variety of clothes, books, and toys f or babies and toddlers. Just next door, Spruce has a wide range of home décor and gifts f or every occasion.

Complimentary gift wrap!

Omaha’s premier needlepoint shop. Your destination for turning your passion for needlepoint into a work of art.

A collaboration with Lisa Worrall’s “Iddy Biddy Boo Designs” brings col orful designs to needlepoint. Located in Countryside Village.

7007 S. 36TH ST., BELLEVUE 402-731-9311 0000128163-01 NEWLIFETHRIFT.NET

48 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 2 0

5018 & 5022 LEAVENWORTH ST. 402-952-4480 @SPRUCEOMAHA 0000128156-01 @ ROSIE J ANEGIFTSOMAHA

8709 SHAMROCK ROAD 402-391-1191 0000128172-01 VILLAGENEEDLEWORKS.COM

SINCE 1921

rotellasbakery.com

2020 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA TI SPORT AWD

A Convergence of Engineering and Emotion MSRP starting at $52,190 OF OMAHA

Alfa Romeo of Omaha

6611 L Street - Omaha, NE 68117 - (402) 592-0580 - alfaromeoomaha.com