April 2017 Edina Magazine

In the April issue dig into a growing decor trend and get crazy about cacti with guidance from Spruce.

At first Glance, this 2016 Images of Edina award-winning photograph is a great capture of nature in springtime. But the photo and photographer William Webb reveal much more about life. Many know Webb from his years as an Edina High School band director.

 

Anyone can have a do-it-yourself herb garden. Fresh-picked herbs enliven foods with zesty flavors and brilliant shades of green. They’re used more for enhancing taste and pungent aroma than physical substance. Growing an herb garden requires some light, soil, water and pruning.

 

This month, the Edina Thespians will perform the Tony award-winning musical, In the Heights. This musical, by famed Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, takes place in the Washington Heights neighborhood of  New York City.

 

The playful spirit of a 10-year-old recognized the magic in Faerie Houses before it became a business by the same name.

 

A sculptural memorial reminds those who can remember and teaches those who can’t. So when you’re walking around Centennial Lakes and find a girl and a boy frozen in time, you might merely appreciate their childlike wonder or, if you grew up in the 1950s, you might look more carefully.

 

Arbor Day has roots entrenched into history. The idea of planting and celebrating trees goes back centuries to Spain and migrated to the U.S. nearly 150 years ago. Forests were planted in Nebraska and the idea spread nationwide.

 

April nights are perfect for enjoying time with friends and family under the stars around a backyard fire pit, or pulling up a comfortable chair in front of an outdoor fireplace.

 

In 2016 Mindy Ahler decided to raise awareness of climate change by riding her bike across the country.

She readied her bike, a 30-year-old Trek that her mom had given her. She would start in Seaside, Ore., and ride almost 4,000 miles to Washington, D.C.

 

Chika Griswold is an Edina mother of three who prides herself on making wholesome food at home. She makes her own almond milk, yogurt, bread and cheese straws, among other things.

 

Artists express themselves in a variety of ways and mediums. For decades, Edina artist Judy Freeman has created ketubahs—Jewish wedding contracts that are signed just prior to the wedding ceremony and then displayed in the home of the couple.

 

Itching to get your hands dirty or simply add a few decorative garden elements to your home? Then check out these spring gift items we found at Bachman’s.  

 

Last November, Luke Shimp, owner of the popular Red Cow restaurant, once again received the Restaurateur of the Year award. “To be recognized as Restaurateur of the Year for the second time is a true honor,” Shimp says.

 

The Edina Art Center garden sale theme is “Spring has Sprung,” and is based on birds and branches, paintings, drawings, sculptures, metal art, and clay pottery pieces. Susanna Gray and Brenda Haack are two featured artists.

 

Grass Fed Cattle Co. has been providing quality beef in the Twin Cities area since 2008. The company wants to help more families buy beef with its new web app called Cow Pool.

 

A few years ago, the city of Edina reached out to Public Art Edina to find unique and fun ways to enhance the city. From there, the idea of having wrapped utility boxes was born. “There are currently six wrapped utility boxes,” says Barbara La Valleur, former chair of Public Art Edina.

 

Two beautiful spring-themed pieces available at Scheherazade Jewelers in Edina that are sure to brighten up your seasonal outfits include a butterfly necklace and ring set by Lombardi of Italy, an award winning Italian jeweler.

 

If you’re looking for some fun new games or activities for your child’s Easter basket, then look no further than Creative Kidstuff. Books are great gifts. Creative Kidstuff recommends The Littlest Bunny and Too Many Carrots.

 

Cactus as decorative houseplant is quite popular again. To learn more about this retro design element, we asked Amy Backman, president and creative director at Spruce, to tell us why people are drawn to these prickly oddball ornamentals.