Nspire Home + Garden 2023 Edition

“Nspire Home + Garden 2023 Edition” offers a seasonally inspired showcase of sophisticated design, gardening trends, and homeowner insights. With expertly curated layouts, lush landscaping ideas, DIY projects, and product recommendations, it provides fresh inspiration for creating stylish, functional indoor and outdoor spaces all year long.

THE SPIRIT OF LIVING IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Home+Garden

PARADE OF HOMES SHOWCASE

7 HOMES Featured inside

GETTING OUTSIDE Gardening with your kids

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 1

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 3

Huntre Yearout, Jeremi Ossman, Jennifer Brumley, Tommy Knoebber, Julie Doty, Craig Zanetti

YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE 80

Experience is the best defense in any criminal court.

At Amendola Doty & Brumley, PLLC, we have more than 80 years of combined experience that can help you right away. When you contact our full-service criminal defense law offices, you will be speaking with much more than a partnership of attorneys; we are a team dedicated to protecting your rights. Managing Partner Craig Zanetti’s area of emphasis during his legal career has been criminal defense. He has been defending citizens since 2008, initially as a Kootenai County Deputy Public Defender and later in private practice working alongside his mentor, Gary Amendola. Craig is also a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College, a premier trial advocacy program dedicated to zealous criminal defense. Julie Doty and Jennifer Brumley each possess experience as Deputy Prosecutors in Washington and Idaho and in criminal defense in private practice. Our aggressive, attentive Coeur d’Alene criminal law attorneys are ready to help you at a moment’s notice. AD&B offers a free initial consultation and after hours appointments are available upon request and based on attorney availability. Amendola Doty & Brumley, PLLC is where the defense never rests.

We offer skilled representation in the following practice areas:

Major felonies DUI Legal issues involving tourists & visitors Legal issues involving college students Drug crimes Violent crimes & weapons violations Sex crimes Theft crimes Probation violations Appeals

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 5

EDITOR’S NOTE

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | 8AM-9PM

In this issue of Nspire Magazine’s Home and Garden, writer Michal Bennet explores the benefits of gardening with children. I have two and I love the idea of any activity that gets my girls outdoors. It’s far too easy these days to find yourself inside, doing chores, watching TV, playing video games or just filling the time. Even going to indoor classes and lessons robs us of time spent outside breathing in fresh air and experiencing nature. Gardening not only does the job of getting kids outside, but it’s a great learning opportunity that also

Kristina Lyman

fresh. local. organic.

provides nutritious food for the table. And as Michal mentions through her own experience gardening with her mother, the activity creates unique and lasting memories. I’m looking forward to when the weather changes and my family can get outside and spend quality time planting strawberries and other fruits and veggies that we can enjoy together. The slower pace of gardening is especially appealing since our days are filled with work, school and far too many after- school commitments. Last summer, I took the opportunity to enroll my girls in a farm to table summer camp. My oldest daughter enjoyed going, and though my youngest was a reluctant participant, both learned a lot about gardening and all things related. They came home dirty and exhausted but full of anecdotes about their day. This spring when we can get outside in our own small garden, I plan to be more intentional and mindful of the experience my girls are having. Getting them actively planning and participating in the experience will make gardening less of a chore and more of a lasting memory. Enjoy!

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 7

THE NSPIRE TEAM

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PUBLISHER

Andreas John

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kristina Lyman

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

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FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Celentano

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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SR. DESIGNER

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NUTRITION EDITOR

Michal Bennett

TRAVEL EDITOR

Denise Lundy

OFFICE MANAGER

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WAREHOUSE MANAGER

Kelly Miller

ADVENTURE WRITERS

Abby Owens, Bob Legasa

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joe Butler, Jill Buckland

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY:

Martha Wirth Photography

ON THE COVER:

This years edition features four covers photographed by Joel Riner and includes North Ridge Contractors, Timbered Ridge Homes, and Monarch Custom Homes.

Nspire Magazine is published by Mauer Publishing. Opinions expressed by authors and contributors in this issue are not necessarily those of Mauer Publishing. All materials in this issue of Nspire Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. For advertising information email: info@nspiremagazine.com or call 208-930-0114. Nspire Magazine • 409 E Coeur d’Alene Ave, Ste B Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 (208) 930-0114 phone Nspire Magazine, Copyright, 2023

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 9

IN THIS ISSUE

FEEL THE HEAT Saunas are in hot demand

GARDEN TO TABLE Plant to eat, eat to plant

ATLAS BUILDING GROUP Sophisticated design on the Spokane River

LUXURY MEETS COMFORT Monarch wows with river retreat

KID-FRIENDLY GARDENS How to engage children in gardening

GREENSTONE Home impresses with technology and design

BUSY BEES These insects are prolific pollinators

PARADE OF HOMES Take a look inside the top homes in 2022

DANO Craftsman-style home offers a view in every room

MIGHTY MICROGREENS They are tiny but packed with nutrients

TIMBERED RIDGE HOMES Rathdrum home showcases stunning views

SELKIRK Builder goes bold with Hayden home

VERTICAL PLANTS Living walls are a unique way to add greenery

NORTH RIDGE CONTRACTING A home for entertaining indoors and out

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 11

SAUNAS

Saunas do more than enhance your home They can improve your well-being

By JILL BUCKLAND Photography by JOEL RINER

Heat from infrared saunas is said to penetrate more deeply than heat from traditional saunas but each offers benefits.

A lthough currently enjoying a surge in popularity, the practice of sitting in a heat- filled room is no new fad. The sauna emerged over 2,000 years ago in Finland and was originally built with logs. Rocks would be heated in a fire, placed in the sauna hut and doused with water to create sweltering steam and high heat.

Saunas are hot! Not only are they 180 degrees of relaxing warmth, but a sauna is also a wonderful way to enhance your health and home.

Today, wood-fired heaters are still common for outdoor use, but new technologies have made the home sauna easy and convenient. Electric and infrared are the most common types of in-home saunas, according to the folks at Pool World, which has seen a 46% uptick in sauna sales over the past year. The company’s Coeur d’Alene location has had a

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Cold baths paired with hot saunas do wonders for your well-being.

staggering 300% increase in the same period. They are budget-friendly, conveniently delivered and easy to assemble. Pre-built panel designs are the most popular style because they make installation a breeze and allow you to turn almost any space into a sauna without the need for major structural changes.

Smaller units are suited for one or two people and measure approximately 4 feet by 4 feet. Of course, custom-built sauna rooms are available and only limited by your imagination. If having a home sauna isn’t feasible, fitness centers and sauna studios make sauna bathing as easy as becoming a member. Heat Praxia

is a sauna spa located in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Manager Heather Gallegos said saunas do wonders for your health. She pointed to improved cardiovascular health. The heat therapy lowers blood pressure and increases heart rate, mimicking aerobic exercise. Another benefit is the balancing effect on hormones that enhances mood and mindset, she said.

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 15

Carli Bjerke enjoys a sauna at Heat Praxia in Coeur d’Alene.

The world is full of reasons to be stressed, even though it is a natural part of life and has benefits. However, when your stress button gets stuck, negative and lasting effects on your health can occur. The recent surge in home sauna use may be fueled by the post- pandemic trend to make our homes a sanctuary from the very things that cause us stress. Or perhaps people are realizing how this simple and ancient practice has a positive ripple effect on their health. The general recommendation for

spending time in the sauna is 15- 20 minutes, which is little time to spend for the benefits. No matter where you spend your sauna time, it's a healthy habit that may be worth starting. N

"One thing I love about sauna is that everyone leaves with a smile on their face,” she said. “That calm buzz we get from a sauna can be attributed to the release of dopamine, a euphoric hormone that is correlated with improved mood, consistent energy, improved pain tolerance and less depression.”

Scan code to read this article online and see more photos of indoor saunas.

Alleviating stress is the most noted benefit of using the sauna.

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 17

Sprawling home along the river boasts luxury and comfort

By JOE BUTLER Photography By JOEL RINER

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At nearly 8,000 square feet, this sprawling Spokane River home offers stunning water and forest views.

Builder / MONARCH CUSTOM HOMES

HOME + GARDEN 2023 19

Large windows create a spacious feel in this home office.

W hen trying to come up with a very special name for a very special custom home, builder Shawn Anderson perfectly paired two favorite elements of North Idaho life: whiskey and river. The river part is easy to guess the origin: the elegant home overlooks the scenic Spokane River along West Riverview Drive. And the whiskey? Simple. The home’s basement has a lovely room ideal for a private bar with a whiskey lounge. Anderson, owner of Monarch Custom Homes, said the contemporary yet nostalgic home called Whiskey River places a focus on enjoying what’s outside while being surrounded inside by comfort.

The spectacular view of the river is a focal point in the great room.

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A vaulted ceiling and expansive windows give an open air feel to the kitchen.

HOME + GARDEN 2023 21

It’s not hard to see why this home was named the Whiskey River.

“The river is really a focal point,” she said. “We made sure to bring the natural elements inside as much as we could.” The 7,963-square-foot home offers five bedrooms, five bathrooms and two half-baths. One main area that captures attention right away is living room, with tall, vaulted ceilings and floor- to-ceiling windows. The view makes it easy to appreciate so much of

the area’s natural surroundings, including the river and the forestland beyond it. Anderson says the view of the adjacent shoreline and canopy of trees will likely remain undeveloped since it’s city-owned and part of Kiwanis Park. Beyond the unparalleled vista, the home has plenty of other appealing features, including a farmhouse- style kitchen and a main floor

patio that can be accessed from the dining area. This floor also includes two master bedrooms, each at opposite ends of the home. There’s also a one-bedroom casita with its own entrance and private balcony overlooking the river. The studio can be a great place for a family member who may want to live independently, or it can be rented as an apartment.

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 23

A large window in the master bath frames the tub and brings in plenty of natural light.

The basement includes plenty of room for a gaming or entertain - ment area and includes access to a lower patio. Anderson said the basic floorplan is like the plan used in her personal home, which was featured in NIBCA’s Parade of Homes in 2016. The plan has also proved popular with Monarch’s other projects, especially since many elements can be easily customized by clients as needed. “It’s a great seller,” she said. Whiskey River received top honors in the Tamarack category for best kitchen and best master suite. N

Scan code to read this article online and see more pictures of this river home.

The white and cream palette and wood floor and ceiling beams create impact.

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 25

GARDEN

Think bees are pests? These insects have an important job.

WHO’S POLLINATING YOUR GARDEN?

By S. MICHAL BENNETT Photography By JOEL RINER

D id you know there are around 4,000 species of native bees in North America in addition to honeybees? There are bumblebees, Mason bees, leafcutter bees, squash bees, mining bees… to name a few. Of those, over 600 pollinate the Inland Northwest and often do it better than a honeybee. But bees aren’t the only creatures that provide pollination. Butterflies, wasps, beetles, bats, flies, moths, hummingbirds and even bats and small mammals pollinate flowering and fruiting plants everywhere. The whispering wind is also a pollinator! And, with a little effort, gardeners can hand pollinate their own garden plants. >> The Priority of Pollination First, let’s define pollination. The transfer of pollen to a stigma, ovule, flower or plant to allow fertilization.

A fertilized flower then transforms into a fruit that bears seeds that will grow new plants that flower. You can identify a pollinating plant by the presence of pollen in conjunction with a flower. Pollinators transfer pollen from flower to flower as well as shake it into the ovule or stigma within the flower. And then, some plants – peanuts, peas, orchids – supplement pollination by self- pollinating. Their flowers fold back on themselves at night, knocking pollen into the heart of the flower. Over 180,000 varied plant species and around 1,200 food crops require pollination to reproduce. These include berries, vegetables, gourds, melons, coffee, herbs, nuts, chocolate, conifer trees and much more. This means that one out of every three bites of your food is dependent on pollination to show up on your

plate. That’s a lot of food! Pollen and plant nectar are also food for bees and beetles, providing nutrient and protein. Look closely at a fluttering bee during the height of summer and you’ll see their back legs encased in bright yellow pollen leg warmers! >> The Bees With all the information over the past decade about saving the bees most of us are pretty familiar with what a honeybee looks like. But have you ever seen an orange-belted bumblebee? Or followed a mason bee back to its burrowed nest? Or watched a leafcutter bee harvest greenery for its eggs? Some bees are even green or their stripes appear eerily similar to a wasp’s. With 4,000… and one… to observe, it might be difficult to differentiate some bees from flies, pests or other flying insects.

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Managing native bees is vital to sustaining populations.

>> Bee ID Common Characteristics • Mostly short, thick bodies covered in hair (some exceptions) • Six legs and three body parts: head, thorax, abdomen • Three segments in the thorax, each with three pairs of legs • Tiny waist and rounded abdomen tip (wasps have a pointed lower abdomen) • Branched hairs somewhere on their body • Two pairs of wings • Only females have stingers Bees are amazing creatures. Take one of each variety of bee in North America and put them all together and they’ll weigh about one pound. A honeybee hive houses

around 50,000 bees on average, and a queen bee can lay 800,000 eggs during her lifespan. Bees are fast, flying up to 15 miles per hour! They communicate through movement, often compared to dancing, and they are industriously neat in their cleaning, constructing and ensuring the future of their species. Honeybees live within a collective hive with thousands of worker bees supporting one queen, building a wax hexagonal structure, harvesting pollen and nectar, and facilitating the production of honey. Honey is chock full of amino acids, vitamins and minerals and is gentler on blood sugar levels than regular sugar. Beekeepers are common in the U.S. and are often referred to as honey farmers or apiarists. This method of bee management has the possibility of harming wild honeybee

populations and encroaching on their pollination territories. But honey is a bankable commodity on the world market. In recent years, more awareness and care has been brought to the industry to build a more sustainable future. One way we can promote sustainability and current pollinator health is to encourage and manage native bees. Mason bees are the most known North American native bee and get their name from the “masonry” work they do as they build small tube-shaped holes to lay their eggs and section off with mud. These amazing insects are more effective pollinators than honeybees but are solitary instead of hive dwellers. They also have a shorter lifespan: they emerge early in the spring, and then the female queen works alone for about 10 weeks to build

HOME + GARDEN 2023 27

Butterflies and moths follow bees in their pollinating abilities.

Photo by Martha Wirth Photography

caterpillar, cocoon, butterfly, eggs and can reach as high as 11,000 feet into the air. Their wings are made up of a transparent protein layer covered in scales that reflect light in different colors, making them brilliantly diverse and vivid in their plumage. Butterflies can be raised in captivity but releasing them into the wild can cause great harm to wild populations. While some of the 75,000 wasp species are bee predators and extremely aggressive towards humans, many wasps are still pollinators. Other insects that we consider pests, like flies, midges, mosquitos and beetles also play roles in this important task. So, the next time you go on a mission to kill as many “pests” as possible, remember

tubes, find a mate, lay her eggs and then die. You can keep mason bees as well! They are gentle and don’t have stingers. There are so many fascinating bees to discover, but I’m only going to talk about one other one here: the bumblebee. These fat, hairy banded bees are probably my favorite. For a number of years, I’ve witnessed a growing population of orange- belted bumblebees in my garden and seeing their little butts wiggling in the center of a rhododendron bloom just makes me smile. Bumblebees also live only for a season and build colony nests of 70-2,000 bees close to the ground. That little tail wiggle? Well, that’s their vibrating “buzz buzz” that shakes the pollen and makes them incredible and efficient

pollinators. Although females have stingers, they are much more laid back than honeybees, so you most likely won’t be stung by one. They are hardy, tenacious and gentle, and they love flowers, all flowers, any flowers. >> Non-Bee Insect Pollinators Butterflies and moths are the most prolific pollinators after bees. Although there are 20,000 species of butterflies in the world, only 750 pollinate in North America. Some butterflies, like the Idaho Monarch, migrate to warmer climates when it gets cold. Others hibernate in leaves while some die off in the harsh weather. They favor wildflower pollen and taste with all six of their feet. They have a life cycle of

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 29

There are 4,000 species of native bees in North America.

Photo by Martha Wirth Photography

>> Pollinator Gardening As a gardener, the pollination and eventual fruiting of your fruits and vegetables is of utmost importance. There are a wealth of plants, designs and structures that you can apply in your garden that will attract a range of pollinators and create a healthy ecological habitat. Find out more: “Bee Friendly Gardening” at nspiremagazine.com . N

they have a good side as well in the ecology of our world. >> Other Pollinators Birds, particularly hummingbirds, are key wildflower pollinators in our world. They transfer pollen on their bills as they flutter from flower to flower feeding on the sweet nectar. In tropical regions, they are important for the propagation of food crops like bananas, papayas and nutmeg. Bats have a creepy reputation, but when they feed on the nectar night-blooming flowers, they end up transporting pollen on their furry faces and bodies. In one night,

they can pollinate 30 flowers and are responsible for a lot of cross- pollination. Their preferred flowers? Agave, cocoa, bananas, mangoes, guavas, eucalyptus – around 528 plant species. Their contribution to the production of food is substantial. Other small animals, like lemurs, chipmunks, squirrels, mice and lizards, are also important to the pollination cycle. About 85 plant species in the world provide sweet, sweet nectar for rodents, lizards and other small vertebrate pollinators. They carry the pollen on their fur and help create new life as they sustain their own.

Scan code to read this article online and see more photos of our busy little friends.

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 31

GARDEN

looking for ways to diversify. Chef Craig Hartman commissioned Clark to grow baby leafy greens for salads in his restaurant, but Mike had never grown baby greens. His first delivery was a 5-pound bag of tiny, spindly green shoots. Never one to turn down local produce, Hartman added the not-baby-greens to his menu that day. A food writer dining that evening asked what was in her salad, and Hartman coined “microgreens” on the spot. Her article in The Nation’s Restaurant News spread the word throughout the industry, and over 300 farmers learned more about these little greens from Clark at a hydroponic seminar shortly after. Today, Clark still grows tomatoes and microgreens – and baby greens! – and he still works closely with Chef Hartman. >> Microgreens Today Microgreenfarmingandproduction has increased significantly since the ‘90s and is predicted to continue growing by 10% annually. The Chef’s Garden was one of the early companies to begin large production and shipping to culinary professionals and individuals. Today, it remains one of the top producers in the U.S. alongside Fresh Origins, AeroFarms and Farmbox Greens. But there is also a wealth of smaller local and regional producers throughout the country growing for customers and restaurants alike. >> How Microgreens Grow Microgreens are not sprouts. Sprouts are seeds, like beans and grains, that are germinated and sprouted using water. The warm moisture encourages the growth of certain food poisoning bacteria, if not cared for properly. Microgreens are grown in either potting soil or a soilless substrate. The most common is coconut coir, a natural fiber waste product of coconut harvesting. Due to

Microgreens The Versatile and Flavorful World of Early Harvested Vegetables

By S. MICHAL BENNETT Photography By JOEL RINER

Microgreens pack a nutritional punch.

M icrogreens are the tender shoots of salad greens and veggies that are grown from seed and harvested when their first leaves have formed. Not only are they pleasant garnishes to many dishes, but they are also rich in po - tassium, iron, antioxidants and other healthy nutrients. Microgreens first

took root in the restaurant world, but these days, you can find them in gro- cery stores, at farmers’ markets, and

even as grow-at-home kits! >> The Microgreen Story

In 1992, Virginia hydroponic tomato farmer, Michael Clark, was struggling to retain restaurant customers on the East Coast and

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Production of microgreens has increased significantly.

the dryer environment, microgreens don’t carry the same risks as sprouts. If you start your vegetable garden from seed, you’re familiar with the terms “first leaves” and “true leaves.” Microgreens are cut after a plant’s first leaves have formed and before its true leaves have a chance to grow. The result is a delicate, flavor- packed leafy shoot that is not only visually appealing but texturally diverse as well. Popular varieties include broccoli, arugula, radish and sunflower, but a seed mix is efficient and diverse. Less common and uniquely flavorful varieties are corn, beet, watercress and collards. >> Grow Your Own It’s convenient to buy a pack of microgreens at the store, but growing your own at home, indoors,

year-round is easy. Check your local nursery, ask a microgreen grower, or find online a microgreens growing kit. Some are even self-watering and most will fit nicely on a windowsill! You can also build your own. >> What You’ll Need • seeds • a seed tray, at least 1-inch deep • a growing medium (potting soil, coconut coir, or other soilless medium) • a sunny location or a grow light/ lamp • a watering can and consistent watering availability • labels • a sharp chef’s knife or sharp scissors

Fill your trays with your growing medium, smooth them out, and add water until moist but not wet. Spread your seeds over the entire surface, add a little more of the soil or soilless on top, and gently press the seeds down. Cover with a clear dome, plastic bag, or plastic wrap and allow to germinate – you can uncover once the first leaves have begun to form. Water as needed to keep the trays moist. Once the shoots are a few inches high and the first leaves have fully formed, but before the true leaves have sprouted, harvest by cutting just above the soil. If needed, rinse lightly and dry on a paper towel. Enjoy and repeat! N

Scan code to read this article online and see more photos of how to incorporate microgreens.

HOME + GARDEN 2023 33

GARDEN

A simple and stylish way to improve your indoor environment Green Walls

By S. MICHAL BENNETT Photography By JOEL RINER

Living walls are a great way to add greenery in small spaces.

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Aside from flowers you can grow vegetables vertically too.

I t’s a well-researched and prov- en fact that cultivating indoor plants improves the air qual - ity of a space and can subtly boost your mood. While the plants may simply be a ficus tree or herbs on a windowsill, indoor greenery has the capacity to develop into a produc - tive food space or a living art exhibit that beautifies your home in a truly unique way. Green walls were once considered elaborate and expensive, with watering and care being com - plex issues in a vertical indoor space. However, there are now a wealth of companies and products that offer creative solutions and are making it possible to green homes, offices, walls, and buildings in simple and innovative ways. First developed in 1938 by Stanley Hart White, a professor of landscape architecture at the University of Illinois, green walls, vertical gardens, living walls or “vegetation- bearing architectonic structures and

systems” can create privacy and style in an outdoor space or bring sublime verdure to your home or office. Installing floating planters or a vertical hanging garden system is the simplest way to start a living wall. You can find pocketed modular grow bags online ($10-$200 that often come with automatic watering systems). Wall vases and hanging planter pots can be easily attached and maintained with proper drainage construction (example: wallygrow. com). You can also recycle plastics, wood and metal to build a custom frame to fit your space. Choose a location or wall that receives a decent amount of natural light and is easy to access for care and maintenance. Planting mediums usually consist of soil, stone, and/or water, and you’ll need some sort of built-in irrigation system or features that promote proper drainage and air flow. When choosing what to

plant, consider what grows well in your climate, plants that have similar water and light requirements and whether you want uniform or diverse texture. Want to grow a vegetable wall? Choose plants that grow well in partial sun or are categorized as cold-hardy. GrowUp Vertical Farming offers innovative urban farmer kits to fit a variety of spaces. (growupverticalfarming.com) Finally, if you want the greenery without the work, you can follow in the footsteps of social media and install an artificial green wall. Most greenery panels are UV-resistant and can be installed indoors or outdoors. You won’t get the oxygen benefit, but it’ll make a nice backdrop to your everyday life. N

Scan code to read this article online and see more photos of living walls for inspiration.

HOME + GARDEN 2023 35

GARDEN

GARDEN TO TABLE

By S. MICHAL BENNETT Photography By JOEL RINER

H ere in the Northwest, al - most every gardener plants zucchini, and by the middle of summer, they are so tired of eat - ing it! But the popular squash just keeps propagating and growing bigger. Inevitably, when August ar - rives, you and your gardener friends are trying to find homes for jumbo courgettes. With a little garden plan - ning, though, you can not only keep up with your zucchini abundance, but you can also keep your palate interested and happy and enjoy the fruit of your labor all the way through winter. Garden to table gardening is a concept of growing all or a portion

of your own produce, while planning your garden around meals and recipes. It takes a little work and organization, and your garden may not produce – or may over produce – what you anticipate. But, if you want to try your hand at a little grocery self-sufficiency, save some money and establish more mindful eating habits, I invite you to put together a garden to table plan as you prep your beds. The goal is to flip the cycle of recipe-grocery list-shopping basket on its head. Your plan instead starts with what is fruiting in your garden right now. Find recipes that utilize those ingredients, and then fill in

the blanks with a shopping list. Your plan may be less “convenient” at first and will challenge your habits, but the more you choose to shop first in your garden, the more money you’ll save and the more creative and satisfying your meals will be. >> Stick with What You Eat What produce do you buy every week at the grocery store? What do you and your family actually enjoy eating? Can you grow these veggies in your hardiness zone? When flipping through seed catalogs, it’s easy to get starry-eyed with all the garden possibilities, but will you really eat all those things?

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Recipe

>> Prep to Preserve If you have a decent size garden, you may end up with overabundance regardless of how coordinated you are. Be prepared to dry, freeze or can excess produce, and enjoy the fruit of your labor throughout the winter months. The best source for these preservation processes and recipes is the USDA’s National Center for Home Food Preservation (nchfp.uga. edu). N GARDEN HERB RANCH DIP OR DRESSING (makes 6 ounces) » 1/3 cup Follow Your Heart Vegenaise* or mayonnaise » 1/3 cup sour cream » ½ Tb lemon juice » 1 ½ tsp fresh mix of oregano, thyme, basil, and parsley, finely chopped » 1 medium garlic clove, minced » ½ tsp onion powder » ¼ tsp sea salt » 1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper » 1 Tb milk, buttermilk, or water (optional to thin for dressing) Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Refrig - erate for at least half an hour to let the flavors meld. Serve with salad, as a dip, or spread on a sandwich. *This is not a Follow Your Heart ad, but I prefer the flavor of this egg-free mayo. Give it a try! Scan code for the online recipe.

Garden to table takes a bit of planning but the effort is well worth it.

Consider your go-to meals and snacks. Your tried-and-true recipes. The dishes you make once a week or every month. Make a list of the veggies, fruits and herbs from those recipes and which ones you use more than others. Now, go find those seeds in the catalogs. Typically, they note a vegetable’s compatible growing zone, but your local Master Gardener can also provide you with a list of what grows best in your area. Once you know what you’re able to grow, you can plan out your garden space. >> A Pile of Recipes Once you have a produce list and

garden layout, it’s time to gather your recipes once again and apply a little organization. Perhaps you make a recipe box or start a recipe journal. Either way, I encourage you to organize your recipes – at least the names or descriptions – by veggie instead of meal. Start with core recipes, like five or six. Then add new ones when you find them. Some recipes may have more than one ingredient from your garden. Put those under multiple veggie tabs! Then, when you have an overabundance of summer squash or tomatoes, you already have a variety of recipes to keep your plate interesting.

Scan code to read this article online and see more photos of garden to table ideas.

HOME + GARDEN 2023 37

GARDEN

For children like Maggie and Lilly Meltzer, gardening can be a fun family activity.

GARDENING TOGETHER AS A FAMILY

By S. MICHAL BENNETT Photography By JOEL RINER

O ne summer when I was a kid growing up in Texas, my mom painstakingly cleared out a mountain of weeds in our backyard and introduced our fam - ily to growing our own garden. The climate in my home state is humid and hot, and the soil quickly dries out and can become a dust bowl. While citrus may grow well in Texas, most vegetables need consistent care and watering, and the weather, from scorching temperatures to torrential downpours, can kill a garden faster than a couple of hungry gophers.

Our garden only lasted two or three years before we moved on to raising rabbits for showing at the county fair. Still, in that time, I grew to love the sensation of working the dirt with my hands, the heady scent of mature tomato plants, and the diversity of texture and color that each plant contributed to that corner of our yard. I have grown my knowledge and experience significantly since then, but those sweltering sunny days growing tomatoes in Texas will always hold a special slot in my memories.

Planting a kid-friendly garden and gardening together creates these unique, lasting memories as well as creative learning adventures. I believe that kids and gardens go naturally together. They get kids into the healthy outdoors and fresh air and provide a wealth of ever- changing situations that can capture their attention. Gardening together also offers natural lessons in math, science, investigation, community, responsibility, problem solving, and self-sufficiency. And the effort put into watching and helping plants grow transforms into a sense of

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Engage kids from the start by letting them help plan the garden.

accomplishment and pride when it comes to harvesting the fruits of their labor. Physical activity in the sunshine, fresh air, and dirt filled with living things can improve moods, lower stress, and promote refreshing rest at the end of the day. It’s healthy to learn new skills and develop self- confidence through nurturing life with your own hands. Garden dirt is a good dirt that can strengthen the immune system and our bodies. Taking the time to complete needed garden tasks and revel together in the wonder of flourishing life can nurture connection and curiosity that will build spirit and independence well into the future. >> Life Lessons Get your kids involved right from the beginning. Planning a garden involves math, organization, forethought, and responsibility. Just like with cooking meals, allowing kids to choose plants and be part of the process gives them a sense of

ownership as the season progresses. When choosing plants or even gardening together, tell the stories of the plants. Each takes on a personality of its own when you know how it works, where it came from, and what its purpose is. You can also treasure hunt for good and bad insects, telling their stories and functions as you keep your garden’s ecosystem healthy and thriving. Not everything that’s pretty is beneficial. Not everything that’s ugly is harmful. >> Kid-Friendly Environment Kids love plants that they can interact with. Lamb’s ear is soft and fuzzy to the touch. Chocolate mint and cinnamon basil smell even better than they taste. Strawberries and raspberries provide delicious picking sessions. It’s such fun to watch sunflowers grow big and tall, and then fascinating to harvest the seeds. Pumpkins are a no brainer for keeping kids entertained. The

perceptible overnight growth of large pumpkin varieties is impressive. Kids can scratch their names into the skin when it’s small, and as it grows, the pumpkin will scar the name into itself, creating a personalized gourd. >> Enjoying the Harvest When your garden begins to produce fruit, this is wonderful opportunity to talk about nutrition and cook together what you grew together. You can even grow a garden with a meal or food in mind, like a pizza garden or salsa garden. The tactile activities of growing, caring for, harvesting, and making food with ingredients you’ve grown yourself open up a whole new perspective on life that no grocery store can offer. Together, we can build a more sustainable future of food and community through family gardens. N

Scan code to read this article online and get inspired to grow your own kid-friendly garden.

HOME + GARDEN 2023 39

This rustic charmer, built by Rosenberger Homes, was showcased in the 2021 Parade of Homes.

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SHOWCASE

THE PARADE OF HOMES North Idaho Premier Builder Showcase

HOME + GARDEN 2023 41

Homes in the Parade, like this one by Atlas Building Group, showcase the best in design and architecture.

PARADE OF HOMES

September 16 th / 17 th / 22 - 24 th

E ach year, the North Idaho Parade of Homes spotlights the work of some of the area's top builders, designers, landscapers and architects. These talented teams come together not only to display the latest trends but, in many cases, to push the limits of home design.

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From rustic ranchers to modern marvels, these home projects ooze creativity, luxury, innovation and sophistication. And whether you're drawn to architectural elements, function or form, you can be assured all take center stage on this parade. Here are highlights of the 2022 Parade of Homes.

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 43

TIMBERED RIDGE

Expansive views abound from this Rathdrum home

By JOE BUTLER Photography By JOEL RINER

T he next best thing to living in the middle of the woods is being close enough to see nature but still be surrounded by comfort. That feeling is a big part of the appeal of Timbered Vista, a home in the Lone Mountain Estates neigh- borhood in northern Rathdrum. Set in the middle of a 5-acre lot, the 2,915-square-foot home offers plenty of unparalleled views of the surrounding forest, especially from the prime viewing area of a vaulted great room that overlooks a spa - cious backyard. The room also includes a large stone fireplace, making it a peace- ful and comfy spot to watch the snow, the rain the sunshine, even the deer that wander through the property.

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Timbered Vista and other homes from Timbered Ridge Homes are designed to encourage homeowners to enjoy nature but in a comfortable setting.

Builder / TIMBERED RIDGE HOMES

HOME + GARDEN 2023 45

Timbered Vista is in the middle of a 5-acre lot in Lone Mountain Estates, which provides privacy as well as forest views.

“The big windows really bring nature in,” said Ken Moeller, from Windermere Hayden, who is part of the sales team for builder Timbered Ridge Homes. The great room also opens to a covered vaulted back patio where you can sit, entertain or barbecue. The rest of the two-story home is equally impressive. It includes five bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a three-car garage. An open flow concept makes it easy to move between the kitchen, dining area and living room. The chef’s kitchen features lighted cabinets and a nook that leads to a walk-pantry, which can be used for supplies as well as a coffee and tea prep area. The oversized granite island is a focal point.

The kitchen includes dark trim accented by dark tile. The black-and-white theme continues in the granite island.

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Live THE LIFESTYLE

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 47

Emphasis on the scenery continues in the master bedroom with two windows plus a glass-paneled door that accesses the patio and hot tub.

The master suite is spacious and allows access to an outdoor patio. Plus, there’s a walk-in shower with a rain head and body spray settings as well as a soaking tub. Timbered Ridge Homes earned three awards in the Spruce category for Timbered Vista from last year’s Parade of Homes: best Kitchen, best master suite, and best interior. Moeller said one thing that the builder does well is customize details of every home for every client. This goes beyond choosing from a couple of available blueprints. For instance, the Timbered Vista home started out as modern Craftsman home, but variations were added to it, such as more rustic lodge elements.

“You’ll be allowed to modify anything you want and pick all your colors and their styles,” he said. “Everyone has different things they like.” N

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Scan code to read this article online and see more photos of this Timbered Ridge home.

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HOME + GARDEN 2023 49

The 2,396-square-foot Skylark was built in the Craftsman style but includes some unique variations, including tones that match the natural surroundings.

Builder / NORTH RIDGE HOMES

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NORTH RIDGE

HOME’S GUEST SUITE BUILT FOR COMFORT AND PRIVACY By JOE BUTLER Photography By JOEL RINER T his 2,396-square-foot home overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene was built to showcase the view of the water. “This lot had some limitations that we needed to work with, including designing a floorplan that would be cohesive, and also accent all the best aspects of the property,” said Jessica Cargile, CFO/Head of Design and Marketing for North Ridge Contracting. “The flow is beautiful for entertaining, and the view side of the home is really maximized.”

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