5 ESSENTIAL HERBSFOR YOUR HEALTH

WATER GARDENING WITH MOTHER NATURE

RED WING CHURCH BECOMES ONE FAMILY’S SANCTUARY

THE KITCHEN DILEMMA

re•doux

homemay / june 2011 • freeredouxhome.com

northfield • red wing • faribault • cannon fallsdundas • mississippi river valley

THANK YOU!We are extremely honored to have been named the 2011 Business of the Year! We would like to thank our residents, our board of directors, our employees, our neighbors and fellow Chamber businesses throughout Northfield. You are all vital to our success.

For more than 40 years, Northfield Retirement Community has provided exceptional, quality care for seniors. We’re proud of the wide array of housing and service choices we offer – from round-the-clock care, to memory services, to home care assistance – and pledge to continue to think innovatively about how we can enhance the lives of residents in the greater Northfield community.

Northfield Retirement Community Innovation. Choice. Tradition.

For more information, call (507) 664-3466 or visit www.northfieldretirement.org.

Northfield Retirement CommunityInnovation. Choice. Tradition.A Christian Community of Senior Housing with Services

Northfield Area Business of the Year!

Northfield Retirement Community • (507) 664-3466 • 900 Cannon Valley Drive • www.northfieldretirement.org

THANK YOU!We are extremely honored to have been named the 2011 Business of the Year! We would like to thank our residents, our board of directors, our employees, our neighbors and fellow Chamber businesses throughout Northfield. You are all vital to our success.

For more than 40 years, Northfield Retirement Community has provided exceptional, quality care for seniors. We’re proud of the wide array of housing and service choices we offer – from round-the-clock care, to memory services, to home care assistance – and pledge to continue to think innovatively about how we can enhance the lives of residents in the greater Northfield community.

Northfield Retirement Community Innovation. Choice. Tradition.

For more information, call (507) 664-3466 or visit www.northfieldretirement.org.

Northfield Retirement CommunityInnovation. Choice. Tradition.A Christian Community of Senior Housing with Services

Northfield Area Business of the Year!

Northfield Retirement Community • (507) 664-3466 • 900 Cannon Valley Drive • www.northfieldretirement.org

Open Monday–Saturday 8 a.m.–9 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m.–7 p.m.516 Water Street S, Northfield • 507-650-0106 • www.justfood.coop

PUBLISHERNichole Day Diggins / Flying Pan Productions

EDITORElizabeth Child

COPY EDITORSJodi Ohlsen ReadLinda Day Dunlap

CONTRIBUTORSSteven AnthonyBetsey BuckheitElizabeth ChildNichole Day DigginsDoug GroveAlan William NugentRafael PerezMelissa PizarroChristine ReedMary Lahr SchierCrystal Strickland

ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNNichole Day Diggins

SALESElizabeth ChildPeter DigginsLinda Day DunlapSara French

REDOUX HOME • PO BOX 148, Northfield, MN 55057p: 507.301.9710e: info@redouxhome.com

redoux home is produced by Flying Pan Productions.All rights reserved. Copyright 2011. Copies of this publication or its contents may not be made for promotional purposes. For article reprints, contact REDOUX HOME at info@redouxhome.com.to advertise: 507.301.9710•612.812.9987 www.redouxhome.com

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what type of gardener are you?And so it begins. Gardening. There is still time to decide what kind of a gardener you’re going to be this year. All the options are perfectly acceptable, including none of the above. I do not judge. But figuring out your approach and acknowledging it may offer peace of mind if your desires turn out not to match your ambition.

1. The All-in Gardener: The one who has been gardening in mind all winter and who started seeds indoors or has a green house for early blooms. The one who loves digging in the dirt, finds weeding “therapeutic” and owns mosquito nettling to wear like a burqa come July so nothing will interfere with the task of gardening.

2. The Spring Planter: This gardener is enthusiastic about designing a beautiful garden. The Spring Planter is willing to dig and plant during spring when the air is clear and the bugs are yet to hatch. The Planter loves the blooms and the harvest, but retreats to the porch and shrugs at the weeds mid-summer, watching this year’s plantings unfold and re-imagining the garden for next year.

3. The Concepter: The concepter never digs. The concepter goes to garden shows, reads articles and plans. The concepter doesn’t get dirty, however. He or she may own tools and gloves but they are for others. The perfect garden either lives in the mind of the concepter or comes to fruition through the labor of others.

4. The Happy Potter: The Potter may not have a yard fit for a garden, so instead finds ways to add blooms to an entryway, deck or patio through beautiful planters that stay colorful all gardening season.

We have ideas for all of you in this issue. If you’re “all in,” you may want to add a water feature. DIY gardeners may want to add herbs. Potters will find wonderful examples here. If you don’t fit the above categories, please tell us what kind of gardener you are! Offer your gardening observations and tips on our new (soon to come) blog at redouxhome.com, or connect with your REDOUX HOME friends by searching for us on FB. Happy planting!Elizabeth Child, editoreditor@redouxhome.com

we’re growing – join usredoux home is seeking dependable, professional self starters to join our sales team. Build your part- time or full-time career with the area’s most dynamic lifestyle magazine. Send cover letter and resume to: info@redouxhome.com.

read more at redouxhome.comYou can read the full story and see more photos on our newly expanded website.

stay connectedFriend us on Facebook to receive regular tips, recipes and updates that you won’t find in the magazine.

advertise your businessBecome an advertising partner with redoux home and we’ll bring your business to life.Complimentary ad design is included.

editor’s note

04editor’s noteWhat type of gardener are you?BY ELIZABETH CHILD

09in the gardenContainer gardens brighten dull spots with sensational color.BY MARY LAHR SCHIER

15foodHome-grown asparagus is so flavorful, you’ll forget it’s good for you, too.STORY BY CRYSTAL STRICKLAND

10in the gardenGrow tasty herbs to improve your health and table. STORY BY MELISSA PIZARRO

25day trippingGet your wheels turning on Minneapolis’ Midtown Greenway.STORY BY ELIZABETH CHILD

23interiorsHow to get your money’s worth from a remodeled kitchen.STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALAN WILLIAM NUGENT

may / june 2011

summer living

06water gardening with mother natureLearn to go with the flow by adding a water feature to your yard.BY DOUG GROVE

18conversion experienceRed Wing church has an afterlife as a second home.STORY BY CHRISTINE REEDPHOTOS BY DAVID REED AND SHELLY AND TOM BILLIET

13up on a roofHome addition inspires a green roof in Northfield.STORY BY BETSEY BUCKHEIT

features

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Water Gardening with Mother Nature Tranquility is a backyard waterfall

in the garden

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BY DOUG GROVE

It’s right outside of your back door. The sound of a cascading waterfall giving way to a stream that’s rippling its way around rocks and boulders, ending suddenly at a drop-off to greet the pond below. If you stand still long enough, the cardinal that’s been hiding in the spruce tree you planted last year will dart out and take a quick drink before it flitters away. You catch a glimpse of some colorful fish in the pond, resting in the shade of some lily pads. As you walk closer for a better look, a frog that has taken up residence under a nearby stone makes a break for it and disappears silently into the water. A peaceful scene . . . A place to be still.

As our lives get busier by the day, there’s something about the sights and sounds of moving water that calls us to a place of calm.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of a pond system is that each one is totally unique. No one else will have one like yours. It can be any shape or size you want. You are only limited by your imagination. A well-designed water garden is a self-sustaining ecosystem that prohibits the use of chemicals. It works with Mother Nature, not against her, which in turn does a great job of making it attractive to the area wildlife. It will have a natural look and feel. A typical size is 11 feet by 16 feet with a 6- to 8-foot stream. The pond should have two shelf levels before dropping down to a deeper area. The shelves make it safer for small children and provide a good location for aquatic plants. The deepest area is normally about 24 inches deep, which is a good depth for water lilies, and deep enough for fish to stay out of the reach of predators. If you choose to add a stream, it should be long enough to put in two or three curves, which will create more interest. Underwater lights are a big plus if you plan to spend evenings enjoying your pond.

Do not put your pond in a far corner of your yard, unless you plan on spending a lot of time there. The closer you are to the water, the more you will enjoy it. Ideally, you will be able to see and hear the pond from inside and outside of your home. The sunnier the location the better and the more choices you will have for your water plants to thrive. A flat lawn doesn’t mean you can’t have a water fall and stream. The excavations from the pond can be used to create a berm, out of which the waterfall and stream can emerge to flow down to the pond.

Tranquility is a backyard waterfall

in the garden

How do I maintain a pond? A pond is really very low maintenance, as long as you have the proper of ingredients. The key to creating a self-sustaining ecosystem is to make sure that you have the right balance of water circulation and filtration, fish, aquatic plants, rocks, gravel and bacteria. Once the pond is up and running, the balance is easy to sustain by periodically spiking it with bacteria. String algae can sometimes form in the summer and fall, but it can also be controlled biologically.

What do I do with the fish in the winter?Interestingly enough, you can leave them in the pond over the winter. As long as you can keep a hole in the ice for air they should be just fine. Plugging in a floating water heater is a common way to do this. Another option is to take them inside for the winter. Just make sure your fish tank is large enough to support them. Do not feed your fish in the winter. They aren’t able to digest the food properly and you could lose some fish.

What about mosquitoes?Any mosquito that emerges from the pond alive is one lucky mosquito. The water in the pond is constantly circulating at the rate of 2,000 to 3,000 gallons per hour and mosquitoes don’t normally lay their eggs in running water. Even if they did, they would have to go through three filtering systems, plus a bed of filtration stones and a pond full of hungry fish before they even reached the waterfall.

What if I don’t have enough room for a pond?If you don’t have enough space for a pond, one option is a pondless waterfall. Instead of a stream emptying into a pond, it flows onto a drainage bed of stones that can be camouflaged with plantings. The circulating pump is located under the rocks and is protected in a special basket. That way you can have the same effect of a fall and stream without the pond.

Why not just install a pre-made pond?Most of the pre-made ponds consist of a small molded plastic pond with a fountain that you put in the middle of the water. Because they lack the essential ingredients for balance, they will not be able to support a healthy ecosystem and will eventually require high maintenance. If you are thinking of investing in a pond or water system, it is best to put a bit more money into a system that will give you the most enjoyment for the longest time. An 11-foot by 16-foot pond with a 6-foot stream will cost about the same as a decent hot tub.

Doug Grove owns Grove Landscaping in Northfield.

THE FIVE ELEMENTS OF A HEALTHY WATER FEATURE:

1. A circulation system. This keeps the water moving and also maintains the necessary oxygen levels for healthy fish.

2. A water filtration system. Both mechanical filters for debris and a biological filter are beneficial for bacteria growth, while removing excess nutrients from the water and keeping unwanted algae growth to a minimum.

3. Fish. Reduce pond maintenance by adding fish. They graze on string algae and bottom feed. As a rule of thumb, a pond will support about 1 inch of fish length for every square foot of pond surface. An 11-foot by 16-foot pond will support about 167 total “fish” inches.

4. Aquatic plants. Plants are great for naturalizing a pond, and adding color. But more importantly, they thrive on excess nutrients and fish waste, depriving pond algae of its food source.

5. Rocks, gravel, and bacteria. Rocks and gravel make your pond look more natural, and will also protect pond liners from UV light degradation. They also provide another medium for beneficial bacteria to thrive and aid in the breakdown of excess nutrients in the water.

Contain Your EnthusiasmContainer gardens brighten dull spots with sensational color

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARY LAHR SCHIER

For instant color, deck-side drama or a quick way to fill a hole in your garden beds, container plantings are the answer.

Containers can nestle a seating area, provide a greeting at the front porch or brighten up empty or dull spots in the garden. (Yes, it is OK to put a container in the middle of a planting bed.) Don’t be afraid to change or modify containers with the seasons. You can replace spring violas with heat-tolerant geraniums, then tuck a mini-pumpkin or gourd in a pot for a fall look. Containers make great seasonal accents.

A few tips for having fabulous containers this year:

• Use large containers. The extra size helps the plants stay healthy and a big pot has big impact. Just remember to keep the plants and pot in proportion.

• Water, water, water! On hot days, your containers may need a morning and an evening drink to stay looking their best. When placing containers, keep distance from the hose in mind.

• Regular fertilizing—every two weeks, according to some gardeners—helps your plants keep growing and blooming. If weather turns very hot, cut back on the fertilizer, but keep watering.

• Go tropical. Tropical plants sometimes look odd in northern gardens, but they can give your deck an exotic feeling when placed in a container.

Mary Lahr Schier edits Northern Gardener magazine and blogs at mynortherngarden.com. 9 re

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This ‘King Tut’ papyrus defines the word thriller when paired with a dark coleus and ‘Diamond Frost’ euphorbia.

Tuck a whimsical container in a shady spot for garden visitors to discover.

Containers do not have to be combinations. This dramatic deep pink bougainvillea decorates a deck beautifully by itself.

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Not sure what to plant this year?Here are some herbs loved by cook, gardener and healer. BY MELISSA PIZARRO

CURLY PARSLEYCurly Parsley looks great in a pot and is very easy to grow. It’s also good for you and tastes great.How to grow: Plant in sun to partial shade. This bi-annual is known to come back year after year with little fuss. Parsley prefers nutrient-rich humus, loamy or clay soil and grows to 24 inches. Starting from seed you will have to wait a season before your herbs mature.Properties: High in Vitamin C and A, it also contains iron, calcium, folic acid and potassium. One quarter cup of parsley provides a third of your daily vitamin C requirement. Parsley ranks higher than most vegetables in the amino acid histidine, which inhibits (cancerous) tumors. Treatments: Diuretic – helping with digestion, bladder issues and irregular menstrual cycles. It purifies the blood and accelerates the excretion of toxins. Eaten regularly, it reduces your heart rate, lowers blood pressure and freshens your breath. Parsley tea is used to break up kidney stones. Uses: You can put it on anything: it’s great on potatoes and eggs or add a hand full to your chicken brine or soup stock. Dried Parsley is not nearly as tasty, but you can freeze chopped parsley or keep a glass full in your refrigerator.

CHIVESLow maintenance and delicious, chives have a long history of medicinal and culinary uses. In the Middle Ages they were used to treat melancholy and to ward off evil spirits.How to grow: Plant in full sun to partial shade. These plants are also drought-tolerant. A bulbous, perennial that grows in grassy clumps (12” x 6”) and blooms light purple. Chives add a grassy texture and movement to your garden, great for edging. Potted chives can be brought indoors for winter use.Properties: Valued for their essential minerals, including potassium, calcium, iron, folic acid, vitamins A, B and C. 3.5 oz. of chives is enough vitamin C to meet your daily requirement.Treatments: Chives stimulate the appetite and promote good digestion. They can be used to ease stomach upset, clear a stuffy nose, reduce flatulence and prevent bad breath. They have a mild diuretic effect and some antibacterial properties. Uses: Used only for culinary purposes in sauces, soups, salads and as a garnish. Chives do not dry well but can be chopped and frozen for later use. Cut just before using to retain vitamins and flavor. Both stems and flowers are edible.

5gardenessential herbs

for your

curly parsley chives

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thyme mint

THYMEThyme signified graceful elegance in ancient Greece. A hillside of thyme was believed to sweeten and cleanse the air. As a ground cover, it attracts bees to pollenate fruit trees.How to grow: Planted in the sun it grows up to 16 inches and the flower is lilac to white. This aromatic subshrub on gnarled, woody stems, likes sandy, well-drained soil. The many varieties of this perennial grow well in Minnesota, but the upright varieties are easier to harvest. Thyme tends to rob the soil of nutrients, so fertilize when you can.Properties: Known for its culinary uses and often associated with honey, thyme will repel mosquitoes and attract bees. It is a germicide containing thymol, an antiseptic and local anesthetic used in World War I.Treatments: Thyme is used as stimulant, diuretic and antispasmodic. Also good for all kinds of coughs, colds, diseases of the digestive track, bronchitis, asthma, insomnia, sprains, bad breath, whooping cough, worms and loss of appetite.Uses: This savory herb may be used like salt - on practically everything. Add to your food, scent and cleanse your home. Used in Bouillabaisse and great with stocks, chicken, pork, fish, eggs and roasted vegetables.

MINTMint stems, strewn across temple and church floors in the Near East and India, would clear and clean the air while warding off rodents and insects. This practice also became common in European homes. How to grow: This hardy perennial likes full sun to partial shade and moist, rich soil. It is very easy to grow and very invasive. The shallow roots spread near the surface and are best planted in a mass that can be controlled with planted edging. It attracts bees and butterflies and blooms white to purple.Properties: High in calcium, Vitamin A and C, riboflavin. Mint contains phosphorus, potassium, niacin and Menthol (30-50%). This aromatic stimulant repels insects and rodents. It also has anti-viral, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.Treatments: For the treatment of abdominal cramps, nervous vomiting, a digestion aid, flatulence, headache, colic, nerve pain, insomnia, loss of appetite, dizziness, colds and flu.Uses: Planted in pots and placed between other plants, it will ward of aphids and cabbageworms. Mint leaves dry well and are commonly used as tea. Put a hand full of fresh mint in your bath to heal cuts and skin rashes, or hang to scent a room. Great on lamb and peas, parsnips, carrots and potatoes, or for garnishing desserts and iced teas and making mojitos and mint juleps.

sweet basil

SWEET BASILBasileus, meaning ‘king’ in Greek, is everyone’s favorite herb. Its musty, clove-like aroma is a must-have in the garden. Even Christ had basil growing outside his tomb at the time of his resurrection. Haitians associated basil with the pagan love goddess Erzulie, a powerful protector. How to grow: A great companion to tomatoes as they both like a sunny, warm and moist spot. This annual grows up to 20 inches. Starting from seed can be a little tricky.Properties: High in vitamin A and C, calcium and iron. 14% protein and 60% carbohydrates. Basil oil is anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic and inhibits fungi growth. It repels worms and has insecticidal properties.Treatments: Coughs, colds, fever, headaches, nausea, bronchitis, vomiting, fatigue, aches and pains, loss of concentration, gout, stomach cramps, flatulence, bloating, sedative and hysteria. It even expels worms.

Used to promote menses, the root was used as treatment of menstrual and labor pains. Water and alcoholic extracts produce strong anti-ulcer activity. A salve made of bruised and crushed leaves has been used to treat skin inflammations. Uses: A must-have for sliced tomatoes, pesto, salads, tomato sauces and eggs. Fresh basil is much tastier than dried, and chopped basil may be frozen for later use. Thai basil is often used in Asian soups.

READ MORE: Find recipes and remedies online at redouxhome.com

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Green roof creates interest and insulation in Northfield.BY BETSEY BUCKHEIT

“How about a green roof?” Peter Schmelzer of Vivus Architecture + Design asked when planning an addition to our 1915 Northfield bungalow. The novelty enticed us and also fit our goal of choosing other “green” materials throughout our one-story kitchen and mudroom addition (see Redoux Home, Sept. 2010). Without hesitation, we said, “Yes!” and became the first home in the area with a roof that grows.

Now entering its second full growing season, our green roof was a challenging DIY project that brings environmental benefits, value and much beauty to our home.

A green roof can be any flat or gently sloped roof covered with plant material. Some use modular containers of plants set on the roof surface such as the one atop St. Olaf College’s Regents’ Hall, the newly constructed science building. Our roof is designed like a large shallow planter to hold plants and soil.

From spring through fall, we are lucky enough to see our roof garden change with the seasons from inside a tall window on the first floor landing. The garden is predominantly sedum, but we chose a variety with different leaf forms, colors and habits. They range from mounding to mossy to leafy; white-edged to green, red, pink and purple leaves. Yellow, white and pink blooms begin as early as May.

Taller plants around the edge can be seen from the ground. Yellow-, orange- and salmon-colored yarrow are punctuated by delicate bluestem grass which turns from green to pinkish gold by September. Perennial flax reseeds itself and randomly sprinkles its sky blue flowers across the roof.

Up On a Roof

Ready to Take up the Challenge?Why do it? The “green” qualities – storm water filtration, reducing heating and cooling costs and improving air quality – are the most common selling points. We also increase the value of our home and the life of the roof, while creating interest and conversation.Why not? There are a few cons to be aware of if you’re considering a residential green roof. Initial installation of a green roof is more expensive and difficult than an ordinary roof. And residential green roofs are rare, making professional advice equally scarce. The roof requires routine maintenance and, yes, some weeding. Getting started. The first rule is: The roof must be able to support the extra weight of the soil, plants and water. Our roof was new construction designed for this purpose. Before adding a green roof to an existing building, consult an engineer to determine the structural feasibility of your roof.MaterialsOur roof holds soil and plants behind a shallow parapet slightly sloped to allow water to drain toward two scuppers. Insulation prevents thawing the roof from below; the roof is sealed with a synthetic rubber compound called ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), which was installed by our builder. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS INCLUDE:• 8-millimeter black polyethylene root barrier. This is by far the trickiest material to install because of its slipperiness. • Drain tile. This is lapped with heavy duty landscaping and placed around the roof perimeter to channel water to the scuppers.• Drainage layer. A semi-rigid plastic sheet topped by filter fabric; it also adds an additional root resistant layer. • Soil. Not just any dirt, we used a soil mix engineered for green roofs of aggregate, sand and compost. Our enthusiastic bucket brigade of friends and neighbors moved the 3 cubic yards of soil from the driveway to the roof in just a few hours. • Erosion control. To hold the soil in place until plants are established, the final layer is an excelsior erosion blanket or old burlap bags.• Plants. Most of the roof is planted with a variety of sedum with some taller yarrow and little bluestem grass near the edge to be seen from the ground. • Irrigation. After planting in August 2009, we added an irrigation system of drip hoses for the first month to help establish plants.Our roof was a bigger project than we guessed when we enthusiastically agreed to it. But we’ve enjoyed watching it change and grow with the seasons and we’ve been delighted with the groundswell of interest it has generated.

READ MORE: See installation photos and find green roof resources online at redouxhome.com

the art of Landscape Design

507-645-9741 • 651-460-2171SwitzersNursery.com

Providing Exceptional Quality & Uniquely CreativeDesign/Build Landscapes. From Contemporary to Classic...

Transforming functional spaces to evoke the feeling of

living in fine art.

SpringSpear-I t !Asparagus is the s l im vegetable wi th broad possib i l i t ies .

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BY CRYSTAL STRICKLAND

Brilliant bundles of fresh asparagus have again filled the markets, co-ops and roadside farm stands. These mysterious spears of green, purple and white invite us to liven up our meals and dazzle guests with limitless culinary options. Served fresh in a salad, grilled al fresco or accompanied by a decadent béarnaise, asparagus offers the fresh taste of spring.

Health BenefitsMore than just a temptation for the palate, asparagus is rich in potassium, calcium, iron, folate and vitamins A, C and K, giving us a delicious way to detoxify, and help prevent heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. High in fiber and containing no fat or cholesterol, asparagus also aids in keeping us slim while battling free-radicals with powerful antioxidants to help us keep our youthful glow.

To extract the optimal health benefits, eat raw or run the spears through a juicer and combine with honey or other fruits and vegetables for a nourishing beverage. Lightly steaming rather than boiling also helps maintain nutritional integrity.

CultivationAlthough it requires a bit of initial patience, including asparagus in your garden is rewarding – The initial planting will yield mature spears in a couple of years, but they will thrive for many more years with little care. Opting to plant crowns instead of seeds will greatly cut down on maturation time.

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Part of the lily family, asparagus can be planted as soon as the ground is workable. Choose a location with full sun, excellent drainage and rich, deep soil. Lovely fern-like foliage will stem from the spears in the summer and then die back in winter.

Once spears reach six to eight inches with buds still tight, it is time for harvest. It may feel like it takes eons to reach this stage, but it is worth the wait! Make sure to cut spears cleanly, taking care not to disturb the crown below. After harvest, it is ideal to plant a cover crop between rows to prevent weed growth and add richness to the soil.

To produce the ever-striking white asparagus, create ridges over the sprouts with compost to exclude sunlight and add nutrients while bleaching the spears. This process preserves the delicate flavor of asparagus, but does limit the benefits of chlorophyll.

Gardening Bonus: Asparagus repels the loathed garden nematode.

TIPS• Select firm spears with tight buds and vibrant color.

• Refrigerate your asparagus covered, cold and upright with ends in an inch of water.

• Extra asparagus can be pickled and frozen for a future treat.

• Snap woody ends off where the spear naturally breaks (cutting can lead to waste).

• Choose fat asparagus for grilling and thin asparagus for steaming or boiling.

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food

Recipe: Asparagus RisottoCooking Time: 45 minutes

BY CHEF RAFAEL PEREZ

Ingredients

1 pound asparagus, peeled, trimmed and cut into one-inch-long pieces, tips reserved

4 to 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons butter

1/3 medium red onion, diced

1 1/2 cups Arborio rice

1/2 cup dry white wine

Salt to taste

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add half of the asparagus stalks and cook until quite soft, at least 5 minutes. Rinse quickly under cold water. Put cooked asparagus in a blender or food processor and add just enough water to allow machine to puree until smooth; set aside.

2. Pour stock into a medium saucepan over low heat. Put oil and 1 tablespoon butter into a large, deep nonstick skillet over medium heat. When it is hot, add onion, stirring occasionally until it softens, 3 to 5 minutes.

3. Add rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is glossy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add white wine, stir and let liquid bubble away. Add a large pinch of salt. Add warmed stock, 1/2 cup or so at a time, stirring occasionally. Each time stock has just about evaporated, add more.

4. After about 15 minutes, add remaining asparagus pieces and tips, continuing to add stock when necessary. In 5 minutes, begin tasting rice. You want it to be tender but with a bit of crunch; it could take as long as 30 minutes total to reach this stage. When it does, stir in 1/2 cup asparagus puree. Remove skillet from heat, add remaining butter and stir briskly. Add Parmesan and stir briskly, then taste and adjust seasoning. Risotto should be slightly soupy. Serve immediately.Yield: 3 to 4 servings.

Chef Rafael Perez is cooking up his tasty dishes at the Hastings Country Club.

Conversion Experience

Red Wing church becomes one family’s

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The original pipe organ for the church has been relocated to the St. James Hotel lobby.

BY CHRISTINE REEDPHOTOS BY DAVID REED, AND SHELLY AND TOM BILLIET

While many Minnesotans head north to a lake cabin for a retreat, Tom and Shelly Billiet of the Twin Cities prefer Red Wing, a middle ground between their childhood homes of Lanesboro and Minneapolis. While Red Wing is not far from the Twin Cities, it is a favorite stopping point for motorcyclists like the Billiets. The river, the bluffs, bicycle trails and the Sheldon Theatre draw an array of visitors to this breathtaking area.

But the choice for a weekend refuge was a bit unusual: their second home was once a Lutheran Church, built in 1886.

An Edina Realty agent, Shelly was showing it to a buyer in 2004 when she fell in love with the property, but had a commitment to sell it to her client. Six months after the close, the client called her to say he was unable to find time to convert the church to a home and asked if Shelly wished to purchase it. Six years later the Billiets completed their conversion of church to home.

The last time the property was used as a church was at least a decade earlier when it was home to Four Square Gospel. Floors had been painted red with a turquoise carpet runner down the center – the bright colors contrasted sharply with the stark white walls. A giant baptismal tub sat front and center at the carpet runner’s end.

Worshiping the possibilities

For Shelly, the church’s appeal was in its unique spaces. How does one take a place of worship and turn it into a home for a family of four? She was like an artist who has just opened a box full of blank canvases of all sizes and shapes. There were so many possibilities and ideas, which ones to choose?

The fun was in re-inventing these spaces, says Shelly. The front of the church where the pulpit and baptismal tub used to sit became the living room for a while, but then morphed into their dining area. To the right of the dining room was an entrance to the church. This became the main bathroom complete with claw-foot tub and an antique serving hutch turned into a sink vanity. The Billiets debated over which side of the sanctuary should house the kitchen. In the end plumbing ruled, and the kitchen backs up to the bathroom. A large antique glass and wood

display cabinet became the center island for the kitchen. Refinished wood floors cover these areas.

To balance the large sanctuary space, the living area fills the other half of the room and a fireplace is nestled between two tall, arched windows on the north wall. An eclectic mix of leather and antique furniture and a pool table offer an invitation to relax and enjoy. Carpet adds warmth and absorbs sound.

Other projects involved towering scaffolding to paint the tin ceiling and 22-foot high walls, installing required handicap accessibility (due to mixed usage associated with renting out the lower level to various businesses) and adding a deck off the front of the church.

A more centrally located staircase climbs up to the choir loft. This area is shaped like a two-level, backwards “F.” The bottom of the “F” is a wide hallway that houses a twin bed with handmade quilts. The middle of the “F” rises up two steps to a TV entertainment area complete with a beautifully tall and intricate arched window. The top of the “F” is a bedroom with bureau and double bed.

While Shelly has always referred to the Red Wing home as their “sanctuary,” her husband, Tom, prefers “Our Lady of Perpetual Projects.”

LOST AND FOUNDSeveral of the church’s features were removed before the Billiets arrived and now bedeck other Red Wing sites. The original pipe organ for the church has been relocated to the St. James Hotel lobby. The pews from the choir loft have been kept by the Billiets. Unfortunately, the Billiets were unable to determine the final destination of the stained glass windows. If you have any information about them, please contact info@redouxhome.com.

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Let Your Every Day Inspire You

Join American Viniyoga Institute Co-founder Mirka Kraftsow and discover how the practice of yoga – involving movement, breathing, sound, meditation, and more – can bring calm and peace to every minute of your life. Together we will observe and explore a center of great wisdom and joy that is already within each of us, simply waiting to be discovered every day.

For more information and to register, visit www.MatsOnAMission.com.

Only $325 if registered by May 1, 2011 – save $50.

All levels of experience welcome

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Yoga in

Your Every Day

June 16 – 19, 2011

Minneapolis, MN

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BY ALAN WILLIAM NUGENT, ALLIED MEMBER, ASID

I love all the remodeling shows on TV that show home owners turning that little homespun kitchen into a sleek European design with high-end appliances. I want one of those. Then there is that country kitchen filled with charm and countertops for miles. I want one of those, too.

How much does that cost? Is it a good investment? Can you turn your existing kitchen into a space you could actually love, or do you need to gut it and start over? The answer depends on your goals: Do you need more space, more countertops or just an update of a space that already functions decently? A kitchen redo typically reaps about an 85 percent return on your investment. Not bad at all.

THE MINOR REMODELHere are some simple ways you can improve your older kitchen:

1. Paint the worn cabinets: You can’t make oak into cherry, but you can do a high quality paint job on those old cabinets. But do it right. Prep well and use a very good primer that helps minimize the grain and gives you a smooth, clean finish. The experts at your paint store can help. And keep in mind, you might love blue, but classic and traditional white or cream will add value. Install new hardware and enjoy!

2. Replace dated countertops: Be aware of what is expected by future owners in your area. Granite counters are a good investment in most homes and add an element of quality that laminate just can’t match.

3. Update your appliances: In most cases one word comes to mind… Stainless. Yes, it costs more. But it is classic, timeless and fits in almost any style.

The Kitchen DilemmaShould you choose a minor update or a major remodel?

kitchen before ‘minor remodel’

kitchen ‘after’

Minor Remodel Upside: The cost can be as low as a few hundred dollars and a minor inconvenience. You can possibly do it yourself.

Downside: You still have the same physical space and storage.

interiors

Alan William Nugent is the owner and principle at Abode Design and the Abode Gallery (abodegallery.com) in Stockholm, Wisconsin. He designs throughout Eastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin and can be reached at 715.442.2266.

The biggest secret to any successful kitchen remodel is this: Consider the house. If your personal style is very contemporary but you live in an old Victorian, be sensitive to the house and the architecture.

Anything you do to your kitchen and do well can add value to your home. But even more importantly, it can help you fall in love with your home all over again!

THE MAJOR KITCHEN REMODEL

Here are some of the keys to a successful remodel on a grander scale:

1. Countertop space: The more the better. Kitchen islands are hugely popular and can function as dining areas, as well. When it comes to surfaces (if you’re spending this kind of money, don’t even think of skimping) go for a granite or solid surface.

2. Pantry Space: Lots of cupboards are wonderful; a dedicated pantry or a walk-in pantry is even better.

3. Lighting: You really can’t have too much light. Recessed lights are wonderful and under-cabinet lights are a must.

4. Appliances: Stainless is timeless and expected. Whether you’re doing a minor or major remodel, go stainless. Bronze may be beautiful, but eight years from now it will scream ‘out of date.’

The Major Kitchen Remodel Upside: Big and shiny, new and wonderful.

Downside: Cost. The average cost of a major kitchen remodel is around $20,000 and can go well beyond that. It’s also inconvenient. You could be doing dishes in your bathtub for three to six months.

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BY ELIZABETH CHILD

Most big cities dream of forging a safe network of trails for cyclists and pedestrians to use for commuting and recreation. Minneapolis has it – a well-placed, five-and-a-half-mile artery that joins miles of park trails from the city lakes to the Mississippi River and beyond.

Called the Midtown Greenway, much of the trail, which was developed over the past decade, roughly traverses 29th Street one block north of Lake Street on repaved rail beds once bearing Milwaukee Railroad trains. Visitors and locals alike find it is a vantage point from which to explore the city in a whole new way.

A word to the wise on scheduling your Greenway ride: The trail is a commuter highway during rush hours. Theresa Nelson, Program Manager for the Midtown Greenway Coalition, also says to use caution on early weekend mornings when pelotons speed by like rail cars of old. By mid-morning, the trail is taken back by casual riders who use it for healthful, ecological transportation and recreational riding.

Greenway is a Gateway to the City

A cycling get-away for the whole family.

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Take a City TourFirst-timers may want to begin a city tour on the Greenway at Freewheel Midtown Bike Center, located at 10th Avenue and between 28th Street and Lake Street. Park in the lot off Lake Street beside the Global Market and Allina Clinic for a small fee, or find neighborhood parking. Unload your bike and cycle down the ramp between 10th and 11th Avenues, under the bridge to the Greenway where you’ll see Freewheel. There, you can pick up a map of the Greenway with points of interest along the trail, rent a bike, grab a healthy snack in the café and, perhaps, meet up with friends.

Decide whether to head west toward Uptown and Lake Calhoun, or east to the Mississippi or make the 18-mile loop to see both. To the west, the newly transformed Uptown area offers plentiful shopping and restaurant options along with the city lakes. Ride east to the Mississippi, connect with the river trail and go north to arrive at Minnehaha Falls – a favorite destination for kids.

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Sue Sjoquist,Licensed Massage Therapist

growth from the inside out growth from the inside out growth from the inside out

Enroll In Green Lotus Yoga & Healing Center’s Certified School.

yoga instructorbecome a

It will change your life

For complete details, schedule and application visit greenlotusyogactr.com or call 952.373.0055

18480 Kenyon Ave. Lakeville, MN

Our Yoga Alliance-certified Yoga Teacher Training Offers:• Starts September 16, 2011

• One-weekend-per-month – this MODULAR program will flex to meet your personal goals

• Register for one, two, or three modules

• Available to new students and experienced practitioners

• Personal attention in small-group setting

FREE inFoRmational sEssions bEing hEld noW!

tuesdays, June 7th or 14th at 7 p.m.

Register online or call the Center

Meet the instructors and learn about the life-friendly MAYS teacher training program.

Registered Yoga Alliance School Licensed by State of Minnesota

Minnesota Offices of Higher Education

Registered Yoga school

Garden SpotsPoints along the trail can be a destination, too, especially for gardeners. Carved through neighborhoods like an alleyway, the trail has opened up views of the less attractive back-side of city blocks. Over the past decade, however, groups like the nonprofit Midtown Greenway Coalition have worked tirelessly to organize volunteers and raise funds to beautify the Greenway, making it a new front door to the city.

Residents near Uptown take great pride in their gardens along the Greenway. The most colorful public garden on the trail is Vera’s Garden at Lyndale Avenue. Leave the trail and head up the hill at Harriet Avenue to see the Soo Line Garden, an extensive community garden sometimes guarded by a sculptured straw man – or woman. You can picnic atop the boulders along the Greenway.

Bike east on the Greenway from Freewheel to visit the Hennepin County Eco-yards (2801 21st Ave. S.) just west of the Hiawatha Light Rail, where you can learn about environmentally friendly, sustainable landscaping.

Whether or not you’re new to the city, the Greenway is truly a gateway.

Bike RentalFreewheel Midtown Bike CenterThe Freewheel Midtown Bike Center below street level on the Greenway is a great meeting place on the trail. Rent “speedy” hybrids, road bikes, kids bikes and tandem bikes from $25 to $40 for the first two hours (trailers and tag-alongs for kids are extra). Day rates are available and extra hours are deeply discounted. Call to reserve a bike: 612.238.4447.

day tripping

SAFE CITY CYCLING

• Wearahelmet.• Say,“passingontheleft”beforeyoupasssomeone.• Staytotherightforthosewhoarepassingyou.• Followtrafficrules.• Lockyourbikewhenyouleaveit.• Don’tbikealoneafterdarkanduseheadlightsand

reflectors.• Saveyourselfaticketandavoidbikingonbusiness

districtsidewalks(bikingthesidewalksis illegal).Toshopandeat,eitherwalkyourbikeorlockitupandwalk.

Sue Sjoquist,Licensed Massage Therapist

growth from the inside out growth from the inside out growth from the inside out

Enroll In Green Lotus Yoga & Healing Center’s Certified School.

yoga instructorbecome a

It will change your life

For complete details, schedule and application visit greenlotusyogactr.com or call 952.373.0055

18480 Kenyon Ave. Lakeville, MN

Our Yoga Alliance-certified Yoga Teacher Training Offers:• Starts September 16, 2011

• One-weekend-per-month – this MODULAR program will flex to meet your personal goals

• Register for one, two, or three modules

• Available to new students and experienced practitioners

• Personal attention in small-group setting

FREE inFoRmational sEssions bEing hEld noW!

tuesdays, June 7th or 14th at 7 p.m.

Register online or call the Center

Meet the instructors and learn about the life-friendly MAYS teacher training program.

Registered Yoga Alliance School Licensed by State of Minnesota

Minnesota Offices of Higher Education

Registered Yoga school

Nice RidePick up a green Nice Ride (niceridemn.org) at one of 65 stations throughout Minneapolis. These functional bikes are cheap, in good shape and offer straps for your shopping or book bags. Swipe your credit card at the Nice Ride rack, ride to your destination and replace the bike in a different rack. Pick up a bike when you’re ready to roll again. The first half-hour is free, then you pay $1.50 for each half hour.

READ MORE: See what’s ‘worth leaving the trail for’ at redouxhome.com.

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Saturday, July 16, 2011

38th Annual

V i l l a g e P a r k , S t o c k h o l m , W i s c o n s i n

10am to 5pm

FINE ARTFOOD MUSIC

S t o c k h o l mA r t F a i r

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events

REDOUX HOME is proud to sponsor the Stockholm Art FairThe 38th annual Stockholm Art Fair takes place Saturday, July 16, in Stockholm Village Park on beautiful Lake Pepin in Stockholm, Wisconsin. Original art and fine crafts will be exhibited rain or shine. This out-of-the-ordinary art fair has been a ‘happening’ in Stockholm for 37 years, and continues to be an event that people from a wide area look forward to year after year. The ambiance of the small town of Stockholm (population: 89), the high quality of artwork, good food and excellent music make it a perfect summer experience.

The Art of a Summer Saturday!Riverwalk Market Fair is a vibrant Saturday morning event along Northfield’s picturesque Cannon River. This weekly, summer-long Fair connects local patrons and out-of-town visitors to a family friendly, open-air venue overflowing with artisan breads, pastries and coffees, a bounty of fresh, organic produce and cut flowers as well as outstanding examples of the region’s fine ceramics, original paintings and prints, and fine craft items.

June 14 – October 15 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Visit riverwalkmarketfair.org for more information or to apply to be a vendor.

TM e d i c a l L a s e r & S k i n S p a

ranscend edi paM SAsk about our private parties, monthly specials and informative educational events!

715-808-0681www.transcendmedi-spa.com

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