to OurLilacs

Ourlilac is nearly ready to burst into full bloom and I could not be happier. You see, last summer she was attacked by a powdery mildew and lost all her leaves. She looked lifeless.

We reached out to one of my favorite SDSU professors, a renowned tree expert. He happened to be in Sioux Falls for a meeting and stopped by to take a look. He reassured us that come spring she would be alright. Sure enough, our lilac looks pretty good for the fact she is more than 100 years old.

We love this lilac. Located at the edge of our back patio, she is more of a tree than a bush standing nearly 20-feet tall. Her profile provides a beautiful canopy that makes this outdoor space private, cozy and special.

It doesn’t seem to matter what the winter weather was or the spring weather is, she always blooms during my birthday week. One of my favorite gifts.

BY LURA ROTI

As I reflected on my relief over her return to health, I am struck by the impact a plant someone long ago planted can have on my family’s life.

So many memories were made beside her beautiful branches or under her protective canopy – which our now pre-teen daughter dubbed the “bunny festival,” because when she was quite small, it was a favorite hangout for neighborhood rabbits. As a preschooler, she would play under the lilac canopy, setting up tea parties or swinging on her stronger branches.

Today, Parker enjoys hammocking under her canopy with a good book. And our golden retriever, Tulip, doesn’t allow rabbits to frolic about. She patrols the backyard wildlife from our dining room window and the minute she sees rabbits, she begs to be let out.

Fortunately for the rabbits, our privacy fence allows for a quick exit to neighbors’ yards who do not have dogs.

Our lilac also provides a shady habitat for several plants that do not love direct sunlight. Several years ago, I began creating a shade garden there. I purchased astilbe, but the rest of the plants in my shade garden were gifts.

My friend Liz gave me Solomon’s seals and wild ginger. A neighbor gave me some bleeding hearts. And my friend and fellow agriculture journalist, Connie, gave me another springtime favorite – lilies of the valley.

Under our lilac the lilies of the valley thrive and multiply. I appreciate plants like these lilies that crowd out persistent weeds. Come to think of it, I rarely see weeds of any sort under the lilac.

It’s an early spring morning and as I write this column, birdsong streams in through my open office window. Birds. Another reason I love this lilac. She is a favorite hangout for a variety of birds that visit our feeders throughout the day.

In a few days, I will celebrate my 44th year. And I am taking a few days during my birthday week to spring clean and recharge. It’s been a busier than typical winter/spring. My brain was beginning to feel like our lilac looked last spring.

Experience has taught me that if I take time to take care of me, and give my brain a rest, I emerge a more creative writer, a more fun wife, mom and friend – and overall, I’m happier.

As I look forward to these days off with anticipation, I’ve been putting together a list of projects and activities to fill my deadline and meetingfree days. Topping my Wishlist: laying in a hammock, under our blossom-laden lilac with a good book. I’m so grateful she is healthy, happy and here for us to enjoy.

We Think Dads are Rad!

Mary’s Mountain Cookies can help make his Father’s Day extra sweet! Our 12” celebration cookie flavors include Chocolate Chip, Oreo, Monster, Peanut Butter, and Oatmeal Raisin. Call us to order your dad a Father’s Day Cookie at (605) 275-0060 or order online! https://marys-mountain-cookiessioux-falls.myshopify.com/

Elevate Your Spirits!

Elevate your summertime spirits with Houndstooth House. Beautiful decanters and cocktail infusers along with oneof-a-kind ice cube molds, you can easily create craft cocktails at home. For Father’s Day, backyard barbecues, celebrations and happy hour with friends and family, Houndstooth House has you covered. 101 W. 37th St. (605) 271-2278.

Made in House!

13 beers and our own delicious rootbeer — made in house! Follow take16.com for all our summer block party events! Take 16 Brewing Company. 509 E. Main St., Luverne, MN. (507) 369-2801.

No Green Thumb?

No problem! Choose from Junk in the Trunk’s large selection of unique faux plants and unique home décor. Junk in the Trunk. 1918 W. 41st St. (605) 338-5510.

Two Wheels!

Explore the natural beauty of Luverne on two wheels! Loop through the beautiful parks, iconic destinations and hidden gems on the newlycompleted 7.5 mile trail. Trailhead located at 601 E. Main St. Luverne.

Old Fashioned

Stop by McNally’s Happy Hour!

Sunday - Saturday 3pm - 6pm. Late night happy hour 10pmmidnight. McNally’s Irish Pub. 69th Street & Western Avenue. (605) 271-7170. mcnallysip.com

Simply Amazing

Elle Jewelry, now available at Faini Designs Jewelry Studio! Come check this Elle Simpatico sterling silver necklace out and many more! Faini Designs Jewelry Studio. 69th Street & Western Avenue. (605) 339-6956.

Best Bridal Experience

Ellie Stone Bride is located at 69th & Western and will bring you the best bridal experience in the Sioux Falls area. When you purchase here, you are not just a customer — you become part of the family. Photo courtesy of Solis Photography. Ellie Stone Bride. 69th & Western. (605) 332-8841.

New Lunch Hours!

Join us Friday through Sunday from 11am - 9pm and MondayFriday 4pm - 9pm for our famous delicious pizza! Charlie’s Pizza. 69th Street & Western Avenue. (605) 275-2212.

Spirit Earrings

Spirit earrings are a new addition to our Silver Forest brand. They are simpler in embellishment style, mostly done in silver and includes studs and hoops. Photo doesn’t do them justice. Stop in soon to see! Country ‘n More. 69th Street and Western Avenue. (605) 361-9797.

Visit Us This Summer!

Join us at Wilde Prairie Winery this summer for fun in the country — with wine! Wine, live music, food trucks, tastings, yoga and so much more! 48052 259th St., Brandon, SD. (605) 582-6471. Please visit our website for a complete list of events: wildeprairiewinery.com

The Dream Duffel!

The original rolling duffel with a built-in garment rack! The Dream Duffel features an easy travel design, tons of storage, and a one-touching telescoping garment rack (amongst other exciting features)! You will love it! Get yours at The Dance Line. 2115 S. Minnesota Avenue, (605) 335-8242.

Celebrate Summer in Style

Paint one of our darling salt & pepper shakers, plates, glasses or pitchers — the possibilities are endless! Color Me Mine. 3709 W. 41st St. (605) 362-6055.

Party in a Can!

Or a Bottle!

Blue Mound Liquor has everything you need to get the party started this summer.

Blue Mound Liquor. 319 W. Main St., Luverne, MN. (507) 449-5052.

Who Loves a Good Cabinet Accessory?!

Come check us out our showroom at 4101 N . Hainje Avenue, here in Sioux Falls, to see more accessories and other great ideas for your new home or remodel!

Dakota Kitchen and Bath, Inc, 4101 N. Hainje Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD. (605) 334-9727.

Pots a Plenty!

Shop Cliff Avenue Greenhouse’s gorgeous array of pots for your porch, patio or deck. So many beautiful styles and colors to choose from! Cliff Avenue Greenhouse. 2101 E. 26th St., (605) 332-6641 and 7310 W. 41st St. (605) 362-9727.

Class of 2024!

It’s YOUR turn! It’s time to schedule your Ultimate Senior Portrait Session. We only photograph 50 fabulous seniors each year and we want you to be one of them. Each Senior Portrait Session includes a free family portrait session fee and a free cap and gown session. We believe every senior is unique and we look forward to showing the world just how incredible you are. 605.359.6640 or jp@julieprairie.com

Mallrats Presents

MTV Unplugged!

Friday, June 23 • 7:30pm Palace Theatre, Luverne, MN. $25 tickets on sale now. Cash bar available. 104 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN. (507) 283-4339 or palacetheatre.us

FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023

7:30 PM

Make it EASY!

palace theatre

$25 TICKETS on sale may 22 cash bar available

Book your service appointment online at www.papik.com! We’re here to help with all of your automotive needs. New & pre-owned sales, service, parts, reconditioning, finance, & tires! Papik Motors.

Stepping Stones

This all-weather stepping stone is ready to paint right out of the box, letting you skip messy cement-mixing and get right to the fun part: decorating and personalizing! A dozen vibrant paints allow for endless creativity—mix, blend and add custom color accents. Once painted, bake the stone in your oven for a long-lasting, weatherresistant finish. Choose from several adorable styles. Kidtopia. 901 S. Highline Pl. Dawley Farm Village. (605) 275-4825.

Wherever Your Imagination Can Roam

We can take your project to where ever your imagination can roam! If there is a specific color you want your project to display and you can’t find it in our extensive color palette, we can match almost any color you can provide us with. And add in one of our variety of finishing techniques to make it even more special. Visit our showroom today and ask one of our friendly designers about using a custom color in your next project from StarMark Cabinetry. Today’s StarMark Custom Cabinetry 600 E. 48th Street N. (605) 977-3660.