NFDI Style Magazine | Summer 2021 by Nyla Free

ST YLE

NFDI

S U M M E R

2 0 21

TOFINO, F LOWERS, HERBS & MORE

NYLA’ S

Volume .03 I S S U E . 0 3

Summer CONTENTS 07. NFDI Staff Picks A fresh new take on our series “If NFDI Were...”

15. Home Tour Take a tour of Nyla’s family home this issue!

52. Educational Feature An NFDIY that will have you set for dinner!

57. Trend Feature Planning on starting a herb garden? This one is for you!

61. Editorial Feature We’re talking all things flowers with Alberta Girl Acres.

71. NFDI Travels In this issue, we’re off to Tofino, BC.

81. NFDI Recipe A cocktail recipe straight from the garden.

83. NFDI Colour Story See what hue we’re loving this Summer!

Summer 2021

71 57

81 61

INTERIOR DESIGN BY

NYLA FREE DESIGNS Cosmopolitan Collection | Naked CHEVRON & PLANKS

Exclusive to

VISIT ONE OF OUR LOCATIONS

Calgary | Van c ou ve r | Edmo n t o n | C hi cago d i v i n e f l o o r. c o m

NOT E FROM THE

Editor

Sometimes I feel as though I was born and raised in the wrong country. Don’t get me wrong, I love being Canadian, but I’m so drawn to a European, mostly British aesthetic, it makes me wonder why I have this innate love. My mother and father met in London England, where my father was living at the time, and from there decided to move to Canada, where my mom was from, to build their life together. It’s interesting to consider what my life would have been like, if they had chosen to stay in the UK instead.

My style has evolved over the years, and I expect it will continue to do so. We started out with “hand-me-down” furniture which lent itself to a country vibe. From there we shifted to a more stark, modern style. Our current home never really had a style, however at the time we bought it, there was something about it I loved, and it simply felt right. After 15 years, demolition began to make our house a home, and I’m thrilled to share the tour with you. You’ll find a hint of European influence by way of artifacts, memorabilia and treasures, either inherited or found, and an overall soft colour palette with a play on textures and materials. As we’re graciously invited into so many peoples homes, I’d like to invite you into mine by way of pgs. 15 to 51. At Nyla Free Designs, our goal is to design homes that are a complete reflection of the family who lives there, and mine is no different. It’s finally a home our family feels good in.

The feeling certain places give us, inside or out, is a common theme of this issue. Whether it’s a home, a garden or a travel destination, being left with a positive impression, one that stays with us, is what we experienced during our visit to both Alberta Girl Acres shared on pages 61 to 70, as well as Tofino, BC on pages 71 to 80. From the Canadian prairies, to the west coast, both offer breathtaking scenery, and an experience you won’t soon forget. If you’re close enough, perhaps you’ll be able to take in either of these locales in person, but either way, we hope you’ll enjoy learning about both destinations and what they have to offer. Our ‘Staff Picks’ in this issue are full of the dreamy indoor/outdoor vibes a Conservatory brings. Get to know our team by touring each space, and learning about the inspiration behind each one. This feature is a fan favourite! Last but not least, what would summer be without a refreshing cocktail? We’ve got one of those for you too! It’s made with pineapple sage, a sweet fragrant herb, which you can learn more about on pg. 60 in our Herbs 101 feature. Wherever your summer plans take you, whether your backyard, or down the open road, may you relish in the warmth of the sun, the people you’re with, and the simple pleasures of the season.

-Nyla

NFD I Style

NFDI Staff Picks

If NFDI were a: CONSERVATORY Summer is here, and with that comes a fresh new take on Staff Picks. Get to know our team by way of our personal design aesthetics. In this issue, we’ve each designed a conservatory to reflect our style, hopes and dreams for what this space might look like if we could create one for ourselves.

[con-serv-a-to-ry] noun

A room with a glass roof and walls, attached to a house at one side and used as a greenhouse or sun parlour.

ORIGIN Originating in early 17th century England, wealthy landowners used conservatories primarily to protect citrus & other tropical plants discovered in worldly travels. Throughout the 19th century this trend gained momentum, and the traditional conservatory evolved into more of a leisurely space.

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Nyla

01. Side Chair First Dibs 02. Chandelier Moooi 03. Head Chair First Dibs

3 1

OLD WORLD S A N C T UA RY I crave moments where I feel completely removed from the day to day, a quiet space to retreat to, especially one with an indoor/outdoor connection. I designed my conservatory as a multipurpose space with a place for conversation, and an area for relaxed dining or projects. Full of casual sophistication with an oldworld feeling, this space is relaxed, comforting and creative - all the things I’d love to feel in a Conservatory space. Outside of spending time with friends or family, I envision planning gatherings and table settings, looking for garden and floral inspiration, and having a space to write and capture thoughts. The idea of a warm, light filled space full of creative activities such as these brings me joy!

NFDI Staff Picks

04. “Cut Flower Garden” Indigo 05. “The Gift of Gathering” Indigo 06. Planters Pottery Barn

1 01. Planter CB2 02. Side Table Avenue Road 03. Shelving Unit Selamat Designs

Alex

D E S E RT DREAMS In a perfect world my conservatory would be filled with tropical plants and cacti, and be a loungey, multi-use space centred around tending and caring for my plant babies. I wanted the palette and feel to be reminiscent of warmer climates, such as the desert, and to feel like a warm getaway. The warm, neutral tones reinforce this and have a nod to warmer climates.

NFD I Style

Brianna

01. Toss Cushion Eastern Accents 02. Lumbar Cushion Elte

JUNGALOW H AV E N I am always looking to add to my plant collection! Plants have an energy and liveliness that, simply put, makes me happy. I often joke that If I could live in a conservatory, I would! My conservatory is a reflection of myself and my personal style, with a nod to Kelly Wearstler’s Proper Hotel. This is a space I envision myself spending a lot of time in, whether to tend to my plant babies, lounge with friends or to be inspired in my creative pursuits. Throw in some speakers for music, and a mojito, and I may never leave!

NFDI Staff Picks

1 2

4 03. “The Lost Words” Indigo 04. Round Tray Provide Home

01. Tall Planter Pottery Barn 02. Wide Mouth Planter Pottery Barn

1 .03 Pendant Lights Lutyens Furniture

Jackie

SERENITY NOW 4

5 .04 Coffee Table Planters Anthropologie .05 Coffee Table Made Goods

Full height windows, abundant with plants, basking in natural light, and a stone clad wall, it doesn’t get much better than this! The notion of a conservatory is a “Jack-of-all-trades” kind of room for me. Liveable, comfortable but flexible. From cosying around a wood burning stove, semi-plein air Friday card games and wine around a beautiful table, to a “potting shed” style station for tending to all plants, indoors and out, this room can almost do it all. (We may not need the rest of the house in fact!) Having a direct connection to nature through large visuals to the outdoors paired with being surrounded by plantlife is an important aspect of what I love and who I am. Of course, it wouldn’t be me without an abundance of textures, colours, patterns and styles. In the words of Frank Costanza, this room will be giving me “serenity now”!

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01. Toss Cushions Tonic Living 02. Watering Can IKEA

Kerstin

THOSE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES I envision my conservatory as a calm, serene, lightfilled space in which to relax and take in the view by day, or observe the sky by night. The room is done up in my favorite summer palette of greens and blues. There is an airy rattan sofa dressed in a fabric with a motif that nods to the natural world. A round table ringed with upholstered chairs provides a comfortable place to sit and do crafts, puzzles, or hold family game night. And of course, there are lots of plants, which I promise to do my best to keep alive and thriving!

NFDI Staff Picks

03. Telescope B&H Photo Video

01. Tic Tac Toe Game The Modern Shop 02. Toss Cushion Marks & Spencer 03. Assorted Vases EQ3

Ana

EL SOLÁRIUM DE LOS PEÑAS

04. Side Table Spuersinn24 05. Throw Blanket NFDI Shop

My family enjoys and craves warm sunny weather (like being on vacation) it’s in our blood. My conservatory is a place for soaking in vitamin D from natural light, and enjoying the beautiful scenery/ setting. Comfort is a must. Here we can relax, hold family gatherings, and create memories. It evokes a feeling of happiness and joy. I also envision my conservatory as a cosy space to retreat to when it’s cold outside, to improve the mood and chase away the winter blues.

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A HOME

OF ONE’S OWN

INTERIOR DESIGN: NYLA FREE DESIGNS P H O TO G R A P H Y PHIL CROZIER

There’s a difference between simply living in a home, and feeling good while in it. Prior to our renovation our home had no connection to who we were, how we lived, or our aesthetic. We didn’t intend to live here as long as we have, however we had invested in developing the basement, and created a beautiful backyard space, both of which we weren’t willing to give up if we moved. I’m also a nostalgic person. I love the idea that our youngest hasn’t lived in any other home, and our family has planted roots in this house, as well as in the area of Calgary. After considering multiple options, we decided renovating was the way to go. We embarked on it as a family, we lived through it together, and while it was hard, we came out stronger and closer together. Welcome to my home! Enjoy the tour, and getting to know my family a little as well.

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PROGRESS

The framed art piece in our front entry was created by Calgary artist, Aron Hill.

Home Tour

With the open riser stairs in the centre of our home, we streamlined the spindles & railings, offering a clean, modern aesthetic to compliment the surrounding areas.

Removing the carpet & installing hardwood on the stairs was one of the best decisions, considering it’s the first impression as you walk in the door.

BEFORE NFD I Style

DINING ROOM

Scope

• Replaced hardwood throughout the main floor. • Panelled walls with applied moulding detail. • Added Kathryn Zaremba wallpaper to the upper walls. • Custom dining table to seat 10. • Reupholstered end chairs from NFDI office. • Added electrical into the ceiling for two pendants. • Repurposed pre-existing drapery.

BEFORE

Home Tour

Upon opening up the dining room wall, we found a myriad of plumbing & mechanical, resulting in a shift to the original plan.

NFD I Style

My great-great-grandmothers china, pairs well in a modern setting.

Home Tour

We were instantly moved by this photo, taken by Jane Ibbotson during a trip to Ethiopia, and love the drama, emotion & colour it brings to our dining room.

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CRYSTAL DINING PENDANTS A pair of crystal pendants add sparkle & sophistication to the space.

DINING CHAIRS Black oak & leather chairs are comfortable enough to spend hours in around the dinner table.

PRINTED WALLPAPER Kathryn Zaremba wallpaper adds a layer of subtle graphic detail to the dining room walls.

Home Tour

MUDROOM HOME OFFICE

KITCHEN

POWDER ROOM

FRONT ENTRY

DINING ROOM

BEFORE

DINING NOOK

LIVING ROOM

MAIN FLOOR PLANS AFTER

AFTER

MUDROOM KITCHEN WORKING PANTRY

POWDER ROOM

DINING NOOK FRONT ENTRY

LIVING ROOM DINING ROOM

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Home Tour

We took advantage of the previous fireplace cavity to install open shelves!

BEFORE

This Marjan Eggermont piece, from Herringer Kiss Gallery, was gifted to me by Cory for our 10th wedding anniverary, and I still adore it 15 years later.

Recentering the living room around the fireplace makes the space feel more intentional and adds a level of energy to the home.

Home Tour

LIVING ROOM

Scope

• Fresh coat of paint - Benjamin Moore Simply White. • Relocated the fireplace to the center of the room. • Installed new window treatments. • Used the previous fireplace cavity to create open shelving. • New furniture to comfortably seat 6.

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“

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SPACES SINCE THE RENOVATION IS THE LIVING ROOM. IT’S A COZY PLACE TO BE IN AND I LOVE THE LIGHT THAT COMES THROUGH THE WINDOWS. THE LIVING ROOM BEFORE THE RENOVATION SEEMED CROWDED, LIKE THERE WAS TOO MUCH GOING ON. - MYA

”

MODERN FLOOR LAMP We purchased this floor lamp almost 25 years ago. It was one of our first investments as young home owners, and we still love it to this day.

COFFEE TABLE ACCESSORIES Coffee tables are great for holding favourite finds & items of your travels, memories and keepsakes.

ANTIQUE DESK Purchased mid renovation, it was love at first sight for this antique desk! Truth be told, I had no idea where it was going to live, but I think its safe to say we found the perfect spot for it.

Home Tour

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KITCHEN

Scope

• Removed transom window above cabinets to maximize storage space. • Installed new cabinetry & hardware throughout. • Replaced existing backsplash and countertops with natural stone. • Installed new appliances, including a panel ready fridge, dishwasher, & cooktop. • Rotated the island to create a more functional layout. • Installed custom bronze hood fan and shelves. • Installed new plumbing fixtures. • Installed new lighting. • Removed corner pantry. • Created opening from kitchen to pantry.

BEFORE

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BRIZO A touch of brass & a sculptural faucet add interest to the kitchen island.

ISLAND PENDANT Inspired by opera house chandeliers, the oversized scale of the Never Ending Glory pendant, adds a European flavour to the space.

PROGRESS

BENJAMIN MOORE Balboa Mist OC-27

Home Tour

CABINET PULLS Ash grey hardware compliments the natural stone countertops.

KITCHEN DECOR Integrating ceramics and decorative pieces is a great way to add life to open shelving.

“

OUR KITCHEN REDESIGN HAS ALLOWED THE FOUR OF US TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER FAR MORE NATURALLY AND COMFORTABLY. I FIND MYSELF BEING PROMPTED TO COOK, BAKE AND SIMPLY JOIN IN CONVERSATION THAT IS CENTRED AROUND THE KITCHEN. - AVA

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”

DAVID BUST Unexpected details such as, the David bust, capture our love of mixing old with new.

Home Tour

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BACKSPLASH TILE The size, colour, detail & three-dimensional quality to this tile was the perfect addition to our pantry walls.

BEFORE

WORKING PANTRY

Scope

• Removed doors and closed off access into previous home office space. • Installed new floor to ceiling cabinetry in C2 - Tinman. • Installed new natural stone countertops. • Installed new backsplash tile. • Installed new appliances, including panel ready freezer drawers, double wall steam ovens & beverage fridge. • Applied Phillip Jeffries grasscloth to tall cabinets. • Installed new lighting.

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BEFORE

MASTER BEDROOM

Scope

• Replaced carpet with hardwood. • Skim coated knock down ceilings for a smooth drywall finish. • Painted walls in Benjamin Moore - Calm. • Painted ceilings Benjamin Moore - Coventry Gray and added an applied moulding. • Installed a ceiling medallion. • Installed new lighting. • Refinished existing bedside tables with Farrow & Ball - Mouse Trap. • Purchased new bedding. • Added a bench at the end of the bed. • Added an area carpet. • Installed new blinds and drapery.

Home Tour

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MASTER CLOSET BEDROOM 01 ENSUITE LAUNDRY

BONUS AREA

BEFORE

MASTER BEDROOM BEDROOM 02

AFTER

UPPER FLOOR PLANS MASTER CLOSET ENSUITE BEDROOM 01

LAUNDRY BONUS AREA

MASTER BEDROOM BEDROOM 02

Home Tour

AREA CARPET This tassled carpet grounds the room adding a touch of casual sophistication to the space.

CEILING PENDANT With its large scale, the center light fixture still feels light & airy, and was the perfect selection for our bedroom.

FLORAL BEDDING The floral duvet adds a touch of feminity while complimenting the soft palette throughout the space.

“

MY FAVOURITE SPACES ARE NOW THE BONUS ROOM OFF OUR BEDROOM & PANTRY. NEITHER WERE BEING USED IN THE BEST WAY PRIOR, AND WERE ESSENTIALLY JUNK COLLECTORS. - CORY

”

Home Tour

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ENSUITE

Scope

PROGRESS

• Removed interior window above the tub. • Skim coated knock down ceilings for a smooth drywall finish. • Opened up the shower by installing glass partitions. • Added bench and storage niche to the shower. • Removed existing built-in tub and surrounding tile, and replaced with freestanding tub. • Installed heated floors. • Installed basket weave marble tile throughout the ensuite, and master closet. • Tiled walls behind the bath and shower with large format marble. • Installed all-new plumbing fixtures. • Made ensuite 2’ smaller in order to maximize space in the closet. • Designed his and her custom vanities with reeded front details and acrylic legs. • Installed new light fixtures. • Installed new plumbing fixtures.

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“

THE KITCHEN & ENSUITE ARE MY TWO BIGGEST AREAS OF IMPACT. THE ENSUITE IS NOW THOUGHTFULLY ORGANIZED, BASED ON HOW WE LIVE, AND I LOVE MY NEW BATHTUB. - NYLA

Home Tour

”

MORE THOUGHTS FROM THE FREE FAMILY WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF LIVING THROUGH THE RENOVATION? C: “It was interesting being married

to the designer. I struggled to not ask Nyla why things were and were not being done. This was all the while Nyla strived to provide an amazing space for her family while navigating the constant questioning from me and not allowing her to ever “leave” work.”

A: “I passionately disliked having

our “kitchen” in the basement while the main floor was being renovated. It was overwhelming trying to navigate a space as a kitchen that was not designed for that purpose. I found it was easier to get frustrated with the space as well as with each other. Certainly an experience that tested patience, but with hindsight, worth it in the end.”

M: “The most challenging part of

living through the renovation was having the kitchen in the basement. I didn’t enjoy how crowded it felt with the shelves with all the food and the disorganization of it all.“

N: “The mess. I can deal with a

level of disarray, and chaos most of the time, however eventually it got to me as I started to feel like I lived in a constant layer of dust. It was also challenging not having a dishwasher or proper appliances while our kitchen was being renovated, but we got creative, and managed pretty well. Avocado on toast became a mainstay in our diet.“

Home Tour

WHAT SURPRISED YOU THE MOST, DURING OR POST RENOVATION? C: “Coming from a mass merchant retail background, I was always surprised at the length of time it took to order products.”

A: “I was away for the majority of the

final decisions and installations. Coming home to a space that was completely new and unseen, was very special and surprising. I hadn’t seen any photos or indications as to how it might look, so walking into our house, one that I had left looking completely different, was quite cool.”

M: “Something that surprised me after the renovation was how much better the house fit with our family. It finally felt like our home.“

N: “The renovation brought our family

closer together. Living through it, and being in close quarters, required us to spend more time together. I truly feel we’re more patient with each other as a result. Now that the renovation is complete, we’re enjoying it together. It’s certainly how it was intended and designed, but when you see the fruits of your labour come to fruition it’s a joy to simply BE in our home as a family.“

FAST FORWARD 5 YEARS, YOU’RE RE-TELLING STORIES FROM YOUR RENOVATION . DO YOU HAVE A FOND OR FUNNY MEMORY TO SHARE? WHAT WOULD THAT BE? C: “Funny for a family that rarely

watches TV, while living in the basement the Food network seemed to be on 24/7. I believe Diners Drive Ins and Dives & Guy Fieri were my therapists. One favourite memory was having our Christmas tree set up in our master bedroom with presents and all. Another fond memory was while in the basement, our gorgeous backyard was accessible through our walkout which really became an extension of our current living space.”

A: “I really enjoyed sleeping on our

sectional in the basement, during the initial stages of the home renovation. Spending the summer down there, sharing a space with Mya, watching TV together, staying up late; it felt like an extra-long summer sleepover.”

M: “One thing I really enjoyed about

the renovation was having the bedrooms in the basement. I loved being able to spend time with my sister over the summer. Ava and I would stay up late and watch back to back episodes of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.“

N: “When the construction was

complete, we had little to no furniture on the main floor as we waited for orders to come in. We put down a large blanket on the living room floor, and ate our dinners picnic style.“

NFDIY:

C LOT H

Napkins

NFD I Style

Work of the hands is therapeutic, and good for the soul. Creating beautiful and useful things also breeds a huge sense of accomplishment. DIY napkins are a great way to use scraps of fabric and customize your table settings to your decor. They’re easy to make, and the time spent is methodical, relaxing and ultimately so rewarding! We’re sharing a step by step tutorial on how to make your own!

WHAT YOU’ LL NEED: • Fabric - 24”x24” for each 22” square napkin *Cotton and linen are ideal* • Tip: Use fabric remnants or repurpose an old tablecloth. • Matching Thread • Iron • Ruler • Pencil • Sewing scissors or rotary cutter and mat • Sewing Machine • Walking foot if you have one for your machine N OT E: Using scraps and remnants won’t always yield identical napkins, but this is also part of the charm! TI P: To have all napkins match, use the first square of fabric you cut as a template for the subsequent squares. With right sides up, lay it over the fabric, matching patterns, and cut around the square.

Educational Feature

1. Pre-wash and dry fabric before cutting to allow for shrinkage. 2. Iron to remove any creases. 3. Mark a square on the back of fabric using pencil and a ruler. If using a patterned fabric, plan placement so the design is centered on the napkin. 4. Cut out the square.

5. With the wrong side facing up, fold over each corner to form a triangle measuring 2” on each short side. Press. 6. Trim tip of triangle to ½” from folded edge. This will produce a mitred corner after the hem is pressed. 7. Fold each side over 1“ and press. 8. Next fold the raw edge in ½” to meet the crease and press. Repeat on all 4 sides.

T IP: Draw pencil lines on the back of the napkin 1” in from the edge, and fold along it, to help keep your hem uniform.

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9. It’s time to sew! On the back of the napkin, top stitch close to the inner folded edge of the hem. a. Begin stitching about an inch from the corner. b. Backstitch 2-3 stitches to secure stitching, then proceed around the perimeter. of the napkin, pivoting at each corner with the needle down in mitre. c. When you reach the starting point, secure with a backstitch. 10. 11.

Remove napkin from machine and trim threads. Repeat with as many napkins as you’d like to make.

T IP: Use a longer stitch than your machine default. Increasing the setting to 3.8 helps to minimize shifting, and is easier to rip out if you make a mistake!

Educational Feature

12. Set a stylish table with your new napkins & enjoy!

DID SOMEONE S AY B E V E R A G I N O ?

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Shop

Trend Feature

get to know

HERBS

Add flavour to your life and garden by growing your own herbs. A little bit of garden real estate near your kitchen door makes it convenient to harvest fresh herbs for any meal.

Generalities Herbs plants are grown mainly for culinary use, and they also add fragrance and beauty to the home garden. Generally difficult to start from seed, herbs are easy to cultivate from cuttings, and easy to maintain. While many herbs are perennial in warmer climates, in colder climates they must either be brought inside for the winter, or treated as annuals. Cut off any flowers that appear so the plant’s energy can be directed to producing leaves. Pruning herbs promotes vigorous growth - so that’s great incentive to use them!

Propagation Many herbs can be propagated from cuttings taken from established plants, or even from fresh herbs sold at the grocery store. Choose a tender 2-6” stem with a leaf bud at the end. For basil, mint and pineapple sage, put the cutting in a vessel with 2” of clean water. Place in a sunny location, keeping the water topped up, until roots appear. For oregano, rosemary and thyme, stick the cutting directly into moist potting soil. You can dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone first, but it’s not absolutely essential. Keep it well watered until the roots establish. Wait until the garden soil temperature has reached 70 degrees F before transplanting your new plants outside.

Preservation Fresh herbs (except basil) will keep in the fridge, wrapped in a damp paper towel inside plastic. For longer storage you can either freeze or dry herbs. To dry, tie in small bundles and hang upside down in a warm, dry spot. Once completely dry (after about 2 weeks), crumble and store in an airtight container.

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Basil

LIGHT: Requires a fair amount of sun with partial shade. SO IL: Potting with moist soil rich in organic matter, will render the best growing conditions. USES: Add to Italian and Thai cuisines, pesto, or pair with mozzarella and a tomato slice, yum! OF NO T E: Basil likes warmer temperatures and doesn’t handle cold well. There are more than 150 varieties of this well known herb.

Rosemary

LIGHT: Rosemary grows best in full sun. SO IL: Requires well-drained soil conditions. USES: Often found in Mediterranean cuisine, you can also add rosemary to savory dishes and cocktail recipes. OF NO T E: Rosemary likes a warm, humid climate, and is drought tolerant.

Dill

LIGHT: Requires full sun. SO IL: Dill grows best in well-drained soil, but be careful not to let it dry out. USES: Add to a soup, stew or use for pickling. OF NO T E: This herb can be grown easily from seed. While considered an annual, it will often self-seed, and appear the next year!

Thyme

LIGHT: Plant in full sun. SO IL: Thyme requires well-drained soil. Only water when soil is completely dry. USES: Used most often in savory dishes. OF NO T E: Likes warm temperatures and is drought tolerant. There are over 50+ varieties of this staple herb.

Trend Feature

Oregano

LIGHT: Requires full sun. SO IL: Oregano prefers dry soil conditions. USES: Oregano is most often used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, and pairs perfectly with roast potatoes. OF NO T E: This staple herb can be easily grown from seed, and tends to be selfseeding. The flavour is more impactful when dried.

Marjoram

LIGHT: Requires full sun. SO IL: Plant in well-drained soil, and don’t over water. USES: This herb is often used in savory dishes.

Pineapple Sage

LIGHT: Requires full sun. SO IL: Plant pineapple sage in moist, well-drained soil for optimal plant growth. USES: Pairs well with chicken recipes and can also be used in tea, or as a garnish. OF NO T E: A fragrant plant that smells and tastes like pineapple! The red flowers are known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and can grow up to 4’ tall!

Mint

LIGHT: Mint grows best in full sun or partial shade. SO IL: Plant mint in moist, well-drained soil for optimal plant growth. USES: Use in tea, salads, or as a garnish. You may also add spearmint to savory dishes, or peppermint to sweet ones. OF NO T E: Mint spreads via runners and can quickly overtake your garden. It’s best to confine this herb to a pot.

NFD I Style

ALBERTA GIRL ACRES

Editorial Feature

In the middle of the prairies lies Alberta Girl Acres, a sustainable, and natural flower business owned and operated by Sarah Adams. Last year, on a beautiful summer day, Sarah graciously toured us through her farm. We spoke about her passions, plans for her business, and what anticipations she had for the coming year. We all know the difference a year can make.

Life circumstances have prompted Sarah to make the difficult decision to sell the farm. This summer will be the last opportunity for you to visit her, however the hopes of new owners, and a continued, thriving business will no doubt live on. We encourage you to follow Sarah on Instagram to stay connected. Her vast knowledge of business will carry on by way of consultations for gardeners and small farms, as well as hosting business classes. She’ll also continue offerings through her Cut Garden Club. If you’re a hobby gardener, don’t miss signing up for the 2022 season.

PH OTOG RA PH Y NYL A F REE DE S I G N S www.a lb er ta g irla cre s . c om @a lb er ta g irl ac re s

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Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature GERARD DE NERVAL

Editorial Feature

The greenhouse is where the majority of Sarah’s flowers are grown & harvested.

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WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO START A FLOWER FARM?

WITH SARAH ADAMS

I N TE R V IEW

“I had always wanted my own productive property, and was an obsessive gardener for many years before finally purchasing my farm. I love growing flowers, but also saw tons of opportunities for local flowers in Alberta. Making flowers my focal product was an easy, seamless decision.”

Editorial Feature

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO GET THE FARM OPERATIONAL? “We hustled extremely hard in the first year to establish essential infrastructure like a greenhouse, a walk-in cooler, and productive growing plots. By the second year we were turning a small profit, which has grown steadily since. I knew that if I wanted my farm to be sustainable as a small business, I would have to invest in certain elements early on. Those investments felt tough that first year but they have absolutely paid off.”

WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU FIND IN RUNNING A FLOWER BUSINESS? “My greatest challenge currently is water. Southern Alberta is extremely dry, and the ground water around my farm is not great for irrigation or consumption. We harvest as much rain water as possible, and I’m continually striving to develop better systems for rainwater catchment and storage. Otherwise, our large-scale farming neighbours are tied into the agricultural water co-ops, and graciously supplement us with irrigation water during dry spells in the summer.”

HOW, AND WHERE CAN PEOPLE PURCHASE YOUR FLOWERS? “Because my personal capacity is so limited, my sales processes are very straight forward in the summer: Starting in July, I list available flowers on our website, and pickup is on Saturdays, on-farm only. On Saturdays I stock our flower trailer on the farm, which is where visitors can pick up their blooms or purchase more, and we offer seasonal produce, eggs, soaps, and honey. And all of our workshop guests of course take their lovely arrangements home too! When the season ends, we offer wreath workshops and dried flowers, and I sell bouquet subscriptions for the following year, which are available just before Christmas (2021 subscriptions are currently sold out). Our bouquet subscriptions are home delivered or picked up from specific locations throughout the spring and summer. We also offer “bulk buckets” for wedding flowers, and I do very limited wedding design work. I don’t offer customized floral services outside of those few weddings though, I prefer farming!”

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE FLOWER, AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT? “Poppies! There are so many different kinds of poppies; Shirley, Breadseeds, Icelandics, Oriental, California... and SO many colours and textures. They’re also among the toughest and most resilient plants we grow on the farm. They’re not picky about soil (aside from needing good drainage), and they’re drought resistant. I just love how the blooms grow atop such long, slender stems. They appear so delicate, yet are just about the grittiest flowers you can grow. I take their existence as a lesson that it’s entirely possible to be soft and beautiful yet tenacious and hardy at the same time. I just love them.”

HAVE YOU GROWN ANY NEW FLOWERS THIS YEAR? “This year I’m actually exploring foliage more than flowers. It’s easy to forget how essential greens are to bouquets and arrangements! I’m trailing Apple of Peru, which produces “lantern” buds before blooming, and works wonderfully as filler. I’m also growing Kirigami oregano, which almost has the look of succulent tendrils, and is a lovely light green with blush ends. It dries beautifully, which is the primary reason I’m excited to add it this year. Otherwise I’m adding many new spring and fall bulbs each year, as there are so many exciting varieties of tulips and daffodils to explore, and having early blooms is such a plus in our short growing season.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART IN RUNNING A FLOWER BUSINESS? “My favourite part of running this business is slowing down on Saturdays to host our floral arrangement workshops. It’s the only time in the summer I’m granted the time to enjoy the flowers that I work incredibly hard to produce. Seeing my farm through our visitors’ eyes is a huge bonus too; when I’m working, I have my head down and rarely stop to appreciate the beauty I’ve built. Getting to experience the farm with fresh eyes is a wonderful gift our guests bring.”

DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES? “One day a vehicle rolled up as I was working; it was odd because my farm is only open during specific hours, and I keep our location private, only sharing with ticketed guests. Two women stepped out of the vehicle; one was elderly, she walked towards me with a big smile on her face. She said “hello, my name is Lee Marie and I was born on this farm”. I was instantly THRILLED and offered to take her on a tour. No one had lived on my farm for about 30 years prior to my purchasing it, and the homestead is about 120 years old, so I’m always eager to hear any snippets of its history. As we wandered around, she noted what was similar and what had changed, and told me stories about “back in the day”. Then she asked if I’d be open to having her ashes spread on the farm. I was so touched, and of course agreed. I asked what her favourite flower was, and she said “dahlias”. Since then I’ve been developing my dahlia patch with Lee Marie in my thoughts. She still checks in every so often, sometimes via email, and sometimes she just shows up! I’m always happy to hear from her, and I love knowing someone else loves my farm as much as I do.”

IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIFIC YOU’D LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR FARM? “My farm isn’t open to the public throughout the week, only during set hours July to September. Tickets are required to reserve & schedule a visit, which can be purchased through my site. The value of your ticket will be redeemed in flowers or other products, as they are available (limited produce, eggs, soaps). Important Note: washrooms are not available on site.”

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Flowers in bloom at Alberta Girl Acres mid August.

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TIPS FOR FRESH, LONG LASTING FLOWERS!

1. To ensure your cut flowers last as long as possible, keep them away from ripening fruits, and out of direct sunlight. 2. I don’t use flower food or any preservatives in our water, just clean, *drinkable*, cool water is usually sufficient. 3. Remember different flowers have vastly different vase lives! Dahlias only last three to five days, whereas tulips can sometimes last up to three weeks. I like to hang dry vase flowers when they begin to fade, you’d be surprised how well many of them dry!

-Sarah 01

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Editorial Feature

Don’t want to throw your flowers away? Drying your floral arrangements is a great alternative, and one that can be enjoyed years to come.

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COL H U IS

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If there’s one thing Covid gave us the opportunity to do, it was to get to know our own cities, provinces and country better. While Canada is pretty spectacular, it’s easy to take for granted places that are close to home. We put off experiencing them because they’re exactly that, close, and we know they’ll always be there. Tofino has been on my bucket list for some time now, and last year was the perfect time to go. We drove from Calgary to West Vancouver, took the Ferry to Nanaimo, then drove around the island to our final destination. It was magical.

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ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS

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SEE I didn’t take my eyes off the road during our drive to Tofino, as I didn’t want to miss a view. The landscape is diverse, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, rainforests and rock formations. It’s all a feast for the eyes, so you must not forget to look ahead, up and down as there’s simply so much to see. 1. Sea Life Sand dollars, starfish, anemones all call the waters of Tofino home. When the tide is out, they are more visible, and the colours are stunning. 2. Sunsets Located at the edge of Canada, Tofino boasts some pretty spectacular sunsets. Be sure to slow down to take a moment and relish in the golden hour as well as the beauty of the sun setting over the horizon. 3. Landscape The natural beauty of the Tofino landscape is special. There’s nothing like it. Absorb it, appreciate it, breathe it in. You’ll yearn for the feeling it gives you after you leave.

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Relish in the light of golden hour while relaxing in a hammock.

Cruising along the shoreline is such a carefree feeling!

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Whether you want to relax and watch the world go by, be active, or both, you won’t get bored in Tofino. We stayed at Pacific Sands Resort, where not only are the accommodations fantastic, there’s no shortage of things to do. 1. Surf Tofino is known for its year-round surfing, and whether you’re an expert in the waves, or beginner level, these pacific coast waters welcome you. 2. Bike Most hotels have bike rentals, and it’s easy to take a stroll into town, enjoying the scenery along the way. At Pacific Sands the sand is dense enough you can bike along the shore. It’s an amazing feeling! 3. Shop Tofino is full of artisanal, local focused boutique stores to browse through. Whether jewelry, original art, clothing or candles, there’s something for everyone! 4. Hike From beaches to rainforests, there’s a hike for you. The combination of beautiful scenery, fresh air, and exercise is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.

DO 4

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EAT The food in Tofino was world-class. Fresh, thoughtful and delicious. Whether tacos from a food truck, freshly made donuts, or a gourmet brunch at a historic hotel, everything was delightful. Here are some of our favourites: 1. Shelter Coastal fare fusion! It was hard for me to choose just one dish. I would have eaten here again if we had stayed in Torino longer. 2. Rhino Coffee House Fresh baked donuts and coffee. Need I say more? 3. Wolf in the Fog This restaurant books months in advance. We weren’t able to get a reservation for in person dining while we were there, however we were able to order take out, and enjoy a picnic on the beach. 4. Tacofino Situated off the highway in an unassuming gravel parking lot full of restaurants, and a few shops. Don’t let the line deter you, it’s worth the wait. 5. The Pointe A fine dining experience at the Wickaninnish Inn, the food, service and views were all 5 star. We went for Sunday brunch and I still dream about it.

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U KN

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• Tofino is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, at the tip of the Esowista peninsula. • Tofino is famous for: • Surfing - Tofino is Canada’s only year-round surfing destination, with 35 kms of beaches. • Summer sunsets. • Winter storm watching - watch the crashing waves. • First Nations heritage, culture and arts. • Whales - in March, 25,000 grey whales pass through Clayoquot Sound, the body of water surrounding Tofino. • Camping. • Rain - it receives 260” annually. • Bird watching. • Salmon - in the millions, and 5 species of them, can be spotted in the waters throughout the summer. • Tofino’s name was adopted from the Tofino Inlet, which was named for Spanish cartographer Vincente Tofino de San Miguel. • Pacific Rim National Park, just south of Tofino, encompasses an ancient rainforest which is home to 2000 year old trees. • The Twilight Saga: New Moon, War for Planet of the Apes, The Big Year all filmed in Tofino. • Tofino is the final, most westerly stop on the Trans Canada highway. • Tofino has just under 2000 permanent residents, but it receives more than a million visitors annually. • Summer is on the cool side, so pack a (waterproof) jacket if you go. • An air force base was located here during the 2nd World War. Japanese Canadians were deported from Vancouver Island, and interned inland.

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ARTWORK | Laurie Boudreault

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PINEAPPLE SAGE MOJITO

Believe me when I say that this is a recipe you’re going to want to try! Refreshing, tasty, and few ingredients, this Pineapple Sage Mojito is so easy, you’ll be making multiples. The perfect drink, just in time for summer gatherings. The hardest part might just be finding the Pineapple Sage!

NFDI Recipe

1. Place the lime wedges, mint leaves, pineapple sage leaves, pineapple chunks & sugar in a cocktail shaker. 1. Using a muddler, smash ingredients until the lime wedges have released their juice & essences. About 1-2 minutes. 2. Fill shaker with ice & add white rum. 3. Shake until well chilled. 4. Fill a tall glass with ice. 5. Fill glass halfway with cocktail mix. Top off glass with chilled club soda. 6. Garnish with pineapple, lime wedges or sage leaves.

LOVING LAVENDER 83

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FALL

SNEAK PEEK

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403.255.4980 www.nylafreedesigns.com #601, 5920 1A Street SW Calgary AB T2H 0G3