Cindy McKown- my Sister!
My sister Cindy joins me on this episode of J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom to create Terrariums. She makes the most interesting and exquisite Terrariums… and has always been a huge talent when it comes all kinds of plants- She and I worked in our Family Business Greens Greenshouses together for many years… and she’s still very involved in the flower business “Greens Florist” – with the New owner.
Obviously- we grew up together- and my sister Cindy also had a controling hand in raising her little brother (That’s ME) – She did a great job- and I’m very grateful to have an amazing sister like her. I remember riding around in the back of her Falcon- (Charming) and also her ability to create "dough" as a snack for me- when she babysat. She lives next door to my Mom- in the house my Great Grandparents built in Fremont Nebraska... she has an amazing Husband- Mac- and two lovely golden retrievers- and is an amazing Mom and Grandma- although the kids call her "Gigi"...
The terrariums- she created for this episode- are incredible- just like every one- she every makes. In the show I say the secret ingredient is ‘the love’ – Cindy puts it into everything she does… whether it’s planting a terrarium- making a dinner, caring for her kids, grandchildren or family. It’s just the way she is! You can watch the entire video we created that this segment comes from on my website- uBloom.com - here's a link- www.uBloom.com/Terrariums
My Sister Cindy had a wonderful relationship with my Aunt Alyce- they used to work at our Family Flower Shop together every day… and that bond has remained strong her entire life- she talks about her special relationship in this show- and it’s heartfelt.
This show takes place in the greenhouse (actually the Garden Center) - that was attached to our family flower shop- today that greenhouse has been torn down- along with all the other greenhouses, service building and out buildings that were originally on the family property in Fremont Nebraska. Time changes many things- but I love this video- as this was my sister's "spot"... amidst the plants, orchids (that were the original orchids- purchased for My Aunt Alyce's Wedding- decades ago)- there was a fish pond- and all sorts of special things that made this greenhouse- Cindy's World!
I’m glad we had the opportunity to film with the huge fiddle leaf fig- and “Yolanda” the Mokara orchid- both thrived under my sister’s care- and that you have the chance to see my sister in action- creating wonderful terrariums and sharing her tips and tricks! She is one of the kindest and most generous people in the world- she took good care of me- and everyone else that came in contact with her.... for some of us- those types people only come around one in a while and I'm lucky because she's my Big Sister!
You don’t often have the opportunity to share the ‘stage’ with your sister- and get to film a little interaction- that you’re able to watch again and again- and then share with the world on Public Television- I’m glad the world is getting to meet my sister- and able to experience first hand- what a wonderful talent- and loving person she is… Be sure to watch the credits- to see the outtakes- Cin - wasn't too keen on being filmed... but she went along with 'yet another' of my hair-brained schemes... She's one in a Million!