J's Sister Cindy- teaches us how to make magical terrariums on Life in Bloom!

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.

J's Sister Cindy teaches us to create magical terrariums on J Schwanke's Life in Bloom!

J’s Sister Cindy teaches us to create magical terrariums on J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom!

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”…

Terrariums take center stage with J and his sister Cindy on location in Fremont Nebraska!

Terrariums take center stage with J and his sister Cindy on location in Fremont Nebraska!

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 uses bark to create retaining walls inside her magical terrariums on Life in Bloom!

My Sister Cindy uses bark to create retaining walls inside her magical terrariums on Life in Bloom!

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.

Some of the secret ingredients my Sister Cindy uses to create magical terrariums on Life in Bloom!

Some of the secret ingredients my Sister Cindy uses to create magical terrariums on Life in Bloom!

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!

My Sister Cindy uses all kinds of materials to create landscaping inside her terrariums.

My Sister Cindy uses all kinds of materials to create landscaping inside her terrariums.

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!

My sister and I get ready to film the Terrariums in the Garden Center at Greens Greenhouses in Fremont Nebraska!

My sister and I get ready to film the Terrariums in the Garden Center at Greens Greenhouses in Fremont Nebraska!

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!