Gidding

In a seminar titled “Behind the Scenes Secrets from HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block,” Gidding shares detailed dish from fan-favorite projects, covering everything from hidden obstacles, to money-saving tips and more. A second session titled “Tips for Improving Your Home’s Curb Appeal” gives attendees tried-and-true tricks he has used to guide homeowners through projects that instantly make their homes more attractive.

Gidding presents at home, garden and flower shows across the nation. Born in Istanbul, he attended American schools in Turkey and Switzerland before entering Yale University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in architecture. He also earned a master’s degree in architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. Before beginning his career in television, Gidding was previously a fashion model and worked the runways for Armani and Gucci. He has also appeared on HGTV’s “Designed to Sell.” As owner of the New York City–based John Gidding Design Inc., he has done numerous residential renovations there and around the country.

Moss

Moss’s seminar, “Any Size, Anywhere Edible Gardens,” will show attendees how to bring the taste of homegrown freshness to their gardening experiences. Divided into two parts, the first seminar shares tips and techniques for growing fruits and vegetables; the second covers selecting the best plants and varieties for this area. His other two-part topic, titled “Best Container Plants for Food & Flowers,” will address proper plant selection and care for growing containers.

Moss was raised in South Carolina and now lives in Chicago. He graduated from Northwestern University, went on to teach sixth grade, and later completed the Chicagoland Master Gardeners program which led to a career as a horticultural educator for the Chicago Botanic Garden. Moss uses landscaping know-how and his charming personality to engage, educate and entertain audiences with relevant, informative content. In addition to his HGTV gig, Moss has appeared on the Discovery Channel, TLC, CBS’s The Early Show and on QVC.

Event details and conveniences

• Show hours are 3-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday Feb. 26.
• Gidding’s seminars will run Friday and Saturday, while Moss’s seminars will be Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.hbafm.com or see the show guide for a complete seminar schedule.
• Show guides will be published in The Forum Feb. 19 and become available at all Hornbacher’s Feb. 20.
• Admission is $8

o      $1-off coupons will be available in the show guides and at www.hbafm.com (starting Feb. 20).

o      Two-for-one admission specials will be 3-5 p.m. Friday, 9-11 a.m. Saturday and 3-5 p.m. Sunday ($1-off admission coupon not valid during two-for-one hours).

Here’s what we’re looking for: your landscaping projects, gardening accomplishments and even how you’ve made your backyard an extension of your home. Have some fun and unique curb appeal? We’d love to check it out and so would our readers. You’ve worked hard and should be proud of what you’ve accomplished – now let us show it off for you.

Photo Requirements:

Send us the photo in the size you took it off of your digital camera (no need to compress it for email, we need the original size). Just email it to info@outdoordesignandliving.com. (To get into the Home Show issue in February 2012, photo must be received by January 6, 2012.)

Have the photo printed? Drop it by our offices or mail it to us – we’ll scan it and send it back to you.

Outdoor Design

301 Sheyenne St.

West Fargo, ND  58078

We can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!

Cover Story: Check out the fab man museum that one Fargo guy has created. It’s  the ultimate escape and gives new meaning to the term “man cave.”

Rat’s Recipes: After you’ve spent all day working or playing in the snow, come inside and enjoy a meal that’s been simmering all day in the slow cooker. You’ll love Chicken Chili recipe.

Do-It-Yourself: the crew over at Baker Nursery shows you the step-by-step process to put together the hottest new trend in gardening – a fairy garden. The best part? You can do this all winter!

People & Community:Hear what your friends and neighbors love about winter and the holidays, and find out how you can be included in an upcoming issue.Column: Everybody knows Bruce Asbury, the former Channel 4 roving reporter. He’s back with a great column called “Bruce on the Loose.”

Backyard Life: Meet designer Leanne Sucrow and follow along as she turns a south Fargo backyard from “ok” to “fabulous” in a Retro Redesign for a dinner party.

In the winter issue, you’ll find all of this information and even more!

Cover Story: Meet the Senger family of Moorhead. They have found a way to enjoy the peace and quiet of country life, right inside the city limits, with beautiful landscaping,a great atmosphere and plenty of wildlife.

Rat’s Recipes: Get a new twist on an old campfire favorite as Rat from Y94 shows you how to make his favorite boyscout potatoes on a grill or over the open campfire.

Do-It-Yourself: the crew over at Baker Nursery shows you the step-by-step process to properly plant a tree.

People & Community: Hear what your friends and neighbors love about fall, and find out how you can be included in our winter issue.

Designer Leanne Sucrow, Fargo, ND. Photo Courtesy Frozen Music Studios.

Column: Hear from local handyman Malcolm Thompson as he shares with you the “Ten Things Your Remodeling Contractor Does Not Want to Hear.”

Backyard Life: Meet designer Leanne Sucrow and follow along as she turns a south Fargo backyard from “ok” to “fabulous” in a Retro Redesign for a dinner party.

Also in this issue, we’ll run down the areas best pumpkin patches so you and/or the little ones can get your pick of the fall decorations. Check out our expanded Inspiration Guide for year round and fall inspiration that you can apply to your yard and meet a family whose yard achieves “over the top” status when it comes to their Halloween display.

It’s a great way to help people push through work Friday afternoon and just a great chance to get together. Try this recipe at your next office gathering or use it for that upcoming block party. The following recipe yields about five burgers.

Rat’s Burgers

1 pound ground beef (preferably 80% lean)

1 clove of garlic, diced

¼ white onion, diced (for a sweet option, use Vidalia onion)

2 dashes Worcestershire sauce

2 dashes A1 Steak Sauce

2 dashes of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt

1 dash of your favorite barbecue sauce

Dashes of salt and pepper

Combine ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. Form burger patties. Apply olive oil to grill to prevent sticking. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on how well done you would like them.

Rat is a personality on the Y94 Morning Playhouse, 93.7FM. You can listen to him weekday mornings from 5:45 a.m.-9 a.m. In his few moments of spare time, Rat enjoys making home improvements, along with cooking and adapting recipes.

by Janelle Brandon

Roger Klocke is quite fond of R and R. Rest and relaxation? Well, yes, but in this case Rosie and Rudy, his Maltese dogs. The energetic and fluffy pups are delighted to see their human after a long day and Klocke feels the same way about his furry friends.

“There is nothing better to come home after work and rock in the swing in the backyard with a dog on my lap to unwind,” shares Klocke. “The summer doesn’t last forever around here so I make those days really count.”

Klocke created a backyard retreat for himself and his family and friends 15 years ago. In the warm weather months, there are koi fish swimming in a pond complete with a waterfall fountain. His cedar swing is hung by ropes attached to a pergola with Roman-inspired columns which can be seen from 25th Street due to the down lighting Klocke installed giving the swing a foggy, iridescent look at night.

“It’s great to have a place for relaxing conversation and to enjoy the peaceful sound of water falling over the rocks into the pond…and to watch the fish swim,” adds Klocke. “I enjoy the different textures and colors. It is like looking at a piece of art or a painting. There isn’t even a need to talk. Just listening and looking is blissful.”

Though Klocke is incredibly artistic and has an eye for good design when it comes to the perfect backyard haven, he’s also had the pleasure of practicing his skills over the last 25 years and his accomplished workmanship is seen throughout the valley. Klocke and his wife Terri own and operate Natural Environments Landscaping, a full service landscape company along with Garden Elegance, which includes both an indoor and an outdoor garden art and accessory showroom in South Fargo.

“I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and love plants and rocks,” says Klocke. “I worked at nurseries while in college but always had my own ideas of what I felt landscaping was and should be. My skills are self taught and I’m blessed with being artistic. I’m able to create natural settings in an urban area.”

West Coast Inspiration
After high school, Klocke and his brother headed out west for a while and Klocke fell in love with California and all of the outdoor living spaces. Though the West Coast has the benefit of fabulous weather year-round, commitment to exquisite backyard retreats is quite prevalent.

“My wife and I spend three months during the winter in Palm Springs and a good majority of the time in our backyard with our dogs catching up with friends and family,” shares Klocke. “We are in the sun most of the day and we love it.”

Klocke draws inspiration from his time in California each year and returns to Fargo with West Coast design tips for his outdoor space and fresh ideas for his customers. While in Palm Springs, Klocke observed many boulders and large rocks in outdoor spaces and enjoyed the height and color variety the rocks added to backyard areas.

“I have large boulders in my backyard,” admits Klocke. “Many people are turned off by the thought of having rocks in their yard. Maybe it’s because they spent time trying to get rid of rocks in a field while farming! I enjoy looking out my back window and seeing the top of a boulder poking out of the snow reflecting the sunlight-it reminds me that better weather is on the way.”

A permanent firepit is another backyard favorite of Klocke’s. Summer evenings seem to extend endlessly as friends enjoy food, drinks, music and laughs around the crackling fire.

“Fire reflected on a person’s face is very romantic and intimate looking,” says Klocke. “I like to have a fire every night in the summer if the weather is nice! I stayed at a resort one time with wonderful outdoor firepits and if we didn’t claim one by five in the evening, we were out of luck because the other guests wouldn’t leave the fire until after midnight.”

Go Home
“I read that the number one selling book after the economy tanked was a cookbook,” remembers Klocke. “People are cooking more and entertaining in their home instead of going out. Having a unique outdoor area that reflects your personality makes you want to spend time there and invite friends over to enjoy it, too.”

Klocke stresses simple design that is easy to maintain. Less is more. A few well-placed pieces of garden art are just as pleasing as a completely overhauled backyard. A meaningful statue or a calming fountain for the tranquil effect of moving water may be all that is needed to create a backyard retreat. A bench placed near a garden accessory allows for comfortable enjoyment and reflection.

Thumbing through a home and garden magazine, checking out design books from the library or drawing upon a favorite vacation spot are great starting points when beginning to plan a personalized backyard.

“We all need someplace to decompress and retreat to after a long, hard day or week,” reveals Klocke. “We are locked up within ourselves during the winter due to the cold, dreary days and we owe it to ourselves to enjoy the nice weather months. It’s an investment in the quality of life.”

Writer Janelle Brandon lives in Moorhead with her family. Learn more about Janelle at www.janellebrandon.com.

Dan Nisbet

I remember the day I decided to take up running. I had just joined a gym for the first time and had no clue where to start. After glancing across the entire room, my eye hit the treadmills. It had probably been a good five years since I last ran, but I figured it was the one exercise I could do and not look like an idiot. Fast-forward six months to the Fargo Marathon, I ran the 5k race and the hard work from that first night came full circle. I was hooked.

Shoes

While training for the 5k wasn’t easy, getting the gear to start running was simple. By far, one of the most important things any new runner should invest in is shoes. Your feet hit the ground approximately 1,500 to 2,000 times every mile you run and a poorly constructed pair of shoes won’t be forgiving. Find a running store and a staff member to help you pick out a pair. Every running store I‚Äôve been in often has a treadmill or track that you can actually do a test run and have your stride analyzed to get the best fit for you. Expect to pay around $100 for your first pair, but keep in mind your feet will thank you later.

Clothing

When it comes to clothing, find comfortable, breathable clothing. I personally use mesh shorts and a polyester shirt. I use polyester because it keeps dry and prevents my skin from being irritated while I run. Cotton is a huge no-no in this area because of its inability to dry as quickly, leaving your skin irritated and uncomfortable.

Gadgets

Most people I’ve seen run keep a variety of gadgets on them as they run. Personally I think runners can ditch most of them. For those of us who at least need some form of motivation though, a simple MP3 player usually does the trick. Just make sure to use it safely when you‚Äôre running to avoid accidents or injuries with other people or vehicles.

Taking the First Step

For most of us, getting through that first mile is the most difficult part when we start to run. Luckily, there’s just a plan for the beginner called “The Couch to 5k Running Plan” that can be found at www.c25k.com. This running plan does exactly what the name implies: getting you off the couch and easily into your first mile. The program takes you through nine weeks of walking and running and helps prepare you for your first 5k race. I’ve heard many good stories from friends and other runners and personally vouch for the program myself. While a mile may seem like a long distance to the non-runner, it helps break it down to a point that makes a mile feel like nothing.

As you start to get yourself hooked on running, you might want to consider finding other runners and places to run. A great place to start would be the Lake Agassiz Pacers- a local running group. It’s affordable ($12 for an individual membership and $20 for a family) and gives you access to a variety of races throughout the region. More information on LAP can be found at www.lakeagassizpacers.com. You can also find weekly running groups at Dick Beardsley Running Co. and Beyond Running. Group running is a great motivational tool to help keep you on track with your plan while getting to know other runners in
the community.

However you approach it, there’s always one thing to keep in mind about running: make it fun. Oprah seems to have said it best, “Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it.”

Harnessing the Wind

Find out how a local kite store is using North Dakota’s abundant resource for recreation, now matter what the season. And find out how they’ll take over Lakes County this summer. Mark your calendars using our complete list of upcoming kiting events.

Delivering the Fresh Taste of Summer

Learn about Community Sponsored Agriculture (CSA) in the Red River Valley and find out where to get your fill of vegetables this season. They are often delivered right to your city.

Colorful Labor of Love

Meet a Grand Forks, N.D. woman with a green thumb and a love for making things beautiful. Check out her yard’s before and after photos and be inspired to make a change in your yard this year.

DIY – Vintage Garden Markers

These little guys are some of the hottest items in stores like Anthropologie and online sites like Esty. Now you can make your own. Oh, and did we mention that you can win your own stamping kit? Flip to page 25 in your issue and find out how.

These are just some of the highlights. Also in this issue you’ll find great photos in our Inspiration Guide, a business profile on Fargo’s own Sports Bubble, Rat’s Recipes and Weather Corner with Valley News Live meteorologist Lisa Green.

It’s the time of year when your Northern toughness pays off. You’ve made it through another snowy and cold winter and this is your reward: spring. Whether you enjoy gardening, or you need a little help with that landscaping, we have just the help you need.  Check out our guide to connect with the perfect company to help with your project.

Paula Lovgren, Garden Coach, 218.233.0391, www.PotsnPansies.com

Paula Lovgren just launched her Garden Coach service. She is available to provide assistance to gardeners who are doing things on their own, but who may need a little direction when it comes to design, plant selection, and plant care, maintenance and plant identification.

Paula started digging in the dirt in her early 20s. Her first tiny garden sparked a passion that has spanned nearly 20 years. In that time, she’s learned a lot and she loves to share her knowledge. Currently she works at Levi Runions Garden Center where she’s presented classes on different aspects of gardening, including container design, perennials, annuals and succulents. Paula is available to speak at organizations.

by Tri-State Tree Injection

Tri-State Tree Injection, Breckenridge, MN, 218.643.1515, treeinjection@hotmail.com

Tri-State Tree Injection is a company that provides treatments to improve the health trees care, handles insect and disease control. Pictured is one of the many varieties of trees that Tri-State Tree Injection has treated. It’s the American elm, which is the number one shade tree. If it had not been for injections, this tree more than likely would have been gone long ago. Any tree that is affected by insects or diseases can be helped. The price of injection is a fraction of the cost of removal and replacement. Give Jay a call with questions.

Levi Runions Garden Center, 6972 70th St. S., Sabin, MN, 218.789.7581, http://www.levirunions.com/

Levi Runions Garden Center is located on the north end of Sabin, Minn., just a five-minute drive from Fargo-Moorhead. Charlie and Shelly Pingel manage the center, which has quite a history. Starting back in 1974 Charlie’s parents founded Double A Growers. In 1990, it grew into an incorporated business as Levi Runions, Inc. – named after Charlie’s great-great-grandfather.

From small individual vegetables to large combination planters, there is always a wide selection to choose from of flowers, plants and color. Unique to the area, the garden center also has field-grown stock and a great selection of peonies.

Charlie and Shelly look forward to spring when their gardening friends come back to visit!

by Zeis Concrete

Zeis Concrete Solutions, P.O. Box 194, West Fargo, ND, 701.730.0454, www.zeisconcretesolutions.com

Zeis Concrete Solutions was established in 2010 by Zach Zeis and specializes in concrete staining and engraving, which is done to existing, cured concrete. The process can be done on freshly cured concrete as well. Zeis Concrete Solutions offers a way to transform regular concrete into something more welcoming, interesting, and personalized. The process is done using a penetrating concrete stain in any color, followed by engraving the surface using specialized machines. The company offers many colors and combinations to choose from. Layouts range from tile to customized borders, and even wood planks in any size. They can engrave any custom pattern, name, emblem desired. Stained concrete is a way to add character to your patio, steps, driveway, even your basement, or any other concrete surface.

S&S Landscaping, 2777 Fiechtner Dr SW, Fargo, ND, 701.235.1515, http://www.sandslandscaping.com

S & S Landscaping has been serving the Fargo/Moorhead area and Red River Valley for over 30 years. It began primarily as a landscape contracting business and soon after added a retail nursery and garden center. John Deere sales and service was added to the operation in 1985. S & S Landscaping has grown into a multi-faceted business providing a variety of services and products, specializing in residential, commercial, municipal and highway projects. S & S also sells and services John Deere, Ariens, and Gravely consumer products, erosion control and irrigation products, and has a full service retail nursery and garden center.

* The following listings were chosen with care, using a variety of sources. If you don’t see your favorite resources listed and want to submit a listing for publication on our Website or for future consideration, please email our team at info@outdoordesign&living.com.

Landscaping, Fargo-area:

Absolute Landscaping, Fargo, ND – 701.388.8937

A&L Landscaping Inc. 402 14th St. N., Fargo, ND – 701-237-5740

Askegaard Bros Lawn Irrigation, www.AskeBros.com – 218.585.4545

Baker Nursery Garden & Gift, 2733 S. University Dr., Fargo, ND – 701.237.6255

Bellemare Design Associates, Inc., 1914 26 1/2 Court S., Fargo, ND, 701.729.4725

Big Tree Nursery, 1991 S.E. Main Ave., Moorhead, MN, 218.233.4465

Bill’s Landscaping & Tree Service, Licensed, Fully Insured, Free Estimates – Tree removal, trimming, hedges, stump grinding, gutter cleaning, firewood. 612.990.4881

Binstock Eric and Jamie, 605 32nd Ave. N.W., West Fargo, ND, 701.281.7906

Hoglund Landscaping, 2509 Elm Street N, Fargo, ND, 701.280.3149

Bolton Enterprises, Landscaping and Snow Removal, www.boltonenterprises.com, 701.729.8010

Bosh Enterprises Inc., 513 14th St. N., Fargo, ND, 701.540.5308

Chameleon Concrete – Decorative concrete, Landscape Edging, Fargo, ND, 701.729.6819

Curb Master Inc. – Specializes in Continuous Concrete Edging – 4347 12th Ave. N., Fargo, ND, 218.233.1400, www.curbmasternd.com

Curb Design, 3310 14 St. NW, West Fargo, ND, 701.281.2464

Curb Xtrehm – Custom Landscape Curb Edging – 218.251.5323, www.curb-xtrehm.com

Custom Landscaping, Fargo, ND, 701.261.6670, www.clfargo.com

Custom Lawns of Fargo, Fargo, ND, 701.793.2325, www.customlawnsoffargo.com

Elite Landscaping Inc, 617 13th St. NE, West Fargo, ND, 701.364.2605

Evergreen Enterprises, PO Box 5643, Fargo, ND 701.232.2451

Frontier Landscapes LLC – Concrete Curbing, Seeding, Sprinkler Systems and More – 701.261.2891, www.FrontierLandscapesFM.com

Garden Pro – Landscape Design, Installation and Consulting, Master Gardener – West Fargo, ND, 701.476.0491. www.GardenProFM.com

Greenscape Companies Inc. – Residential and Commercial Landscape, Irrigation, Turf – 701.282.2142 www.GreenscapeCompanies.com

GroundFX Hydroseeding – Also offers complete landscaping service – 701.306.6262, www.GroundFXHydroseeding.com

Hebron Landscaping, 2300 Main Ave. Fargo, 701.232.0781

Holland’s Landscaping & Garden Center, 1201 Center Ave., Moorhead, MN, 218.233.6131

Kroshus Landscaping Inc. 5518 51 Ave. SW, Fargo, ND, 701.298.0468

The Leonard Atelier Group LLC, 14 Roberts St. N., Fargo, ND, 701.235.4761

M&M Curb Appeal, Moorhead, MN, 701.412.8504

Merritt Landscape Design, 3440 39th Ave. S., Fargo, ND, 701.232.8084

Mid-Dakota Concrete, 4301 S. University Dr., Fargo, ND, 701.297.4595, www.MidDakotaConcrete.com

Midwest Tree & Maintenance, 218.863.1400

Nate’s Landscaping – Commercial & Residential, Full Landscape Design and Installation – 701.599.1799.

Natural Environments Landscaping Inc., 5508 53rd Ave. S., Fargo, ND, 701.237.6994

Oasis Interior Plantscapes, 1212 5th Ave. NE, Unit 6, Fargo, ND, 701.361.2401

Ole’s Nursery & Landscaping, 2525 Hwy 10 East, Moorhead, MN, 218.236.8590

Opp Construction Company, I29 and County Rd. 20, Fargo, ND, 701.281.1212, www.OppConstruction.com

Outdoor Environments Design & Contracting LLC – Specializing in Outdoor Gathering Spaces: Design, Consulting and Construction – 218.251.6965 or 701.388.2804. www.OutdoorEnvironmentsLLC.com

Paula Lovgren, Garden Coach – Services include assistance to DIY gardeners with design, plant selection, plant care and maintenance and plant identification – Visit www.PotsnPansies.com or call 218.233.0391.

Precision Lawn Care, 2101 26 ½ Ct. S., Fargo, ND, 701.361.2498

Prien Landscaping & Concrete, 1121 Westrac Dr. S., Fargo ND, 701.361.5896

Pro Landscapers LLC – Commercial and Residential Landscaping – 1841 43rd St. N., Suite B, Fargo, ND, 701.277.7001. www.Pro-Landscapers.com

Red River Service – Landscaping and Lawn Services – 3916 3rd Ave. N., Fargo, ND, 701.281.0640

Rogers Maintenance – Spring & Fall Cleanup, Seasonal Mowing, Landscaping, Full Care In Lawn & Snow, Edging, Aeration – 2409 3rd Ave. S., Fargo, ND, 701.232.6372

Ross Zink Construction, 1913 6th Ave. S., Fargo, ND, 701.371.8204

Scenic Landscaping – Patios, Retaining Walls, Trees/Shrubs, Boulders – 701.232.3400. www.ScenicLandscapingInc.com

Signature Landscapes – Complete Landscape Services: Design, Installation and Maintenance – Fargo, ND, 701.281.1208. www.SignatureLandscapes.us

SLC Services, 1911 26th St. S., Moorhead, MN, 701.361.7110

Specialized Landscaping, 529 13th St. NE, West Fargo, ND, 701.356.0160

S&S Landscaping – Landscaping and Sprinkler – 2777 Fiechtner Dr. SW, Fargo, ND, 701.235.1515

Tim Fischer Tree Service, 3163 11th Ave. S. Moorhead, MN, 218.233.4465

Tim Shea’s Nursery & Landscaping, 877.772.3489

Tri-Nelson Landscaping – Residential and Commercial Mowing – Farm Mowing within 20 miles of FM/Casselton – Landscaping, 701.261.4726

Turf Masters – 510 40th St. N., Fargo, ND, 701.281.8586

Turf Tamers – Full Service Landscaping, Commercial and Residential – Fargo, ND, 701.388.1474. www.TurfTamersFargo.com

Valley Environmental Technology – Landscaping Design and Installation – Full Service Lawn Care, Residential and Commercial – Fargo, ND, 701.356.3006

Valley Landscaping – Landscaping Design and Installation – 4347 12th Ave. N., Fargo, ND, 701.232.7782. www.ValleyLandscaping.com

Visual Advantage Landscaping – 1621 University Dr. S., Ste. 220, Fargo, ND, 701.234.9461

Zeis Concrete Solutions – PO Box 194, West Fargo, ND, 701.730.0454.

www.ZeisConcreteSolutions.com. Stained concrete is a way to add character to your patio, steps, driveway, your basement, or any other concrete surface.

Materials, Supplies and Equipment:

Ag Spray Incorporated, 3758 43rd Ave. N., Moorhead, MN, 218.233.0546

Bobcat of Fargo, 3450 Main Ave., Fargo, ND, 701.293.7325

Fargo Tractor, 3401 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND, 701.282.5290

Groundworks, 1402 1st Ave. S., Fargo, ND, 701.293.1345

Northern Improvement Co., 4716 7th Ave. N., Fargo, ND, 701.282.9414. www.NorthernImprovement.com

Opatril Concrete Construction, 2635 20th Ave. S., Moorhead, MN, 218.233.2337

Patio World, I-29 and County Road 20, Fargo, ND, 701.277.8000. www.PatioWorldUSA.com

Tessman Seed, 610 39th St. N., Fargo, ND, 701.232.7238

United Power Equipment, 2425 7th Ave. N., Fargo, ND, 701.293.3020

Garden Centers, Fargo-area:

Bowden Lawncare and Gardening, 701.235.7712

Farmers Market, 349 Main Ave. E., West Fargo, ND, 701.281.1539

Garden Elegance, 5508 53rd Ave. S., Fargo, ND, 701.282.4449

Giny’s Garden Center, 318 State St. NE, Glyndon, MN, 218.498.0218

Levi Runions Garden Center, 6972 70th St. S., Sabin, MN, 218.789.7581

Sheyenne Gardens, 17010 29th St. SE, Harwood, ND, 701.282.0050

Shotwell Floral Greenhouse and Garden Centers, 1302 8th St. S., Fargo, ND,  701.293.3030

Ole’s Nursery and Landscaping, 2525 Highway 10 East, Moorhead, MN,  218.236.8590

Landscaping and Garden Centers, Grand Forks, ND

Opp Construction Landscape Division, 3625 N. Washington St., Grand Forks, ND, 701.775.3322. www.OppConstruction.com

Advanced Landscaping Inc, PO Box 13903, Grand Forks, ND, 701.741.1119

All Seasons Floral and Greenhouses, 5101 S. Washington, Grand Forks, ND, 701.746.7777.

Forks Custom Curbing, Grand Forks, ND, 701.610.6506

Green Acres Landscaping, 1107 14th St. NE, Grand Forks, ND, 701.739.3001

Riley’s Landscape & Irrigation, PO Box 14963, Grand Forks, ND, 701.740.0470.
www.rileyslandscape.com

Mark Knutson

Fargo Marathon director Mark Knutson operates one of the hottest events in the country, which is approaching its 7^th event after registering more than 20,000 people for year #6. This year runners can Rock in Fargo and Run in Fargo with bands at every milepost and a post race concert blast during marathon weekend, May 19-21.

How I started running…
I actually disliked running when I was younger because it was always about being the fastest – which I never was!  I used to run a couple of miles a day to stay in shape for high school basketball, but that was it.  A couple of years after college, I bumped into a high school classmate who had run Grandma’s Marathon.  I was intrigued and a little jealous, so I signed up for the 1997 Grandma’s Marathon.  It was the first road race I ever ran.

I finished in a dehydrated state and as I sat in the medical tent, I swore I’d never run another marathon in my life.  The next day, I decided against that idea and that started my journey.

Why I continue running…

It’s my escape.  I always run in the morning, and it has just become my routine for getting ready to take on the day.  Burning 1,000 calories a day doesn’t hurt the waistline either!

Favorite place to run…Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo – I have found great routes in each of these fine cities.  Minneapolis’ Lake Calhoun/Harriet is some of the best running too….beautiful!

Proudest moment…Proposing to my wife at the finish line of the 2010 Fargo Marathon!

If I could give myself one piece of advice it would be…stop trying to do too much and enjoy what you have today!

My favorite place to relax…Anywhere around water…lakes, ocean…I love the water!

My favorite thing about Fargo…the AWESOME people who live here!  I’ve been fortunate to travel quite a bit in the last 10 years, but there are no better people than the ones who call this place home.

My favorite season…Summer!  I do not like the cold at all…and I love the long summer days.  Running at 5:30AM with sunrise – that is the best!

Personal philosophy…Persevere!

Most prized possession…My Bible

Running routine…I run early in the morning, and I am happy if I can get in 5 days a week.  It seems to get harder the older I get, so my “snooze” button seems to be fairly worn out these days!  Otherwise, it’s pretty basic….Get up…brush teeth, dress, stretch, run, stretch, eat, kids, work.

The last time I laughed outloud…this morning…driving the kids to school!

My parents taught me…work hard, live within your means, love your family and believe in God.

I lose sleep over…the weeks leading up to the Fargo Marathon.  It’s a crazy time and I always worry about things that can go wrong with the event.  Weather seems to be my biggest worry.

The most fun I’ve ever had…getting married to my wife, Sue.  She’s the best thing that has ever happened to me!

Success means…helping those in need without wanting anything in return.

Biggest pet peeve…waiting for anything….I’m fairly impatient!

Best food to fuel up on…Clif Bars!  They are like a whole other food group for me!