Some people are born with an eye for design; others with hands that were meant to play in the dirt. A select few, people like Sarah Liljestrand, are blessed with both. Along with her husband, Mike, Sarah is the owner of Holland’s Landscaping and Garden Center in Moorhead. More than just a traditional landscaping business, Holland’s is also known for its vintage furniture, home decor, garden art, locally made soy candles and unique gifts. Behind it all is Sarah’s distinctive design vision, which will be on display during both the 28th annual Homes for the Holidays and the 5th annual Holiday Homes of Hope tours. Proceeds from the tours benefit local organizations. “They are wonderful causes,” Sarah said. “It’s very inspiring.”

Sarah is a Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional who has served for many years on the board of North Dakota Nursery and Greenhouse Association. Mike is a University of Minnesota Crookston graduate with a degree in Natural Resources. Together, the Liljestrands have over 45 years combined experience in the horticulture industry. The family’s love of nature began at a young age; both Mike and Sarah worked at Holland’s while in high school. Thirteen years ago, they bought the business, which has been a Moorhead staple for over four decades. Many residents may not realize that Holland’s is about much more than landscaping. “It’s about enhancing your life,” Sarah explained, “not just gardening.” Holland’s has a strong commitment to locally grown and made products. All of the plants you find at the business were grown in North Dakota or Minnesota. The furniture, candles, and other home décor have similar origins.

Sarah and Mike moved to Hollands to their current location on Center Avenue eight years ago. It was at that time that Sarah was approached to participate in the Homes for the Holidays tour. Last year, she added the Holiday Homes of Hope tour. Both events give her the opportunity to share her design talents with the entire community. It also allows her to participate in community causes and give to those in need. “The homeowners open their homes because the causes are very important to them,” she said. “It’s really cool to be a part of that.”

Many people don’t realize that Holland’s is open all year round, with the exception of the month of January. Participating in the tours gives Sarah a chance to change the public’s understanding. In addition, she likes the family feel of the tours. “It is a great way to start off the holiday season,” she said. “Many people get their decorating ideas from the homes on display.”

Sarah tries to make something unique for each home by utilizing materials found in the area. This year she will incorporate painted branches from her own woods and a Christmas tree made from pallet containers. It is that distinctive style and respect for local resources that truly sets Holland’s apart from traditional businesses. Those that have never been to the business will find a visit very worthwhile, especially as the holiday season approaches. One is sure to find a gift for even the most difficult people on their shopping lists.

Homes for

the Holidays Tour:

The Homes for the Holiday tour, sponsored by the Alumnae chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta at North Dakota State University, will take place November 1st and 2nd from 12:00 – 5:00pm. A share of proceeds will locally benefit the Cass-Clay YWCA Emergency Shelter, which provides safety and supportive services for women and children experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, as well as support the NDSU Alpha Gamma Delta chapter house, an NDSU scholarship fund, and national Diabetes research. “It is so rewarding that proceeds are shared with a very deserving local cause,” explained Jill Brandt, Homes for the Holidays coordinator. “We know we are making a difference for our community and the NDSU AGD chapter house with this project.”

According to Brandt, the tour will feature a mix of home styles and locations. “There is always something that will appeal to different decorating tastes,” she said. Sarah will be representing Holland’s at 18 River Oaks Point in Moorhead. She describes the decoration style as “Scandinavian Modern.”

In addition to the tour, the F-M Convention and Visitors Bureau will be the host site for coffee and treats, door prize registration, a local artisan craft boutique, and fresh spruce top greenery planters. The Visitors Bureau will also be home to a YWCA giving tree, where guests can select a handmade ornament to fulfill basic need requests for emergency shelter residents. Tickets for the tour are $20 and are available at participating decorators as well as the F-M Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Holiday

Homes of Hope Tour:

The second tour will also feature Sarah’s unique style. The Holiday Homes of Hope tour will take place November 8th from 10:00am – 5:00pm and November 9th from 12:00 – 5:00pm. All proceeds directly benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Association of North Dakota, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the lives of area children living with Cystic Fibrosis. Sarah will be decorating 4148 66th St. S. in Osgood, displaying a style she describes as “urban chic.”

In addition, the Holiday Hope Boutique will be located in the Osgood Golf Clubhouse at 4400 Clubhouse Drive South, and will feature holiday décor, handcrafted gifts, and home baked treats. Thee Boutique will also features over 50 potted Northwoods treetops and greens, perfect for outside holiday decor. Tickets are for the tour $25 and are on sale at FM area Hornbachers.

The tour originated when a group of neighbors banded together to create a holiday event that was both fun for the entire family and beneficial for CFA of ND. The first tour sold 300 tickets and raised $9,000. Last year, 1,500 tickets were sold for over $56,000. “The tour is becoming a premier holiday event and our attendees really enjoy seeing the homes and holiday décor,” said Holiday Homes of Hope committee member, Lisa Backlund, whose daughter was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when she was eighteen months old. Backlund is very grateful to everyone that helps make the event a success. “The tour could not happen without the kindness and compassion of many generous people,” she said. “It takes many hearts and hands to create the event.”

Special note: Although the two holiday tours are of a similar nature, they are not affiliated with each other and benefit separate organizations