“Purveyor of ecological sound gardens,” is how Geoff Christensen describes himself. His nursery, Grow Wild, offers Utah native plants almost exclusively along with plants appropriate for Salt Lake City’s climate. Among the native plants offered at Grow Wild are oaks, maples, flowering shrubs, groundcovers and grasses native to the Wasatch Mountains. One of the flowers he … [Read more...]
Shipping Container Houses
Two months ago Connie Lewis, here at Utah Stories wrote an excellent story about a Utah builder using shipping containers to build affordable houses. Jeff White started the Sarah House Project with a grant from the Crossroads Urban Center in Utah. Since then we have come across a few very interesting YouTube videos on architects and builders who have done amazing things with … [Read more...]
Utah’s Conservation Garden Park
The average Utah household spends 65% of its water usage on the outside of the house. The Conservation Garden Park, located in West Jordan, faces the tough job of reminding people that, in spite of the desert climate where water becomes more scarce every year, a lush, green landscape can still be accomplished with minimal resources. “The main problem is that most people … [Read more...]
Sugar House Street Car: “Undesired”
Sandee Oliver at Two Dancing Cats received a surprise visit from Mayor Ralph Becker on April 21st. He made a rare public visit with a single business owner to try to sell Oliver on the streetcar proposal. We were there to catch the action: “This will kill me. I have no doubt in my mind. If you decide to do this it will put me out of business.” Sandee’s views echoed many other … [Read more...]
Cafe Vegeteria: A Bold New Idea in Green Eating
Vegeteria is at the avant garde edge of the green cuisine movement. The Salt Lake restaurant, scheduled to open April 1, features green...everything--green plates, cups, tablecloths and waitstaff uniforms. “The idea behind Vegeteria,” said head chef Forrest Raynes, “is to create a footprint that you can eat.” Being a sustainable restaurant involves a lot more than just buying … [Read more...]
The Bagman: Nathan Larsen of Velo City Bags
When Nathan Larsen was commuting 30 miles a day to his courier job, it didn’t take him long to realize that no one was making the bag that he wanted. He needed more pocket options to stay organized. He wanted a bag with a modern, clean look, made to withstand year-round Utah weather. And, of course, comfortable enough to carry for long distances. Nathan designed and … [Read more...]
How to Water Your Yard with Little Water
The desire for an English pastoral-style yard has been a Utah obsession since the days of the pioneers. With over a million people living across the Wasatch front, water is becoming scarcer (and more expensive) every year. Though we live in a desert, there are ways to conserve, while still maintaining that lush, green landscape you’ve always wanted. 1) Cut down on the … [Read more...]
Nobrow Coffee Moves
Back in 2006, Joe Evans opened Nobrow Coffee & Tea serving highbrow coffee at a funky lowbrow location. Evans has been in the coffee biz since 1997. Now in 2013, the coffee shop has reopened in what’s called the Central 9th district, and has been renamed Nobrow Coffee Werks, and Evans is now just the manager. Evans sold his interest in the business to his partner … [Read more...]
Strong Over 50: East-coast Phenom Spreads to Salt Lake City
The name of the gym is Strong over 50, with the emphasis on strong. Although marketed towards the boomer generation anyone can benefit from a workout that increases strength, balance and flexibility. The SO system utilizes suspension straps attached to an aluminum bar. By holding onto the bar, a person can balance while using their own weight to exercise. “If you can stand … [Read more...]
In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lambert
Over 55 years ago, Paul and Barbara Lambert grew plants in their backyard greenhouse. They later moved to their present location at 3910 S Redwood Road where Lambert Floral, Spring Garden Plants, has expanded to seven large greenhouses. Redwood Road was a different place then. There were fields and farms rather than wall-to-wall businesses. The Lamberts had eight children … [Read more...]