Kimberly Smith arranges her holiday decoration display . Photo by Carol Roehm
public venues where the craft shows took place .
The last two years gave Smith the much-needed respite to restore her health and the time to think about her next endeavor .
A large handmade snowman takes center stage among Kimberly Smith ’ s holiday decorations . Photo by Carol Roehm
Kimberly Smith arranges buckbrush and a red checkered bow in a rustic wooden carrier as a holiday decoration . Photo by Carol Roehm
“ I ’ ve decided I ’ m going to go back to my floral days , and I ’ m going to grow a lot of my own product ,” she said , adding that it has become a necessity to do so .
“ During the pandemic , we lost over 60 percent of our growers ( for the floral industry ). This is worldwide , not just the United States ,” she said . “ You can ’ t get certain kinds of flowers or certain colors .”
Smith said she has spent the last two years experimenting with organic , non-GMO , and heirloom varieties of vegetables , flowers , and herbs in her garden and researching about homesteading .
“ I got into organic and non-GMO and cleaner eating due to health reasons ,” she said . “ I journaled to find out what it was that was making me sick .
“ I ’ ve been gardening since I was
18 ILLIANA MAGAZINE — WINTER 2022