Turning Setbacks into Spring Blooms: Embracing the Season with Humor, Gardening, and Growth

In the Oh My! Omaha podcast, hosts Kim Reiner and Dee Harrell take listeners on a vibrant and meandering conversation about springtime, gardening mishaps, floral inspirations, and how the smallest joys—like a walk through a flower-filled neighborhood or the discovery of a new bloom—can help us bounce back from life’s setbacks.

The episode, full of candid laughter and relatable reflections, reminds us that resilience doesn’t always come from big gestures. Sometimes, it’s found in the first warm days of spring, a freshly planted garden, or the joy of seeing wildflowers in unexpected places.

 

Gardening as Growth (Even When You’re Not Great at It)

Early in the conversation, Kim and Dee touch on the topic of gardening—and not always successfully. Kim recalls trying to be a dedicated new mom who grew her own vegetables to puree for her kids. But her gardening efforts, she admits, were far from perfect. One story stands out: a well-meaning attempt to prune tomato plants that ended with them reduced to little more than twigs. Dee laughs along, sharing that although she doesn’t consider herself a master gardener either, she thrives when given direction and loves being in the garden.

Their shared experiences of overwatering, plant mishaps, and the pressure to “keep things alive” in the garden are incredibly relatable. Many of us begin gardening with enthusiasm, only to be humbled by sun, soil, and our own learning curves.

 

Finding Joy in Flowers (Even if You Don’t Grow Them)

While neither host claims to be a green-thumbed expert, they both find deep joy in flowers—whether at home, in gardens, or out and about in Omaha. Dee raves about Ever Bloom Floral, a floral shop in the Bookworm plaza at 90th and Center that pairs floral arrangements with oddities and artisan gifts. For her, it’s a favorite go-to for unique flowers and creative arrangements, particularly for events like high school dances or thoughtful gifts.

Kim shares that she’s more of a bouquet-breaker—someone who enjoys separating a single bouquet into multiple smaller arrangements to spread fresh flowers throughout the home. It’s a simple way to bring beauty into multiple spaces and maximize joy from a single bunch.

They also discuss more practical flower sourcing—from farmer’s markets and Trader Joe’s to Omaha staples like Lauritzen Gardens, which features an impressive daffodil field each spring. Kim, a self-proclaimed tulip lover, talks about her experiences at tulip festivals in Orange City, Iowa, and her excitement over a new festival coming soon to Nelson Produce Farm.

 

Spring Reflections and Setbacks

Intertwined with the floral fun is a conversation about health, recovery, and the unpredictable nature of spring in Nebraska. Kim shares her recent bout with COVID and how it affected her energy and routines. The changing weather—one day hot tub weather, the next a blizzard—mirrors the inconsistency many people feel coming out of winter.

This leads to a discussion on setbacks. While the tone stays light and conversational, the underlying theme is one of learning to embrace imperfection, to find beauty in the chaos, and to recognize that even small steps forward—like raking leaves before a snowstorm—can feel like triumphs.

 

The Power of Nature in the City

The hosts share their favorite spots for urban flower appreciation, reminding listeners that beauty exists all around, even in the city. They point to window boxes in Omaha’s Old Market, flowers planted along Howard Street, and the thoughtful landscaping along The RiverFront trail loop and Gene Leahy Mall. These aren’t wildflower meadows or carefully tended botanical gardens, but rather instances of everyday people making spaces more beautiful—adding vibrancy and personality to otherwise concrete corners.

Kim notes how much she loves seeing the first purple wildflowers popping up near Memorial Park, signaling the start of spring. Dee adds that one of her favorite quiet flower moments happens around Zorinsky Lake, where she often stumbles upon unexpected bursts of color along the trail.

 

Floral Nostalgia and Celebrations

As the conversation meanders, Kim and Dee reminisce about the flowers at their weddings, laugh about the irony of having the one flower you didn’t want in your bouquet, and even dish out budget-friendly floral tips—like grabbing arrangements from Whole Foods for under $20 or repurposing flowers from dinner centerpieces.

They talk about how floral choices evolve over time, shifting from grand bouquets to simpler, more meaningful arrangements. Dee, for example, is happy with a giant bunch of baby’s breath or carnations, while Kim leans toward tulips and hydrangeas.

They also offer tips for those planning weddings or events—emphasizing that beautiful flowers don’t have to come with a hefty price tag and that smaller, more personal touches often have the most impact.

 

Getting Inspired, One Bloom at a Time

The podcast wraps up with a call to appreciate the small joys of spring. Dee mentions how fresh flowers in the home have been shown to boost mood and wellness, and encourages listeners to buy even a single bouquet to split across the house. Kim nods to the importance of scanning your surroundings and even recommends an app that helps you identify plants and flowers you come across.

Their conversation evolves into playful dreaming: attending foraging workshops, taking pottery classes to make custom vases, and exploring Metro’s gardening courses. While neither claims to be a future master gardener, both are eager learners, embracing the season and its offerings with curiosity and humor.

 

A Local Love Letter to Spring

Oh My! Omaha is more than a discussion about flowers and gardens—it’s a lighthearted, deeply human reminder that growth, beauty, and renewal can come from even the messiest setbacks. Whether you’re reeling from a tough week, recovering from illness, or simply watching the seasons change outside your window, there’s something comforting about knowing you’re not alone.

This episode encourages listeners to:

• Try something new (even if you fail at it)
• Explore your neighborhood with fresh eyes
• Take joy in the simple things—like a newly bloomed tulip or a bunch of basil thriving in a kitchen pot
• Let nature and community be your guide to bouncing back

Like the gardens they chat about, Kim and Dee are planting seeds of encouragement, laughter, and inspiration—one story at a time.

 

This blog post is based on a transcript from the Oh My! Omaha podcast episode released on March 31st, 2025.

The Oh My! Omaha podcast explores all things wonderful in Omaha and nearby communities. Hosted by Kim Reiner and Dee Harrell.

Edited by Grace Dunbar