Living it up Coachella Valley family’s fresh herbs have staying power
Story by Cyndee Fontana-Ott ∞ Photos by Melissa Jewel
Nearly 30 years ago, Suzette Overgaag stared at fast-fading herbs from the grocery store and decided there should be a better option. So she and her husband, Leo, created one. Their North Shore Greenhouses, more familiarly known as North Shore Living, is now a thriving business in the Coachella Valley that grows and sells living herbs and greens. Cultivated largely in two big, automated greenhouses, the roughly 20 different varieties are sold with attached roots in pots and/or clamshell packaging. “It smells fresher, it tastes fresher and it looks fresher,” Suzette says. “When you look at the difference between cut and bunched and living, it’s a different product completely.” Shoppers seem to agree. From humble exploratory beginnings in a small greenhouse, North Shore has evolved into more than 10 acres of hydroponically grown greenhouse space and more than 130 employees. North Shore’s primary business is young, tender herbs such as basil, thyme, mint, sage and chives—all of which are showcased in recipes on its website. The Overgaags’ middle daughter, Brittney Bubb, is the creative director, a recipe developer (check out the fish tacos on Page 9) and website photographer. Sustainability is key This sophisticated greenhouse operation is located in the Riverside County community of Thermal. The company leans heavily on sustainable practices ranging from solar power to reused water to geothermal energy; it is recognized as a sustainable grower for its earth- and employee-friendly practices, such as awarding scholarships to the children and grandchildren of employees.
Leo and Suzette Overgaag run a sophisticated greenhouse operation in Riverside County that specializes in young, tender herbs sold with their roots attached for freshness.
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