GARDENING: Out of their element
But you can grow West Coast plant here
Lenten Rose HAVE you ever visited a garden that featured plants you were completely unfamiliar with and yet so striking in their form and presentation, you felt a sense of awe at both the gardener and the garden? The presence of a lesser-known or collector plant or . . .…
How to fight spruce tip blight
Tip blight in spruce trees has been increasing, and this is the worst year for this disease I've seen in more than four decades. This spring, I've noticed very destructive levels of this disease, known scientifically as Sirococcus conigenus, in all spruce species, but particularly in Colorado blue spruce. Spruce trees on . . .…
How to cushion kids' falls from play sets
Joshua Barry knows wipeouts are inevitable when children are climbing and sliding on outdoor play sets. So he placed shredded rubber under and around the climbing toys his two children use in the backyard of their Aurora, Ohio, home. "It gives me peace of mind knowing there's a little bit of . . .…
CONNIE OLIVER: Shelve your decor ideas
Simple, inexpensive additions can spruce up space
Uncomplicated decorating solutions are oftentimes the best answer to decorating dilemmas. Something as simple as an inexpensive shelf can provide solutions with respect to storage and display. Both Kohler kitchen photos being featured today show how this one basic addition offers a myriad of decor solutions. Firstly, a decorative shelf in any . . .…
MIKE HOLMES: Building Safety Month a time for thought
A few weeks ago, I got a letter from the International Code Council Foundation (ICCF). Sometimes, letters make me nervous; they're usually from people who are upset over something I've said. But this time, it was a good letter -- a really good letter. The ICCF wanted to let me . . .…
Best of the old made new
Careful consideration of family life guided home's design
As popular as open-concept floor plans are these days, that type of design has its strengths and weaknesses. Its main strength is you get an exceedingly bright main living area that flows exceptionally well from space to space. The weakness? Well, it can be a glaring one, especially if you enjoy . . .…
Riverside Glen the whole package
Affordability, style, peace and quiet
At long last, prospective homebuyers in west Winnipeg have a new -- and distinctive -- housing option to look at. That option comes in the form of a 20-unit condominium development called Riverside Glen at the intersection of St. Charles Street and Augier Avenue set well back in a private tract . . .…
10,000 more tradespeople needed by 2020
A number of years ago, the advent of spring meant the beginning of construction season. Those times have long passed and, with the increased population and demand for housing, the commercial growth happening throughout the province and the increased need to improve our infrastructure, construction season is now 12 months . . .…
The anti-condo
Royalwood Estates shatters perceptions
When it comes to condominiums, not everyone is sold on the concept. Why? Simple: There's the perception -- right or wrong -- they lack space, even if they're of the townhouse variety. The second objection is condominium fees. Often in the $250 range, they're looked upon as being a money grab, . . .…
Primo condos
Tri-level Transcona townhouses in quiet location, close to everything
If you're a Transcona resident looking for an alternative to buying a well-used resale home, a viable alternative is coming your way. It's Park City Condominiums, a complex to be located in a mature, quiet neighbourhood on Pandora Street. "You can't beat the location, " said Bill Thiessen, the lead realtor for . . .…
Ready, set -- starter
Move-in condition for under $200,000 is more than a dream
These days, it's difficult to find a move-in-ready resale home for under $200, 000. While it's a difficult task, it's not impossible. However, you do have to look quite extensively to find a home in that price range that doesn't require a whole lot of upgrading -- at least, not right . . .…
Sold &Offered: May 12-12
SOLD Lindenwoods Village Address: 5210-173 Victor Lewis Dr. Asking Price: $189, 900 Sold Price: $200, 000 Taxes: $1, 796.79 Bedrooms: 2 Bathroom: 1 Listing Agent: Vijay Guliani, Realty Plus Inc, 897-0800 Elmwood Address: 1007 Prince Rupert Ave. Asking Price: $259, 900 Sold Price: $296, 100 Taxes: $2, 868.58 Square Footage: 1, 105 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Lot Size: 58 x 100 Listing Agent: Tony Panchhi, Re/Max Executives Realty, . . .…
Shades of yesteryear
Older home lovingly renovated with modern features
WHEN you buy a resale home -- especially one built in the 1920s -- you're not always sure what you're getting. After all, a home 80-plus years old could have a lot of issues: the wiring (knob and tube), foundation (porous stone), insulation (none or little behind the walls) and a . . .…
Sold & Offered: May 5-12
SOLD East Fort Garry Address: 850 Oakenwald Ave. Asking Price: $279, 900 Sold Price: $310, 000 Taxes: $2, 838.36 Square Footage: 1, 052 Bedrooms: 2 + 1 Bathrooms: 2 Lot Size: 50 x 101 Listing Agent: Sandy Loptson, Coldwell Banker Preferred, 985-4300 St. Vital Address: 179 Havelock Ave Asking Price: $239, 900 Sold Price: $248, 000 Taxes: $2, 574.57 Square Footage: 935 Bedrooms: 2 Baths: 2 Lot Size: 53 . . .…
Multiple personality
River Park South two-storey offers style and versatility
There are times, rare though they might be, when a multiple personality proves to be advantageous. Take a home, for example. While most people think of a home one-dimensionally -- you buy it and live in it -- some homes offer more than just one way to do that. To Realty Executives' . . .…