RENOVATIONS: Which 'wood' you trust?

Plywood is superior to oriented strand board as a building material

The fuselage, wings and tail of a Second World War Mosquito bomber were constructed of and covered with a layer of plywood. Imagine the same aircraft built of oriented strand board (OSB), the ubiquitous house sheathing manufactured by gluing wood . . .

Posted: 2013-03-09

Sufferin' succulents!

Countless varieties lead to creative, attractive arrangements

Sometimes, the best ideas are borne from the desire to do anything other than what's on our to-do list.Can't find the motivation to get ready for the holidays? A creative boost might be all you need. Why not create a . . .

Posted: 2014-12-06

FIREPLACE ADDS FLASH to backyard setting

Elevates landscape with stunning effect

For landscape designer Colleen Watson, fall is one of the most exhilarating times of the year. The same goes for many homeowners, too.What's driving them? Backyard projects that are nearing completion.On crisp fall days when temperatures are in single digits . . .

Posted: 2014-10-18

Tips for green grass on your side of fence

Keeping your yard looking healthy and lush good for you and the value of your property

As the snow melts away, impatient homeowners can't wait to begin preening and greening their lawns. Few are keener than Richard Dupuis, who devotes at least 90 minutes a week to trimming, fertilizing and tending the lawn surrounding his home. "My . . .

Posted: 2008-04-27

GARDENING: The secret world of tomatoes

Enthusiasts say there's an entire universe of the fruit to explore

When it comes to tomatoes, there are two distinct camps of tomato lovers. Those who have been raised on commercial hybrid tomatoes purchased at the grocery store and those who insist on nothing less than locally grown tomatoes. A growing number . . .

Posted: 2014-04-19

Flowers a growing business

Homegrown bouquets have something extra to offer

What’s more welcome than the gift of a flower bouquet, beautifully arranged and sweetly fragrant? When the flowers are homegrown, the bouquet takes on even greater significance. A small but burgeoning industry, Manitoba’s handful of flower farmers are supplying buckets of . . .

Posted: 2017-08-19

It's SPRING, damn it!

Tempting desserts for the garden

Satisfy your desire for plants with a walk through your local garden centre and you may need to satisfy your appetite for dessert as well. With scrumptious names such as Blueberry Cheesecake Dahlia, Berry Smoothie Coral Bells, Strawberry Seduction Yarrow, . . .

Posted: 2013-04-13

Wildlife can multiply backyard pleasure

Attracting wildlife is a rewarding experience. Before taking the steps to bring new friends to your yard, keep in mind that wildlife is truly wild and unpredictable. Ask yourself: Do you really want more wildlife around than you already have, . . .

Posted: 2008-06-08

GARDENING: Love food? We dig it

Manitobans cultivate their tastebuds with edible gardens

Adding edibles to the landscape can be addictive. It might start with a few carrots and tomatoes, perhaps a bit of basil and some dill or green beans -- just enough for adding fresh homegrown flavour to your recipes. A small . . .

Posted: 2014-05-31

Raise a glass to these backyard beverages

Imbibers have plenty of locally produced drink options

Can I interest you in a glass of artisanal rosé-style wine made with the sweet-tart flavours of Prairie-grown haskap berries, or would you prefer mulled or chilled white honey mead brewed by an estate winery in Killarney?Or perhaps you would . . .

Posted: 2016-12-24