Garden, gardener evolve over time

Subtle changes all part of life, and horticulture

Sometimes the long-distance gardener looks out the window and notices that the maple tree he planted as a two-metre sapling 21 years ago has become a shade tree eight-metres tall and six across. Maturity creeps up on you — in trees, . . .

Posted: 2019-04-13

If you can't beat it, camouflage it!

Dear Marc: I bought an older home I plan to fix up myself. I have a door in my kitchen that leads to my basement. This door is in the dead centre of my kitchen, so it looks kind of funny. . . .

Posted: 2010-09-18

Canadian unity through coast-to-coast tips

As we get ready to celebrate the anniversary of our great country, we can also feel united with these useful tips sent in by people across the nation. Canada Day Trivia: What does the word Canada mean? 1. Tackle chap-stick on fabrics . . .

Posted: 2008-06-29

Making cinnamon buns

Question: I followed a recipe for making cinnamon buns, but the results were disappointing. The buns did not rise as I had hoped any idea why? — Ranjit Answer: First of all, did you turn on your oven light when the buns were . . .

Posted: 2018-09-15

Insect entry into home through holes always cause for concern

Question: We have a bay window in the front of our home with plants in front. Last year we had wasps going through the plants, underneath the bay window, with some ending up in our basement. We are looking at . . .

Posted: 2022-07-23

Sterling Homes Gold Winner Timeless and Classic

STERLING HOMES Address: 69 Casselman CrescentSpecs: 1706 sq. ft. 3 bedrooms, bungalow, Oak Bluff West Amenities: Covered concrete front porch entrance with aluminum and glass railing Mudroom with built-in organization system and bench seat, with barn door entrance and main floor laundry access and . . .

Posted: 2019-11-19

You can cut a dry loaf of bread into cubes to make stuffing

Question: Is there a simple way to prepare stuffing from scratch using dry bread slices? — Samantha Answer: Slice one loaf of dry bread pieces into cubes. In a pot sauté one chopped onion and four sticks chopped celery. Add one teaspoon poultry . . .

Posted: 2018-09-22

SOLUTIONS: Use cheap shampoo to clean your faucets

QUESTION: What can I do to have perfectly polished taps in my bathroom? I have tried vinegar and baking soda, but water droplet marks remain on them. This really bothers me because my clean bathroom doesn't really look clean. I . . .

Posted: 2009-12-19

New IKEA catalogue promises a more relaxed life

IKEA is touting a "more relaxed life" in its 2017 catalogue, a 326-page dream book that will be available Aug. 8 by mail and in stores and online Aug. 15.Every year the massive retailer of affordable furniture taps into whatever’s . . .

Posted: 2016-07-30

Home entry at your (registered) fingertips

No keys, codes with biometric lock

The new Weiser SmartScan system is the first consumer-grade lockset I've seen that completely eliminates the need for keys and codes. All you need to open a SmartScan is the swipe of a registered fingertip. The use of personal physical features . . .

Posted: 2008-06-08