Get 'er done

Wrap fall chores up and put a ribbon on it

If you need some motivation to get out into the garden on late fall's chilly days and finally finish last-minute chores, think about this: You will be protecting your investment plus everything you do now readies you for the next . . .

Posted: 2013-10-26

GARDENING: Quick and dirty

Store leaves for composting next spring, summer

Gardeners living in the Red River Valley have to contend (wrestle may be a better word) with clay soil. In addition to poor drainage and compaction, clay soil takes longer to warm up in the spring. Plants grow . . .

Posted: 2012-10-27

Don't rush into a kitchen reno -- plan first

RENOVATING a kitchen usually starts with a design for convenience, organization and functionality. The following tips will create a fresh ergonomic kitchen while providing you with an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. 1. There are five basic kitchen layouts: The . . .

Posted: 2008-02-03

Thinking outside the boxwood

Popular trees need special care to get through the winter

With fall barrelling towards us at record wind speeds and winter not far behind, now is the time to decide how you will protect your tender plants. Boxwood is a good example. My experience with growing boxwood in my Zone . . .

Posted: 2020-09-12

Keeping the sheeting from rotting the shingles

QUESTION: My cousin built a house in a rural area of Manitoba about 35 years ago. His north and south walls are sheeted with Aspenite, and shingled with asphalt shingles. He has about a five- to 10-degree angle on the . . .

Posted: 2013-08-10

SOLUTIONS: No need to come unglued over your carpet woes

QUESTION: I am in a quandary! I have glued my area rug with double-sided tape to my existing carpet... and now it seems an impossible task to remove the tape from the carpet (I live in a rental apartment). I . . .

Posted: 2010-05-15

Properly seal unused chimney to prevent moisture issues

Question: I am trying to help a friend with a leaky chimney, which is allowing spring run-off water into their basement. The house is about 50 years old and the masonry chimney is outside the main concrete foundation wall, which . . .

Posted: 2016-03-12

Going for the cat's meow

(Part Two of a series about the renovation of an Oak Street bungalow in River Heights.)If cats could speak, homeowner Diana said her pet feline Taz would opine on the progress of the renovation to her Oak Street . . .

Posted: 2013-08-17

Rose mallow's time to shine

Gardeners successful in overwintering this hardy hibiscus

After putting all her energy towards growing into a tall, sturdy and leafy shrub-like clump, July is the month when rose mallow hibiscus hybrid reveals herself in all her glory. You wouldn’t want to be a wallflower vying for attention . . .

Posted: 2019-07-13

Milk carton makes great place for seeds

DEAR HELEN: I have heard that you construct seeding flats from milk cartons. Please explain how to do this. I'd also appreciate some tips on the indoor seeding process. ANSWER: Two-litre milk and juice cartons with a side removed have an ideal . . .

Posted: 2010-03-13