Sassy tips will make your reno shine

At times the thought of renovating can be so cumbersome that doing nothing becomes an alluring alternative. We continue to take on reno jobs large and small because caring for the homes we love pays big dividends. There are practical . . .

Posted: 2014-05-17

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Don't paint stone fireplace; decorate instead

Dear Debbie: The fireplace wall in our '70s home is stone. The flat-faced natural stones are various shades of gray. My husband loves the stone but I find it very dark. Is there any way to paint the stone so it . . .

Posted: 2010-03-13

SOLUTIONS: Use clear paint to seal metal curtain rods

QUESTION: My mom and dad have one of the new curved shower-curtain rods. They love it for the extra space it gives them in the shower but it has a metal finish and black keeps rubbing off of it on . . .

Posted: 2012-08-11

Lovely Clematis in a class all its own

Choose from climbers or spectacular scramblers

The beauty and intricacy of clematis flowers puts them in a class of their own. Of all the flowering climbers, a clematis in full bloom brings a dramatic and unsurpassed elegance to the garden. Clematis is a sensational plant for . . .

Posted: 2022-03-26

Rock your garden this summer

Tip over a good-size rock and what do you see? A patch of earth that is dark and humid, even on a hot, dry day. A throng of creatures — beetles, worms, ants — scurrying for cover, their busy underworld . . .

Posted: 2016-06-18

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Second-hand glow

Make your own lamps and shades

WHEN I was growing up, spring cleaning was an annual event that we all dreaded. My mom attacked dirt and clutter like an avenging angel. No corner was safe, no matter how high or low; windows and walls were washed, . . .

Posted: 2009-05-24

Make your life easier by cutting a few key kitchen corners

There are certain small skills that make life better and easier. I’m well aware many take place outside the kitchen, and I probably don’t know as many of those as I should. I’m of no use if you have a . . .

Posted: 2019-04-27

Give the gift of anticipation

2021 grow season looks bright and bountiful

Do you have big plans for next year? You are in good company. All of us have high hopes for a better and brighter 2021. What gardens will we visit? How will we design our gardens or outdoor spaces and . . .

Posted: 2020-12-12

The wonders of baking soda never cease to amaze

QUESTION: My white bone china plates have marks on them from my stainless steel cutlery; the marks won't come out with the dishwasher. Any ideas of how to clean them? Thank-you, Terry, WinnipegANSWER: Since scratches caused by cutlery have damaged . . .

Posted: 2013-07-27

Ones to watch: Fascinating newcomers for 2023

Check out these beautiful perennials and annuals

Each new year brings gardeners oodles of new plant varieties to consider for our outdoor spaces. Despite the vast number of new annuals and perennials, most are the result of extensive breeding, development, and trialing over a period of several . . .

Posted: 2023-01-09