Autumnal decay: Let it be

What we see as 'rot' is merely a natural change in the garden's life cycle

Spring is not a moment in the garden but a sequence, a gentle unfurling of plant life that grows fuller by the day at a tempo almost out of sync with human perception. One minute perennials are peeping out of . . .

Posted: 2016-10-15

Slow the flow with nature

Designed rainways mimic native flora to more effectively manage increased rainfall

Managing rainwater was one of the top stories across Canada in 2024 and will be again in 2025. Extreme rain events across the country, including in Manitoba, resulted in flooded streets and basements as well as drought cycles and water . . .

Posted: 2025-02-01

Window dressing done right

Expert tips on adapting drapes and shades to any room

Zach Gibbs of the Shade Store joined Washington Post staff writer Jura Koncius last week on the newspaper’s Home Front online chat. Here is an edited excerpt: What window treatment do you recommend to keep my bedroom dark in the early-morning . . .

Posted: 2017-02-25

No Playboy Mansion

Dragons' Den mogul prefers living family-style

They talk it up on CBC's Dragons' Den, but do they live it up at home? Postmedia News looks into the lairs of the five business moguls who bring hope -- and fear -- to entrepreneurs across Canada. Today: Brett . . .

Posted: 2010-10-16

There's only one colour for Christmas poinsettias

Breeders tried other colours, but consumers long ago decided no other shade is right

During the next few weeks, North Americans will spend more than $300 million buying about 75 million poinsettias to decorate homes and offices for Christmas. The red-flowered poinsettia is native to Central America and was named after Joel Poinsettia, the first . . .

Posted: 2009-12-12

One step at a time

New front porch build loaded with hurdles

At a recent front porch upgrade project, three unexpected hurdles nearly derailed the project’s timeline. Luckily, solutions for each of these three obstacles were eventually established, tackled in a co-operative manner by three separate parties in a brilliantly co-ordinated effort, . . .

Posted: 2021-09-18

How sweet it is to grow your own

Demand soars for Winnipeg Sweet Potatoes

"You can’t grow sweet potatoes in Winnipeg." If Tiffany Grenkow, the brainchild behind Winnipeg Sweet Potatoes had a nickel for every time she heard that, she would not be rich, but nor did skepticism stop her from following her curiosity. An . . .

Posted: 2020-06-06

Reupholstering his way into her heart

The perfect gift for that special someone is just one DIY project away

In my experience, upholstery is usually best left to the professionals. On past occasions however, I have dabbled within this realm, with a modicum of success. After an exhaustive search for a very specific item I wanted to give my . . .

Posted: 2019-01-12

SOLUTIONS: Olive oil, cold cream good for dry leather

QUESTION: I am wondering if you would mind clarifying something in your books. The leather in my parents' sofa is starting to dry out. As such, they want to treat it with a moisturizer. One of your books suggests using . . .

Posted: 2009-08-16

Grow your own goodness

Make the switch from a traditional front lawn to an intentional garden

Lawn consumes valuable resources even when weather conditions are as favourable as possible. Amid concerns about a warming climate and the loss of ecosystems combined with the current disruptions to our food supply chain, a manicured front lawn feels like . . .

Posted: 2022-01-29