Living the downsizing dream

Tips for reorganizing your kitchen, keeping only the necessities

It began quietly enough. I could have sworn I heard muttering among the boxes I’d never unpacked — the ones in the house I’d fled to on the way to ending a marriage. The grown children let me know they . . .

Posted: 2018-11-03

Re-staining readiness

What to consider when prepping for the job

I've received a number of questions and comments from readers concerning a July 5 column on how to prep a deck for re-staining. As a result, I've decided to return to the theme to answer the queries and respond to . . .

Posted: 2014-07-19

Get excited about the catalpa tree

It’s not prairie-hardy but catalpa’s orchid-like flowers are the pièce de résistance

The catalpa tree holds an undeniable mystique. That becomes readily apparent when you talk to someone who grows a catalpa tree who knows someone else who grows a catalpa tree who knows someone who wants a catalpa tree. There are . . .

Posted: 2023-03-11

Magical Makeover

Garden gazing, whether it's our own yard or someone else’s, is a favourite pastime. But be warned: contemplation inevitably leads to inspiration and the desire for change. Translating inspiration into a working plan and then implementing it, however, can present a . . .

Posted: 2012-10-20

Choose outdoor furniture that will LAST

Price isn't the only sign of quality

After a long pandemic winter, everyone is ready to get outside. "We’re seeing tremendous growth and demand for outdoor furniture earlier in the year, " said Ron Hilton, chief merchandising and operations officer at Overstock. Traditionally, the company gets a spike . . .

Posted: 2021-05-08

RENOVATIONS: Yard masterpieces

Stone and concrete fountains ready to go with your flow

There are so many new outdoor products available to enhance decks, gardens and landscapes that I created a second part to my May 3 column to include more of these novel items. Shelmerdine's has a remarkable collection of innovative fountains and . . .

Posted: 2014-05-17

Designing with meadow rues

Liven up your garden with clouds of dainty colour

Meadow rues give a spectacular show in different areas of the herbaceous border. There are numerous options that will liven up your garden with a profusion of colour in late spring, mid-summer, or as late as mid-September. By this time . . .

Posted: 2020-08-15

GARDENING: Spring seeding isn't just for farmers

From mid-March to mid-April, our gardeners can start growing from scratch

Gardeners, are you longing to get your hands in the soil as you browse through seed catalogues and gardening magazines? If you have been planting the same varieties of annual flowers, herbs and vegetables, this could be the year to try . . .

Posted: 2013-02-02

Design for holiday warmth

It’s all about the things you love, says Shelmerdine owner Bent

Discovering your personal style, whether for garden design, home décor or fashion, often requires visual inspiration. “Not everyone has a strong sense of style, ” says Nicole Bent, president and owner of Shelmerdine Garden Centre, located at 7800 Roblin Blvd. . . .

Posted: 2024-11-23

Prevention is the best medicine

Prudence the key to controlling pests and diseases

Pests and disease in the flower or vegetable garden can cause serious damage to plants. Your best defence starts well before signs of an infestation or disease problem, but even with careful selection of disease-resistant plants, cultural practices such as . . .

Posted: 2017-07-08