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

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