Still two more days to check out Fall Parade of Homes

The 2021 Fall Parade of Homes will officially end tomorrow at 5 p.m., but that doesn’t mean your chance to visit Manitoba’s newest and finest show homes will end on Sunday afternoon as well. Almost all of the show homes . . .

Posted: 2021-11-06

Skirting around an issue

Closing in deck adds to its appeal and utility

The topic of this column is somewhat nostalgic for me, as it brings me back to one of my favourite deck builds. Just over five years ago, neighbours had asked me to design a deck that incorporated recycled wrought-iron railing . . .

Posted: 2021-11-06

Hidden garden may be Manitoba's best kept secret

Neepawa gardener working to uncover and restore a treasure trove of heritage plants

Nearly every day this past spring, summer, and continuing throughout fall, Leanne Dowd discovered something new and different that was blooming in her garden. Dowd has watched the story of her new garden unfold before her very eyes. In spring 2020, . . .

Posted: 2021-11-06

Logical, stylish layout in Transcona

Fall Parade of Homes entry offers country charm in city

Coming up with a winning design for a family home isn’t a trivial task. That’s because a builder doesn’t have to fit it to one personality, but several. That means such a home simultaneously needs to be efficient yet welcoming and . . .

Posted: 2021-11-06

Treasure chests of pride and memories

Medals and memorabilia remind us of the sacrifices made

This coming Thursday, Nov. 11, when we once again pay tribute to those who fought and those who died in defence of freedom, many of us will reach into our hearts for memories that help us recall the horrific cost . . .

Posted: 2021-11-06

Pathways to goodness

North Kildonan couple's permaculture design includes walkable ditches that conserve water

Monika Thiessen and Michael Thys take rainwater harvesting very seriously. Whenever it rains, no matter how little or how much, it’s all systems go at their 50 ft by 100 ft residential property in North Kildonan. Their permaculture design was . . .

Posted: 2021-10-30

Heat may be needed to prevent plumbing from freezing

Question: I was hoping you could suggest how to prevent a pump from freezing in winter. It is located in the crawl space at the end of the building, which is skirted with insulation panels. The water lines have heat . . .

Posted: 2021-10-30

Bay window fix taking the city by storm

Improves comfort and reduces energy costs

A few years ago, while performing an unrelated renovation, my aunt mentioned that the area surrounding her living room bay window was freezing during the coldest winter months. After pondering the issue for a day or two, I suggested building . . .

Posted: 2021-10-30

Discoloured towels likely due to cosmetics

Question: Last year I purchased new white towels for my remodelled bathroom. They are lovely, but after a few washes and they started sprouting grey blob-shaped spots, especially on the hand towels. At first, I thought it was my daughter’s . . .

Posted: 2021-10-30

Who you GONNA call?

'Ukrainian White Witch' shares a spooky tale from seance

It’s Halloween tomorrow and there sure are some fabulously decorated yards out there! Halloween apparently originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. I’m thinking it was probably about the . . .

Posted: 2021-10-30