Get growing

New exciting plants to dream about and watch for in 2021

All signs are pointing to a repeat this coming spring of the unprecedented demand for plants that garden retailers experienced in 2020. Indeed, the demand for plants may be even higher in 2021. One takeaway from last year was that more . . .

Posted: 2021-01-16

Even the houseplants are getting restless

Mustard is growing a little green about being shut-in

Waaaay back in the 1970s and '80s, when I co-hosted the Wake-Up Winnipeg Show with Red Alix on CJOB for 11 years, there was a very nice gentleman working there by the name of George McCloy, who every Sunday morning hosted a . . .

Posted: 2021-01-16

Electric hot water tank likely a better bet than gas

Question: I recently had a hot water tank failure, necessitating the replacement of my 11-year-old gas water heater. Subsequently, I learned that the building code gods have deemed that for the last 43 years I have put my family’s life . . .

Posted: 2021-01-16

What an open concept

Removing wall brings more than expansion

It seems like only yesterday when a homeowner mentioned to me in passing how he’d like to open up the main floor of his house and combine the kitchen, dining room and living room into one big open-concept space. After . . .

Posted: 2021-01-16

Country charm

Rural living near city in this stunning Grande Pointe Meadows bungalow

Designing a home to fit a country setting can a tricky proposition. On the one hand, the home needs to reflect its countrified surroundings. At the same time, it must offer the modern conveniences everyone from active families to empty nesters . . .

Posted: 2021-01-16

Perfectly balanced

Updated River Heights bungalow spacious and stylish

About a year ago, 495 Niagara St. was typical of many River Heights Classics — charming, but lacking in modern function and flair. Today, the 1, 398 sq. ft., two-storey home, which was built in 1948, looks much different inside, says . . .

Posted: 2021-01-16

Tips to help plan your perfect home gym

HOME gyms have always been a popular option for getting fit without needing to share space at a fitness club. Unsurprisingly, given New Year’s resolutions, fitness experts say they get the most interest in home gyms around January, and this . . .

Posted: 2021-01-09

Update your home with these fresh tips

Looking for ways to give your home a new look in the new year? Start with quick, easy refreshing techniques that won’t break the bank. Whether you are looking to redo an entire room or elevate certain areas of your . . .

Posted: 2021-01-09

Chasing away the cold

This bay-window fix required more thought than usual

A couple of my past columns have addressed the issue of the cold entering the interior of a home near a bay window, and provided a quick and easy to install method to remedy the problem. And although the nature . . .

Posted: 2021-01-09

These New Year's resolutions might have a fighting chance

A clean room is a reward because it looks better, fresher and newer, but some people are not concerned about appearance, so here are other reasons to clean. Lack of dusting is a fire hazard, if a smoke detector or carbon . . .

Posted: 2021-01-09