Stone foundation walls need quick, not perfect, repairs

Exhaustive search for the right product less important than acting quickly

QUESTION — I have an old Wolseley home, built in 1911, with a stone foundation. It appears to be a limestone/tyndall stone type. There are a couple of small areas that I am looking to repoint on the exterior above . . .

Posted: 2020-08-22

Do you get my drift?

Author wants to control blowing snow this winter with a series of fences

For nearly 17 years, I have thoroughly enjoyed living at ‘Boss Ranch’, in the great wide-open; the peace and tranquility, the scenic views, and of course all that space – what’s not to love? There is one glitch to this . . .

Posted: 2020-08-22

Artsy garden a touching homage

Ok, two things today. First, a heartwarming story about a unique raised garden; and second, a mission for all of you who have berries in your yard you’re not going to use. The garden. Got an email a couple of weeks ago from . . .

Posted: 2020-08-22

Starts right, gets better

New home's first impressions give way to tasteful mix of open concept and distinct rooms

First impressions are key to feeling a home is right for you from the moment you step in. That’s why a foyer’s design is so critical. If a home’s entrance is too open or too walled-off, prospective buyers could strike it off . . .

Posted: 2020-08-22

(Ex)change your life

Ashdown condo steps away from restaurants, theatres

Back in the late 1890s, Winnipeg merchant James H. Ashdown hired local architect S. Frank Peters to design an expansive warehouse for his burgeoning hardware business at 167 Bannatyne Ave. Not long after, Ashdown had architect J.H.G. Russell design another warehouse . . .

Posted: 2020-08-22

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

Check out this deck with a view

Cedar always a classic and aromatic choice

Apparently once folks go with cedar they tend to stay with cedar. Clients of mine had enjoyed their 18x24-foot cedar deck, which faced the neighbourhood’s man-made lake for more than two decades. Unfortunately the elements had clearly taken their toll and . . .

Posted: 2020-08-15

Hire a pro to fix shoddy work

Question: I live in Thunder Bay. A few years ago, I had a backwater valve installed. The pit continuously fills with water and my husband drains it daily. I’ve had a few plumbers inspect it and nobody seems to really . . .

Posted: 2020-08-15

Boil away that nasty black char on pots and pans

Question: I use steel cut oats and often prepare the oats the night before and warm them in the morning. One morning I was in a bit of a hurry and had the stove on too high, and it didn’t . . .

Posted: 2020-08-15

Who's in the mood for a melody?

Moving a piano even harder than it looks

My beloved player piano is finally home, and let me tell you, it was like watching somebody trying to raise the Titanic. For those of you unfamiliar with this saga, a wonderful lady gave me a player piano, a gorgeous old . . .

Posted: 2020-08-15