All hydrangeas, all the time

Luscious new varieties to choose from -- but hurry before they're gone

How do you select just one hydrangea cultivar when there is an annual smorgasbord of luscious, new varieties that instantly slay you with their spectacular beauty? In a perverse sort of way, this annual dilemma is made easier thanks to . . .

Posted: 2020-06-27

Garden of delight and charm

Couple grows goodness in backyard oasis

As far as I’m concerned nothing beats walking through a beautiful aromatic garden in summer. Especially when one realizes that six months down the line that same walk will be carved through knee deep snow. Sorry. Just saying we should enjoy . . .

Posted: 2020-06-27

Pergolas are popular and practical

Trendy backyard features can differ in size and appearance

About a year and a half into writing this weekly column, a concern began to grow about how I could sustain an interesting read regarding a recent deck or pergola build, when there are only so many ways to describe . . .

Posted: 2020-06-27

Preserve leaves with wax paper and an iron

Question: What is an easy way to preserve leaves so that they last for many years? Jainy Answer: Place foliage between two pieces of waxed paper (waxy side against the leaves and cover the ironing board cover with a towel). Press the . . .

Posted: 2020-06-27

Water seepage may require professional help

Question: Can you tell me why I have seepage in my basement walls at the base? I live in the West End in an older house. It happens only in the part of the basement that faces the back of . . .

Posted: 2020-06-27

Spacious design perfect for a growing family

Oak Bluff bungalow loaded with style and function

While many new home buyers ask a builder to build them a 1, 400-square-foot bungalow, the builder will often suggest a 1, 700 sq. ft. design for two reasons. First, the cost associated with adding on an extra 300 sq. . . .

Posted: 2020-06-27

Learn the phases of home construction before you build

A very common and important question most new home buyers ask when looking at building a new home is, how long will it take to be built? As you can guess, there is no standard answer. It will be different . . .

Posted: 2020-06-27

Affordable West End masterpiece

Traditional meets modern in charming turn-of-the-century home

While the exterior of a home doesn’t necessarily indicate what it will look like inside, an exceptional exterior is usually a sign of good things to come. The exterior of 694 Banning St. — with its brick walkway, charming front porch . . .

Posted: 2020-06-27

Festivities Without the Festivals

This summer is likely going to look different than last. With responsible distancing encouraged, Manitobans can’t gather in quite the same fashion that we’re used to. And with so many events that we look forward to all winter long now . . .

Posted: 2020-06-26

A whole new way of life

State-of-the-art manufactured homes never looked so good

It’s common knowledge Winnipeg lacks affordable housing options, especially for first-time homebuyers and seniors looking to downsize. Safety and convenience are always a consideration as is the amount of upkeep and operating costs. Until now, an energy efficiency home in . . .

Posted: 2020-06-25