Epsom salt can be a great fertilizer for cactus plants

Question: Can you please send me a safe way to fertilize a cactus? — Brin Answer: Cacti are hardy plants that require low-nutrient care. Homemade cacti fertilizer is as easy as combining one tablespoon of Epsom salt and four litres of water. . . .

Posted: 2018-03-24

Show home season doesn't wrap up with the parade

While the 2018 Spring Parade of Homes officially ends tomorrow at 6 p.m., your chance to visit Manitoba’s newest show homes won’t end on Sunday afternoon. Almost all of the show homes that have been part of the parade will remain . . .

Posted: 2018-03-24

Smarten upyour home with these appliances

If you’re intrigued by smart-home technology but afraid to take the plunge, a smart appliance can be a good first step. Here are five benefits you could reap, whether you’re gearing up for a major remodel or just upgrading an . . .

Posted: 2018-03-24

Use hanging baskets to light up a space

How Brandon's greenhouse grower prepares 286 plants every year

Hanging baskets have such a cheerful readiness about them that they are always among the first purchases to fly out of garden centres each spring. Started in the greenhouse in March or early April, tender flowering annuals are full and . . .

Posted: 2018-03-24

Retro bathroom gets facelift

Renovation reveals grand transformation

Repeat clients and their referrals have been the bread and butter of my business. Any contractor knows the benefits of repeat business — the familiarity of clients and the job site can easily reduce anxiety caused by an impending renovation. However, . . .

Posted: 2018-03-24

Book captures majesty of top-tier gardens

Photo-rich collection of personal Edens welcome

New gardening books still come thick and fast in the digital age. The titles tend to flock to topics that interest millennials and embrace such matters as caring for succulents and houseplants, growing edibles in urban spaces and planting gardens . . .

Posted: 2018-03-24

Building code a good way to ensure kitchen fan installed correctly

Question: I have seen your response to a homeowner regarding exhaust versus recirculating kitchen fans in a previous article. I think you may be able to clarify a situation I have in my Wisconsin home. A range hood is to be . . .

Posted: 2018-03-24

Home is where the Hearth is

Spacious country-style living defines a desirable design

According to Liam Milne of Hearth Homes, the custom home builder’s 2018 Spring Parade of Homes entry in Headingley’s Taylor Farm community was designed with three things in mind. "We wanted to create everything people wanted in a desirable home just . . .

Posted: 2018-03-24

Park-model cabins increasing in popularity

These mini residences aren't tiny homes, but are similar

Full disclosure: I was wrong. As hard as that is to believe, the portable home I’ve been admiring at Best Buy Homes at 4250 Portage Ave., isn’t actually a tiny home after all. When I stopped in and asked marketing director Rory . . .

Posted: 2018-03-24

Home is best of both worlds

Well-maintained property is move-in ready and in a great location

In recent years, real estate studies have revealed location is no longer the No. 1 reason buyers choose a home. A move-in-ready home is now the most desired characteristic, which makes sense when you consider renovating can be a lengthy and . . .

Posted: 2018-03-24