Fruit grown fresh at home

Compact cultivars of apples can turn almost any property into an orchard

The desire for fresh taste is driving demand for fruit trees and, in particular, varieties grown on dwarfing rootstock. Philip Ronald, owner of Riverbend Orchards, says apple trees are the No. 1 selling fruit crop and a major plant for . . .

Posted: 2017-11-04

Cargo containers can make fine homes

Trend has gained mainstream popularity over past 10 years or so

Cargo containers, long a staple of international trade, are designed to be affordable, sturdy and watertight. So it’s no surprise that for decades, they’ve been repurposed by the military, the needy or just the hip for other uses, including dwellings. What’s . . .

Posted: 2017-11-04

Out with the old, in with the also-old

If all you do is collect knickknacks, you're a hoarder -- and I'm no hoarder

We humans are a fascinating bunch. Just look at the stuff we keep around our homes. I’ll show you mine if you’ll show me yours. Actually, I’m never going to see your treasures, so I’ll tell you about a couple of mine. . . .

Posted: 2017-11-04

New home, same family atmosphere

BAINGBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. — On its own, "history" implies mementoes, milestones, heirlooms. But put "family" first, and suddenly it suggests cherished connections: the togetherness you all treasure, the experiences you all share, the back story you all know by heart. Jeanie . . .

Posted: 2017-11-04

Removing outside sump pump hose in winter critical

Question: We have a 15-year-old home with a sump pump that we constantly have on. When we first moved in, I was advised by someone at Home Depot to simply disconnect the outside hose in the winter, which we’ve been . . .

Posted: 2017-11-04

Colour, texture make the difference in small gardens

MT. LEBANON, Pa. — Ina Block wasn’t interested in gardening. She was content to watch the spreading yews she and her husband planted take over the yard around the house they built in Mt. Lebanon in 1964. But her friend . . .

Posted: 2017-11-04

Leaving home without leaving home behind

Downsizing doesn't have to be an emotionally daunting process

After spending time in the hospital earlier this year, 88-year-old Betty Price decided it was time to transition from her three-storey townhouse to a six-room independent-living apartment, just a short drive away in the Longwood at Oakmont Retirement Community in . . .

Posted: 2017-11-04

You don't need to buy a special ice-cream maker

Question: is it possible to make homemade ice cream without an ice-cream maker? — Zachary Answer: In a bowl, combine two cups heavy whipping cream, two cups half-and-half cream, one cup sugar and two teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir well. Pour contents into a 9x13 . . .

Posted: 2017-11-04

Luxury living that's functionally flashy

Well-designed home stands on a generous lakefront lot

Imagine having a generous budget to build a luxury home. As intriguing as that sounds, it’s anything but easy to conceive the design of such a home. In order for it to be livable on a daily basis, it must be as . . .

Posted: 2017-11-04

No more big-city hustle and bustle

Unique Tache property offers endless opportunities

Poll families on what their ideal home is and you’ll get a variety of different answers. That’s because some families are very specific about what they want, while others may only have a general idea. Generalists might pick five or six . . .

Posted: 2017-11-04