Techniques to make the water walk

Managing the flow of runoff in your garden is good for both it and the planet

In spring the ebb and flow of water in our landscapes can be a powerful force. As the frozen ground thaws and the combination of snow melt and rainwater infiltrates the soil, the rate of absorption and pattern of drainage can . . .

Posted: 2017-04-22

Fabulous deck the answer to magical question

How one homeowner's 'Tuxedo Riviera' was born

Most clients have a pretty good idea what it is they’d like to achieve before a contractor’s first visit, regarding renovations and upgrades to their home and/or property. They’ll often provide a crude sketch with visible revisions and walk the contractor . . .

Posted: 2017-04-22

Insulating walls is wise -- but mind the gaps

Question: My son has an old house, with dry foundation walls, but some leakage in the floor. We’ve studded the walls with two-by-fours and put in R12 insulation with a 2.5-centimetre gap behind the insulation. I was very nervous about . . .

Posted: 2017-04-22

Overwatering can cause disease in plants

QUESTION: I am in Grade 5 and this year I am planning to display a beautiful potted plant on my mom’s deck. How much should I water it? I have heard that overwatering is not good for the plant. — Mason Answer: . . .

Posted: 2017-04-22

Get a leg up on table troubles

When your dining room table gets upgraded from a Craigslist score to a polished-wood beauty, it’s time for a lesson in the care and feeding of fine furniture. A good-quality dining table, whether new, vintage or antique, can be a . . .

Posted: 2017-04-22

Whether warm or cold, purple is hot

The colour purple has evolved well beyond links to Barney the Dinosaur to become a favourite colour for politics, hair and flowers. It’s little understood as a hue because royal purple is not the only shade offered. In fact, purple . . .

Posted: 2017-04-22

Cascading space

Two-storey home actually boasts four light-filled levels

At first, the addition of 240 square feet to a home’s design seems like a pretty small detail. However, tour the Grandview — a new design by Kensington Homes found at 220 Bonaventure Dr. E. in Bonavista — and the impact . . .

Posted: 2017-04-22

Captivating charm

16 Tanglewood is a breathtaking mix of old and new

As it pertains to homes, there are instances where it doesn’t take long to discern quality. Turns out, 16 Tanglewood Dr. is one of those instances. Built by Sapphire Homes in 2012, the 2, 014 sq. ft. bungalow — which is . . .

Posted: 2017-04-22

Sizzling all Season

After spending just a few minutes in Classic Fireplaces' showroom, you should quickly become aware of one thing - you really don't know jack about barbecuing. Oh, sure, you think you do because you've been grilling steaks for years, but you . . .

Posted: 2017-04-21

This isn't an open-and-shut kind of job

Something that seems as simple as replacing a door can become deceptively complicated

Let’s replace a door! It seems simple enough, right? Of course, it usually isn’t until you’ve already begun the process that you realize how many details you may have overlooked and steps for which you weren’t prepared when undertaking the door . . .

Posted: 2017-04-15