Layering landscapes with greenery

Dwarf trees can add depth to old growth and make a huge difference in small yards

A multi-tiered approach to incorporating greenery in the landscape is always ideal. Indeed, the typically modest patch of mostly flat area on which the average house sits cries out for multiple layers of interest.In a mature, roomy landscape, creating an . . .

Posted: 2017-01-28

Hoop dreams

This mild weather has LaBossiere pining for his basketball court

The mild temperatures these past few weeks have awoken an urge to start planning outdoor projects, which are always put on hold due to the cold of the winter. One of my favourite projects from last spring involves an area . . .

Posted: 2017-01-28

A family design

The Hampshire was dreamed up with large families' day-to-day needs in mind

It’s something all large families require in a home: space.Not only that, but the different areas found throughout a home must be designed to deliver the flexibility and utility needed to pave the way for seamless living in the midst . . .

Posted: 2017-01-28

Affordable luxury comes to town

New development brings high-end touches to condo living

A different kind of condominium project is coming to west Transcona’s community of Crocus Meadows. Appropriately named Crocus Gardens, the project will be set apart from others in the area by a collection of luxurious amenities and design features, says Anupam . . .

Posted: 2017-01-28

Spruced up

Affordable two-bedroom home completely renovated

If you’re a first-time buyer, single professional or single parent, it’s no simple task to find an affordable home that’s solid and functional.The reason for that is simple. With a budget of around $200, 000, it’s difficult (actually, almost next . . .

Posted: 2017-01-28

No rest if you want the best

Great gardeners aren't content with what they've already done

At its purest, gardening is about expressing yourself by using other life forms. Sometimes plants conform to your vision; often they do not. If your mental image of a planting design is blurry at its inception, its physical realization is . . .

Posted: 2017-01-21

From curtain liner to grout: getting a sparkling bathroom

Question: I enjoy your column every week and have found your hints very helpful in the past. However, as we live in a fairly newly developed area in Winnipeg, we are experiencing unclean water from time to time. Consequently, this . . .

Posted: 2017-01-21

Home builders' association celebrating 80 years

If you haven’t heard yet, 2017 marks the 80th anniversary of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association.Eighty years! That makes us the oldest provincial home builders’ association in Canada.We were even established before the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.A lot has changed . . .

Posted: 2017-01-21

The virtues of junk

Everyone keeps a worthless knickknack or two

We begin today’s story with a mystery from Baldur Holm. You might know Holm as The Hubcap Man, but this isn’t about hubcaps. So, how can we help?"Laurie, as a follow up to our meeting in the restaurant, I am . . .

Posted: 2017-01-21

Plan your home's outdoor makeover

Expert landscape designer shares advice on adding curb appeal and privacy to your yard

In our mind’s eye, we visualize the components of our landscape — patio areas, pathways, beds and borders — even though all traces of these are now buried beneath a surplus of snow. Like pieces of furniture, we imagine moving . . .

Posted: 2017-01-21