Branching out

Family embraces challenges, rewards of launching a fruit orchard

Growing up on a farm near Boissevain taught Kelvin Hildebrandt many things. But becoming an orchardist has meant taking a comprehensive and strategic approach to acquiring a whole new set of skills. In the process, Hildebrandt has consulted with local . . .

Posted: 2026-02-21

Recipe for change

Kitchen shell prep includes vinyl-plank flooring

In my world, the difference between a kitchen facelift and a full kitchen renovation is whether a large percentage of the existing space remains, or the entirety is gutted and repopulated once the shell has been prepped. At a recent . . .

Posted: 2026-02-21

Loaded with livability and style

Highland Pointe two-storey built with family functionality, respite in mind

Large families typically look for two things in a new home. First, it needs to be highly functional with a versatile floor plan that can accommodate family life — and offer spaces where individuals can go to enjoy some much . . .

Posted: 2026-02-21

Re-imagined classic

Overhauled Kingston Row gem offers heritage charm, modern utility

No matter how great a vintage home is, it can always be improved upon. That’s exactly the case with a venerable 1938-built dwelling found on a fetching riverside lot at 207 Kingston Row in storied Elm Park, says Amber van . . .

Posted: 2026-02-21

Furnace ‘reboot’

Chilling for a week without forced-air heat

In high school when I had spare time, I customized a 1952 Chevy half-ton truck. For vehicles of that era, most mechanical issues that arose could be addressed with a wrench and a screwdriver. Nowadays, the technological advancements that heighten . . .

Posted: 2026-02-14

Petal perfection

The delicate art of pressing flowers

When early explorers travelled the four corners of the world in search of botanical treasures and plant knowledge, they faced many challenges collecting and transporting live plant material. In the 19th century, the development of the Wardian case — . . .

Posted: 2026-02-14

Large and livable

Transcona two-storey designed with big households in mind

While a new home’s structure — the way it’s built — is important, so too is the way its interior is laid out. Understandably, both features matter to prospective homebuyers, as one determines how well a dwelling will stand the . . .

Posted: 2026-02-14

Refined livability

Space and style abound in Oak Bluff West bungalow

There are times when luxury homes can be a bit puzzling in terms of how they were designed. One of three things can happen when you walk in. First off, a dwelling’s entrance, while functional, may be somewhat bland and disappointing. . . .

Posted: 2026-02-14

Old log-box electric fireplace still hot

A few days ago, something in my living room seemed slightly off. Once my focus shifted towards this oddity, I noticed our old log-box electric fireplace was no longer displaying its rolling flames, nor the lighted faux embers beneath . . .

Posted: 2026-02-07

Time to Plot those container gardens

Let the best of the new annuals inspire you in 2026

Whether you’re planning several container gardens this year or prefer to focus on one show-stopping arrangement, February is a good time for deciding what you would like to grow. After all, garden centres throughout Manitoba are already a hive of . . .

Posted: 2026-02-07