When cutbacks are a GOOD THING

IT'S SIMPLE: The more you cut, the more blooms you will have

Colour is one of the main reasons for planting a flower garden. Perennials, depending on their bloom period and planting scheme, can provide glorious splashes of colour and intoxicating scent outside your door from spring to fall.It's a challenge in . . .

Posted: 2013-10-05

Making the cut... or not

An electric-tool primer for DIY builders and renovators

Cheap tools are the scourge of DIY builders and renovators. I say this because over the years I've fallen into the trap of purchasing inexpensive, blow-out-bargain-equipment that is shoddily constructed and guaranteed to produce unsatisfactory results 100 per cent of . . .

Posted: 2013-10-05

Thinking in threes

And other decorating tips to help you make your home beautiful

Something as ordinary as setting up a living space can be looked upon as a pleasant task or a frustrating trial. It might be time to re-arrange furniture in the living room, or add a chest of drawers to the . . .

Posted: 2013-10-05

Make sure your cookware is safe

Damaged or worn items could pose a risk for you and your family

QUESTION: I have a small Wear-Ever aluminum frying pan and the finish has been taken off on the inside. Therefore everything sticks like the dickens now! Is there any way I can re-season or coat it again so food won't . . .

Posted: 2013-10-05

It's all about the percentages

Pay your contractor in stages... and only for work that's done

I've seen too many renos fall off their tracks. And there are two big reasons why they do: First, homeowners hire a friend, family or neighbour to do the job; and secondly, they don't have a payment schedule tied to . . .

Posted: 2013-10-05

Sold / /Offered

SOLD:Valley GardensAddress: 43 Ravenhill Rd.Asking Price: $169, 900Sold Price: $170, 000Taxes: $2, 044.36Square Footage: 1, 100Bedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 2Lot Size: 31 x 220Listing Agent: Glenn Kisil & Cheryl Kisil, Kisil & Associates Real Estate Ltd., 204-668-7878BeaconiaAddress: 35 Partridge BayAsking Price: $74, . . .

Posted: 2013-10-05

Master DESIGN

Surprising feature boosts home's livability

The moment you walk in to the master suite at 32 Casselman Cres., you notice something is different.The design team at Paradigm Custom Homes chose to take a new angle on the bedroom's design."We wanted to do something different, so . . .

Posted: 2013-10-05

A world of your own

Country home has space to spare

It's a given all of us are complex creatures.00Well, if you're into technology, love the wide-open spaces and are mechanically inclined, 1141 Two Mile Rd. might well be the home for you, said Royal LePage Top Producers' Glen MacAngus."This home . . .

Posted: 2013-10-05

Get your lilies down

Fall the best time to plant bulbs

The garden is almost done for the year and just when you thought you were safe and have finally planted all of the potted plants that have been languishing all summer on your driveway or patio, along comes fall and . . .

Posted: 2013-09-28

Let a jeweller clean your precious heirloom

QUESTION: I read your column regularly and find it very helpful. I have found an old silver locket that belonged to my mother and it is very tarnished. What is the best way to clean it? I would like to . . .

Posted: 2013-09-28