DIY ORCHIDS

It's not hard to get started on these homegrown beauties

Tropical orchids are a beautiful addition to your home and can be successfully grown if basic requirements are provided. The secret is to mimic the natural growing conditions of the specific orchid you wish to grow. The most popular orchid with . . .

Posted: 2011-02-26

One nail at a time

A home reno survival guide

Lola, my chihuahua, steps over a pile of pink insulation and around a patch of missing linoleum next to a small hole in the bathroom floor. Like her owners, Lola has adapted to the perils of home renovations. Unlike us, she's done . . .

Posted: 2011-02-26

Newcomer season

Looking at the best in the fresh crop of varieties

For most gardeners, there is no off-season. There is only planning out gardens for the next spring. Winter is one of the most exciting times for gardening because that's when we first find out about new varieties. I have the time . . .

Posted: 2011-02-26

CONNIE OLIVER: New tool helps consumers choose colours

Technology moves so quickly these days, it's hard to keep up with the latest innovations. I have to admit I'm falling behind the times; no BlackBerry, no apps, no clue. Thankfully, there's a new kid in town that is easy . . .

Posted: 2011-02-26

Save money by gardening on the cheap

HOW can you save money gardening this year? Well, all it takes is a little thought and ingenuity and you can save a bundle. In Britain last year, a survey of 1, 000 people found that 26 per cent were saving as . . .

Posted: 2011-02-26

A place to reclaim herself

B.C. home-decor maker finds serenity at island home

The North American home-accessory industry's Academy Awards are held in February and are called, by all involved, the ARTS Awards. And two Vancouver companies were award winners: Design Lighting, in the international retailer category, and 18 Karat, in the "decorative accessories" . . .

Posted: 2011-02-26

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Sump pump, backflow valve in older home

QUESTION: With all the dire warnings in the news these days about the prospect of a flood this spring, I have been exploring our options regarding installing a sump pump and back-flow valve. Our house is about 55 years old and . . .

Posted: 2011-02-26

SOLUTIONS: Pour vinegar in tub to help clean out jets

QUESTION: Thank you for all the great tips. Today I have both a tip and two questions. My tip: When cleaning your tub or shower, spray it with cleaner and wipe it down while wearing a pair of dollar-store exfoliating gloves. . . .

Posted: 2011-02-26

The colour purple is hotter than ever

Dear Marc: We are in the process of having our family room remodelled. The contractor has already started taking out a few walls to build a bigger open area. I have been flipping through magazines and watching design shows to try . . .

Posted: 2011-02-26

CMHC projections encouraging for province

Last Tuesday, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation released its housing start projections for Canada and Manitoba for 2011 and 2012. The news was positive from a Canadian perspective and even better for Manitoba. Looking at the national forecast, chief economist . . .

Posted: 2011-02-26