A rare opportunity

Year-old custom-built home in brand-new condition

In the realm of resale homes, it's an opportunity that rarely presents itself: the chance to buy a used home that's in like-new, show home condition. All because the outgoing family at the home in question, 102 McBeth Grove, found the . . .

Posted: 2010-07-03

Vertical gardens have arrived

WE'VE been hearing lots about living, green roofs. Isn't it time for living walls? Well, vertical gardens have arrived: walls filled top to bottom with growing plant material. As well as providing a very cool look, such walls provide way more texture . . .

Posted: 2010-06-26

Retrofit program update

The federal government on April 1 suspended a program which offered people financial incentives to have their homes evaluated for energy efficiency and then perform upgrades to improve the rating. Under the ecoEnergy Retrofit program, homeowners could receive a grant of . . .

Posted: 2010-06-26

Dark colour will ensure rug's lifespan

Dear Marc: My husband and I own a three-bedroom home in the city. I would like to replace my floor coverings this summer as part of a design project. I have a three-year-old son, Sammy, who has lots of energy and . . .

Posted: 2010-06-26

Wire barriers best to stop nibbling rabbits

QUESTION: I have a five-year-old apple tree that's been damaged by rabbits. They have chewed on the bark almost around the trunk. The damage is located close to where the branches start. They could reach this height because the snow . . .

Posted: 2010-06-26

Tips to make your home look bigger

Want to make that small home feel bigger? Try landscape paintings. Landscapes that draw the eye deep into the picture give you a feeling of spaciousness. You can even hang large pieces in a small area. Just remember that blues and . . .

Posted: 2010-06-26

Make a scene...

...and beautify your yard on a tight budget

EDMONTON -- Ah... summer! The days are longer and the air is fragrant with blossoms and lawn clippings. This is a perfect time for new beginnings and first impressions. Whether you have a new home in an area that is lacking . . .

Posted: 2010-06-26

Privacy-providing trellises all the rage

Sky's the limit when designing novel garden structures

EDMONTON -- Give me an arbour, give me the trellis'd grape, poet Walt Whitman once wrote. We heartily agree. The humble trellis and its cousins (the obelisk, the pergola, the arbour, the ol' bean pole) have enjoyed supporting roles in the . . .

Posted: 2010-06-26

Don't forget you're the boss in renovation

I know I've said this before, but it's pretty clear to me I've got to say it again because either you are new to the renovation world or you just aren't listening. You need to take responsibility when you are looking . . .

Posted: 2010-06-26

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Word play can add whimsy to your décor

I have the most cherished memories of my Granny. She was a great lady, full of worldly wisdom, an adventurous spirit and a flair for living life to the fullest. Although she was not fabulously rich, I always thought she . . .

Posted: 2010-06-26