PRAIRIE GARDENER: Languishing lilies; irises that won't bloom

QUESTION: I always read your column on Sundays. Maybe you can help me. I have violet irises all over my front/back yard in various locations -- sun and sun/shade. This year I've got a lot of nice dark green leaves but . . .

Posted: 2009-08-09

MIKE HOLMES: The counter-argument

Quartz vs. granite

The big debate in kitchen renovations these days seems to be granite countertops vs. quartz. I've used both and like both. I like natural products -- like hardwood and granite. But there are some huge advantages to using man-made products -- . . .

Posted: 2009-08-09

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Zonolite in the attic? Better to leave it be

QUESTION: Thanks for the column on the Zonolite class-action suit in January. I had read the facts sheet on the website, but did not get from it that only a small portion of the removal/abatement cost would ultimately be covered. Before . . .

Posted: 2009-08-09

CONNIE OLIVER: Plant some good ideas

Garden centres can provide decorating options

While I'm not a huge gardening nut, I do visit a few garden centres over the summer months. On a recent excursion, I made mental note of all of the interior decorating options that garden centres have to offer. I'm . . .

Posted: 2009-08-09

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Living colour

Paint is the cheapest and most versatile decorating tool around

If you are a collector of stuff, August is high season for the hunt, especially in cottage country. Holidays afford us the time to kick about and take leisurely drives along highways and byways. Make it a family outing, pack . . .

Posted: 2009-08-09

SOLUTIONS: Get that grease off your wooden cabinets

QUESTION: First of all, I would like to tell you that your books are great! Secondly, what would you use to clean grease off of wooden cabinets caused by frying foods in the kitchen? Denise, Winnipeg   ANSWER: There are several options for . . .

Posted: 2009-08-09

Going for a modern kitchen? Think outside the box

QUESTION: We are building a new home and the kitchen cabinets are a toffee-coloured birch. We have decided on black-and-cream-mottled granite for the countertops and a cream-coloured porcelain tile floor. The overall look is modern. I am wondering what type . . .

Posted: 2009-08-09

Tools for going green

A new-home buyer has numerous options and resources when looking for green solutions. There are several labels representing various levels of energy and/or resource efficiency; most notably, the Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Program. However, when it comes to home renovation, green . . .

Posted: 2009-08-09

SOLD / OFFERED 08-09

Old St. Vital Address: 155 Portland Rd. Asking Price: $189, 900 Sold Price: $187, 500 Taxes: $2, 242.60 Square Footage: 849 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Selling Agent: Sandy Lopston, Coldwell Banker National Preferred, 985-4300 Shaughnessy Park Address: 1162 Magnus Avenue Asking Price: $122, 900 Sold Price: $141, 000 Taxes: . . .

Posted: 2009-08-09

On the grow

Two-storey family home in South Pointe even has a bonus room

For many young, growing families, looking to move up from a starter home to more spacious quarters can be a financial stretch. Yet it's a necessary one. Once the child count begins to increase, trying to raise a family of four . . .

Posted: 2009-08-09