Exquisite elegance

Crescentwood home unique experience

Timeless elegance is the only way to describe the grand house located at 6 Ruskin Row. This turn-of-the-century estate, located across from Enderton (Peanut) Park in the heart of Crescentwood, is a rare treasure in a modern world. Started in 1908 . . .

Posted: 2009-07-26

Shining new stars

Put sturdy succulents in garden

If you only think hens-and-chicks or that old floppy favourite Sedum 'Autumn Joy' when you think succulents, it's time for another look. These chubby-leaved plants, like echeverias, are suddenly becoming available in a stunning array of shapes and colours. And if . . .

Posted: 2009-07-19

Are you involved in a thermo-spat? Here's how to chill out

"Don't open that window! I'm cold." "If you're cold, put on a sweater. It's warm and stuffy in here. I need some air." Sound familiar? Nearly half of all Canadians report domestic discontent over the temperatures in their homes, according to a recent . . .

Posted: 2009-07-19

Kitchen renovation -- without breaking the bank Money-saving options in new guide

Advice from a leading expert on keeping the costs down in that critical room

Talk to any real estate agent, builder or designer, and they'll tell you one of the best rooms to upgrade if you are going to inject new life -- and more value -- into your home, is the kitchen. The hub . . .

Posted: 2009-07-19

The challenge of small gardens

Postage-stamp-sized plot can be as tough as a big one

Be careful what you wish for. Years ago when I lived in Vancouver, I had a lot measuring 33 feet by 120 feet. It felt like a postage stamp. In less than a year, I ran out of space to garden . . .

Posted: 2009-07-19

DEBBIE TRAVIS: You can make a clean break

Dear Debbie: With three busy kids and a sports active husband, our laundry basket is always full. I'd like to organize the wash so that it's not a constant hassle, and even thought of moving the washer/dryer upstairs. Have you . . .

Posted: 2009-07-19

CONNIE OLIVER: Painting just got easier

You no longer have to prime the surface

Every year the home décor and repair industry comes out with a bevy of new and improved products to help with our various projects. I'm all for making things easier and was pleased to hear about a new paint . . .

Posted: 2009-07-19

MIKE HOLMES: Buyer beware of toxic drywall

Only fix is to replace it

You might have heard recently about toxic drywall that was distributed in North America and used in thousands of homes. This drywall was made in China, and it emits toxic hydrogen sulphide and sulphur dioxide and other gases. Humidity in the . . .

Posted: 2009-07-19

Mancana ash trees -- and owners -- stressed

Every now and then a tree problem suddenly emerges. When that happens many property owners deluge me with calls and e-mails. The tree in question is Mancana ash -- a variety of Manchurian ash. This is the third year that . . .

Posted: 2009-07-19

SOLUTIONS: Very bad hair day: Can't wash out tree pitch

QUESTION: I hope you can help me with a sticky problem. My hair got dripped on by a big old fir tree and now it is standing straight up at the back. The pitch just won't wash out with shampoo. . . .

Posted: 2009-07-19