PRAIRIE GARDENER: Peonies -- and other perennial problems

It's prime time for peonies, a perennial favourite in the prairie garden. So, it's only natural I would receive a couple of letters with questions about problems that have cropped up. The last letter's subject is one that arises with . . .

Posted: 2009-07-12

Simple ways to kill your new sapling

A don't-do list for budding tree-huggers

I'm constantly amazed by the resilience of trees, even in the face of intentional mutilation and poor care. But if you want to put a quick end to that small tree you just bought, here are some ways to turn . . .

Posted: 2009-07-12

Balcony gardening

The lawnless can easily turn patios into lush escapes

No yard? No problem. Just because you live high in the sky doesn't mean your green thumb has to go brown. While balcony gardening comes with its own unique challenges, the lawnless can easily turn patios into lush escapes with just a . . .

Posted: 2009-07-12

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Colour match a problem with concrete patch

QUESTION: I have a problem with the front steps of my house, which are 10 years old and are made of poured concrete. The steps are in excellent condition, except for a few scalded and pockmarked areas caused by the . . .

Posted: 2009-07-12

MIKE HOLMES: Get a property survey before you build

Don't risk fines or lawsuits

Most homeowners never think about a property survey. They might have one somewhere that came with the house when they bought it. But odds are they don't know where it is, or whether it's even accurate. But you need to fix . . .

Posted: 2009-07-12

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Surprises bring house to life

Unusual designs in furnishings and decor catch the eye

I have always believed that decoration is at its most brilliant when an element of surprise is included in the design. As subtle as an ancient artifact tucked quietly into a contemporary layout or as eye-catching as a wild colour flash . . .

Posted: 2009-07-12

CONNIE OLIVER: Several simple ways to brighten a room

Simple ways to brighten a room

There are times when a room just needs a little pick-me-up and not a complete overhaul. Brightening up a dim space might be all that is needed. Easy weekend projects are the most fun and can provide significant change for . . .

Posted: 2009-07-12

SOLUTIONS: Washing soda great for stained pots

QUESTION: How can I clean stainless steel pots that have boiled dry? I managed to remove some stains with baking soda and S.O.S pads. Dawn, Portage La Prairie ANSWER: Baking soda will do a good job but washing soda is stronger and . . .

Posted: 2009-07-12

SOLD / OFFERED 07-12

North Kildonan Address: 125 Rowandale Crescent Asking Price: $319, 900 Sold Price: $340, 000 Taxes: $4, 316.31 Square Footage: 1, 460 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Lot Size: 173' frontage, pie-shaped lot Listing Agent: Glenn Chestley, Royal LePage Prime Real Estate, 989-7900 West End Address: 849 Lipton Asking Price: . . .

Posted: 2009-07-12

'It's going to be a real beehive'

New home construction heating up at Waverley West

If you drove by Waverley West's newest housing development six months ago, there was little evidence of its existence, save a large expanse of rough landscaping. Drive by today, and you'll see a host of homes going up in the vicinity . . .

Posted: 2009-07-12