– by Colin Eaton – I have seen quite the variety of retaining walls throughout the Greater Victoria area: some good, some very bad. What is a retaining wall? Retaining walls are usually created when there is a desire to manage or hold back soils or other hardscape materials. A retaining wall can be anywhere […]
West Coast Gardener: Let’s Talk Retaining Walls Read More »
– by Deborah Rogers – This is part of a rotating series of articles on members of Sidney Meet Up Women’s Networking Group, featuring women in business on the Saanich Peninsula. Looking Pacific Ridge Landscapes up on Facebook, or through their beautiful website, is highly recommended. There is a strong design aesthetic that runs through
Katie Kroeker: Inspired Design Read More »
Story by Barry Mathias. Photography by www.nuttycake.com The changes that some people make to their house are often based on the accepted norms of modern fashion, the influences of architects and interior design experts, or the pressures of inherited family heirlooms. This house has an individuality that stems from the philosophy and passions of the
Reflecting a Lifestyle Read More »
– by Dave Friend, aka “Mr. Organic” – Why do I do what I do? On food-growing Vancouver Island we have become dependent on imported food, to such an extent that at any given time we now have only 72 hours of food supply! Consequently, we now need more people growing more food in their
West Coast Gardener: Growing Young Farmers Read More »
– by Carell-Ayne Whalen – Did you know that Noah Webster (creator of America’s first dictionary) was a man driven by his obsession and compulsions? Clutter was one of them. Stay with me, as I share a few more. Aspirational Clutter. This is where plenty of unnecessary purchases make me feel better.All those beautiful books
On Design: Love It or Lose it, But Laugh Through It! Read More »
The latest trends, processes and materials you need to know about and how to make your home an energy and money saving machine. Interior Ideas Cabinets – To “go green” when renovating or creating a new kitchen, cabinets can be manufactured with panel material made from recycled Canadian wheat stalks. Coatings that are free of Hazardous Air
Seaside Homes: The Green Plan Read More »
– with special thanks to Trendspotter Susi McMillan and photographer www.nuttycake.com – “Ecotopia” on the Peninsula Your local authorized Soap Exchange Refill Centre. Skip producing bottle garbage and enjoy this eco-friendly soap collection for your body and home cleaning. Ecotopia Naturals also carries luxurious and comfortable eco-clothing, accessories, jewelry, body care and more! (Soap
Trendspotting: Green Your Life Read More »
– by Michael and Lisa Dunsmuir, Step One Design – It’s actually amazing how far we have come here in Canada, as a whole, to make efforts towards lessening the impact we, and subsequently our homes, have on the environment. For instance – Built Green (www.builtgreencanada.ca) principles are more and more prevalent within the
On Design: The Emerald City is Just Within Our Reach Read More »
– by Colin Eaton, Garden City Tree and Landscape Ltd. – Contrary to the saying “everything in moderation,” you can never have enough top dressing of mulch. Mulch is more beneficial the more you use. A good mulching job will have the following benefits: • hinders weed germination and growth; • holds in soil moisture, which
West Coast Gardener: Why Mulch is So Right Read More »
– by Gillian Crowley – After talking with Solara Goldwynn of Hatchet and Seed Edible Landscaping, I’m going to take a critical second look at my modest vegetable garden and large swath of lawn. Solara and her partner, Tayler Krawczyk, are strong proponents of permaculture, a design method that integrates patterns and strategies found in
