By Glenn Curtis – Montreal, QC   Though properties come in all shapes and sizes, most landscape investors today share a common desire for low-maintenance spaces. It’s understandable: you want to spend your time enjoying your backyard paradise, not working on it. Fortunately, effortless beauty is attainable – and it now comes with a variety of options. The thought of a simple, low-maintenance space shouldn’t conjure up visions of a massive stone patio surrounding a concrete-framed pool in a virtually plant-free yard. In fact, that approach will probably get you stuck between a rock and an expensive hard place. Most...

By Richard Beattie – Campbellville, ON   Living in the city means outdoor space is at a premium, but it shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice enjoying the great outdoors altogether. Building a rooftop patio is the perfect way to turn wasted outdoor space into your own personal oasis. Combine creativity and functionality A rooftop space offers a creative way to enjoy the outdoors, but it also has a functional purpose – extending your home’s living space. First, think outside the box and explore design options: Have a dog? Consider planting real grass so that you can let your...

  By Lori Sweezey – Dundas, ON Tattoo – noun – [ta-too]: the act or practice of marking the skin with indelible patterns, pictures, legends, etc., by making punctures in it and inserting pigments. When my 18-year-old son told me he wanted to get a tattoo, I almost lost my mind, despite the fact that I, myself, have several. Had I just become the hypocritical, un-hip Mom? And where was this reaction coming from? I mean, even Otzi the Iceman had a mom…and she let him get one! And that was way back in the day…like 3100BC! Historically, tattoos...

By HGTV STAR Paul Lafrance   I’ve been in the midst of a storm lately. The kind of storm that spits out down- bursts and funnel clouds like a little kid trying dad’s chewing tobacco, that makes you thank God you’re not in a boat; or makes you beg for mercy if you are. I’m sure everyone can relate to these kinds of storms. We all know what it feels like to be so blasted by the winds and rains of life, to lose focus, to lose direction, and to lose ourselves. There are countless stories of how powerful...

By Scott Bryk – Mississauga, ON   Someone once asked, “When is a tree more than just a tree?” I believe the answer is “when the tree is part of a memorial to honour Canada’s fallen heroes.” The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute Campaign aims to plant 117,000 trees along and near Highway 401; one for every one of Canada’s war dead. This living, breathing memorial offers an opportunity to tell the story of Canadian Veterans. It will remind those who travel along the highway of the great debt we owe these courageous servicemen and women. When a member...