Winter officially arrives on Dec. 21, but the cold air and bursts of snow already have us thinking about the season ahead. If you want to stay warm, comfy and safe in your home this winter, here are some essential tasks to complete now, like the adulting specialist you are.

Check Your Heating System

Now is a good time to check your furnace to ensure it works properly. Set your thermostat a couple of degrees above room temperature and ensure the heat is kicking in. Change the filter, make sure the vents are free and clear, and if necessary, consider a professional inspection just to be on the safe side.

Seal Windows and Doors

No one wants a draft coming through their home when the temperature drops. Check the seals around doors and windows to ensure everything is nice and tight. If there are leaks, you can use an insulator kit to seal them or add caulk to crevices where heat may escape.

Set Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans do more than cool you down in the summer; they also help to circulate heat in the winter. To do that, make sure you set your fans’ blades clockwise. Doing so creates an updraft and puts less pressure on your furnace as you heat the house.

Related: 5 Eco-Friendly Upgrades to Ensure Clean Air at Home

Test All Alarms

It’s a good idea to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly, but with winter coming up, add this task to your list. Put in fresh batteries, make sure the sounds are loud enough, and go over escape plans with the family so that everyone is on the same page.

Clean Out Your Vents

Clean out air ducts every three to five years to reduce allergens, improve the overall air quality of your home, and prevent fire hazards. Doing so can also help with potential pest or rodent problems, conserve energy, and keep your home smelling fresh. If you’re unsure how clean your vents are, pull back a cover and look inside. If there’s dirt and debris, it may be time to call in a professional.

Clear Gutters of Debris

As snow melts, water can easily pool in your gutters and cause damage. Before the next solid freeze happens, remove leaves and other debris from your gutters to keep water free and flowing over the next several months.

Check Attic Insulation

If your attic doesn’t have proper insulation or airflow, it can lead to a slew of problems, like mold, higher bills and more energy consumption. To check yours, see if you can spot the floor joists. If you can, you’ll probably need more insulation. If your attic is drafty, moist or contains ice dams, those are additional signs to call in some pros.

Drain Your Hoses

It may seem like a small task, but draining hoses before the weather freezes over is an important winter home maintenance task. If trapped water freezes, it can expand, leading your hose to burst. Worse, hoses still connected to faucets can burst and potentially damage faucets and pipes.

Check Your Sump Pump

If your home has a sump pump, check the pit for any debris or dirt that may have accumulated over the past year. It’s also important to check the discharge hose for any blockages. Ensure the pit is topped up with water, that the discharge hose is aimed away from your foundation, and consider adding a battery backup in case the power goes out. Never put antifreeze in your sump pump, but if you’re concerned about freezing, get a professional to install insulation around the line and intake sections.

Related: How to Get Rid of That Musty Smell in Your Basement

Sweep Your Chimney

If you have a chimney, you should clean it yearly. (And more often if you use your fireplace regularly.) Otherwise, soot and creosote can accumulate and cause health risks and fire hazards. It’s also a good idea to install a chimney cap to prevent dirt and animals from entering over the winter, and ensure you’ve got a stainless steel liner.

If you’re looking for a low maintenance solution for your garden this year, now is the time to jump on the lasagna garden bandwagon.

And no, the name doesn’t suggest that you will be growing all the ingredients to make the perfect pasta dinner. Lasagna gardening — also known as sheet composting — is an organic gardening method in which you prepare a raised bed of nutrient-dense soil from composed organic matter.

Read on to learn the benefits of employing this gardening method this fall. 

1. It Doesn’t Require Much Prep

A lasagna garden is even less fuss than the dinner recipe. You can get yours started with just an afternoon of labour. First, scout out a good spot. You want the plot to be in an area that gets good sunlight — at least six to eight hours a day, depending on what you’ll be growing — and is at least smelling distance away from your deck or windows (don’t forget, with great composting comes not-so-great smells!). Once you have the area plotted, define your boundaries with rocks or timber and then get layering.

2. It’s Less Labour-Intensive and Doesn’t Require Weeding

Perhaps the most appealing feature of a lasagna garden is the fact that it doesn’t require hours of exhausting digging. This raised garden method requires some prep work to get started, but it’s not nearly as taxing as other traditional gardening methods. No tilling or turning the soil is required here, just removing rocks or debris from your gardening plot. 

It’s not necessary to weed or turn over the soil since the layers of compost will smother down anything at the surface. At most, stomp down weeds rather than pulling them.

Related: 10 Most Invasive Plants in Canada to Remove From Your Garden

3. It Makes Use of Kitchen Scraps and Organic Waste

If you have a yard, you probably already have all the materials that you need for your lasagna gardening journey. The garden starts with a layer of newspaper or cardboard and then alternates between brown and green compost layers. The brown layers should be made of yard waste like shredded leaves, pine needles, and shredded newspaper, while the green layers use kitchen waste from your organic bin and grass and leave clippings. Not only do you not need to buy anything to create this compost plot, but it’s putting your scraps to work. 

4. It’s Low-Cost

While growing produce yourself is incredibly satisfying, it’s not always cost-effective during the first year or two as you invest in the materials you need for a thriving garden. The beauty of lasagna gardening is that it makes use of materials you already have. That means there’s less need to buy fertilizer and plant foods to help the growth of your garden. The nutrients are already right there, in your freshly composted soil. And if you were interested in composting already, it’s a way to get started without investing in materials — like a compost bin. 

Read More: Here’s How to Plan the Best Layout for a Vegetable Garden

5. It Needs Less Watering

Lasagna gardening is pretty much a set it and forget it task. Set it up in the fall, an ideal time because the rain and snow through the colder months will keep it good and moist, which helps the composting process. And in a few months, by spring, you should be set to plant. It won’t require much maintenance or water throughout that time. To decompose the organic matter, you’ll want a moist — but not overly wet so as to create rot — plot. 

Are you ready to start your own garden yourself and make use of that organic matter you already have? Get started with your lasagna garden today. If you already have your soil prepped and are ready to plant, why not check out some of the best fall vegetables to plant before winter hits?

The lawn is getting longer, those weeds need pulling and you have already made a few trips to the garden centre in anticipation of the raised garden bed you’re building this weekend. Summer is right around the corner, and now is the perfect time to take stock of your power tools and garden gadgets. After all, if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing right — and with the right tools. In partnership with Home Hardware, we’ve compiled a list of everything you need to keep your property and projects in check this summer.

What Is a Power Tool and Why Are They Handy?

Power tools are what their title implies: powered by a power source, such as electricity, gas or battery. They can also be powered by compressed air. Power tools are great for completing a job faster since they reduce manual labour and increase efficiency. They are also handy for heavy-duty or specialized jobs and can help avoid injuries that could occur when attempting a tough or dangerous job by hand.

Related: These Are the Biggest Hazards to Watch Out for When Using Tools at Home

What Are Some Examples of Power Tools?

Common power tools include saws (circular, jig, miter), power drills, drivers, angle grinders and electric sanders. Meanwhile, power lawnmowers, blowers, and trimmers are also essential outdoor power tools.

What Is the Best Make of Power Tools?

There are many brands of power tools on the market, so it’s essential to do your research. If you’re low on storage space, invest in power tools that can complete various indoor and outdoor tasks. You may also want to consider tools that work together or use a universal battery or power source.

You also don’t need to buy the most expensive power tools to get the job done. Reliable and budget-friendly options, like Benchmark power tools, offer solid performance and durability.

Related: 4 Fool-Proof Tips to Help You Stop Putting Off That DIY Project

What Are Some Essential Power Tools?

There are many power tools to choose from, but beginner to intermediate home users should consider these four Benchmark power tools to start. Available at Home Hardware, they all work with the universal 20V Omega Battery System. The system, which powers all compatible Benchmark and power tools, features zero memory loss and a slower loss of battery charge when not in use. Having an integrated battery system allows you to move seamlessly from one project and tool to the next. Take a look as Kenny Brain expertly builds a versatile garden box using Benchmark’s power tools, made even easier with one of their universal batteries.

Benchmark Cordless Drill Driver

You can use power drills to quickly create holes in a variety of surfaces, while drivers are great for fastening screws and bolts and are less likely to strip your fastener. This drill-driver combo does both tasks with one cordless machine. Plus, it’s lightweight and has an LED spotlight to get a clear view of your project.

You can use it to hang shelves or curtains, replace cabinet hardware or drawer slides or complete small at-home projects. Some social media users have also used an auger bit on their power tool to drill holes into compact dirt to quickly plant flower bulbs.

Benchmark 20V Max 1/2” Cordless Drill Driver Kit, Home Hardware, $135.

Benchmark Circular Saw

Circular saws quickly cut materials like wood, plastic and metal, completing projects faster. This saw is usually best for woodworking, though. You can use it to build shelves, fences, frames or put together outdoor planters.

This circular saw is lightweight and easy to use, with aluminum upper and lower guards for safety. The footplate is adjustable, and it includes a sightline blower so you can make more precise cuts. There’s also a removable dust chute to minimize mess.

Benchmark 20V Max 7-1/4” Circular Saw, Home Hardware, $100.

Benchmark Max Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Reciprocating saws are often used for demolition and renovation projects. They’re advantageous because they’re portable and lightweight. You can use them for various tasks, like cutting nails and frames, plumbing etc, creating notches or even trimming branches outside.

They can also cut through a wide range of materials, from metal to plastic. This heavy-duty reciprocating saw has variable speeds for maximum control and ergonomic grips to minimize user fatigue.

Benchmark 20V Max Cordless Reciprocating Saw, Home Hardware, $55.

Benchmark Cordless Brad Nail & Staple Gun

If you have a project that requires a lot of nails or staples, this power tool is quite helpful. Use it for trim (baseboards, window casings and crown molding), building shelves and cabinetry, assembling planter boxes or even securing upholstery.

Brad models shoot smaller nails and staples required for delicate and lightweight projects, making them a home handy person’s best friend. Benchmark’s model can drive up to 2” nails or staples from its narrow body, which allows you to easily position it, even in tight corners. There’s also a safety mechanism to prevent accidental firing and an LED work light to maximize visibility.

Benchmark 20V Cordless Brad Nail & Staple Gun – 18 Gauge, Home Hardware, $280.

 What Are Some Essential Power Garden Tools?

Keep your yard trim and tidy all summer long by working smarter, not harder with these essential Benchmark power tools from Home Hardware Canada. They each work with the universal 20V Omega Battery System, helping you jump from task to task with ease. Watch the video above as Kenny Brain makes yard maintenance look like a walk in the park thanks to a variety of Benchmark garden power tools.

Benchmark Cordless Lawn Mower

This powerful lawn mower features a 1,000W brushless motor and a two-in-one design that allows mulching or rear-bagging options. It comes with six cut-height adjustments for the perfect cut, foam handles for maximum comfort and a safety bail and overload protection to ensure overall safety. It can collect up to 50 litres of grass at a time, and charges in just over two hours.

Benchmark 19.3” Cordless Lawn Mower – 40V Max, Home Hardware, $350.

Benchmark Cordless Lawn Trimmer

This fast-loading, dual-line spool trimmer knocks down overgrown grass and awkward corners in a flash. With its 15” swath and powerful brushless motor, you can tackle broad sections at a time without overexerting your arms. It has a retractable guard to protect those flowerbeds and two speeds for custom work.

Benchmark 15” Cordless Lawn Trimmer – 40V, Home Hardware, $250.

Benchmark Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Embrace the art of hedge and bush maintenance with this powerful hedge trimmer. Its brushless motor and dual-action, 22” blade cut through thick foliage. You can also use it to cut down dry weeds and overgrowth, prune perennials and eliminate tiny branches. The tool features a full, wrap-around handle with a safety switch on three sides and upgraded bearings for longer life.

Benchmark 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer – 20V Max, Home Hardware, $180.

Now that grilling season is fast approaching, your barbecue will likely need some serious cleaning TLC.  We break down exactly what you need to do – and how long it will take to clean BBQ grill grates, the inside of a gas grill, the grill top and how to clean a BBQ after a grease fire.

Published on June 30, 2018, Updated May 17, 2024.

Related: Top 10 Plants That Bloom All Year

Step 1: Dial In

Safety is always a top priority. If you have a propane barbecue, confirm all the dials are firmly off and disconnect the tank before doing anything else. If the tank is empty, fill it up on your next hardware store run, so when the BBQ is clean, you’re ready to grill. 

Time count: 1 minute

Step 2: Grate Minds

Pop on a pair of work gloves to protect against metal splinters and gobs of old grease. Remove the grill, grates, grease pan and other removable metal pieces. Fill up a large garden bucket with a squirt of regular dish soap and hot water and let the parts sit in the suds for 10 minutes.

Time count: 1 minute

Step 3: Brush Strokes

Place a piece of aluminum foil over the BBQ’s heating elements to protect them from falling debris. Grab a nearby metal-bristled grill brush and go to town scrubbing under the hood, sides and any other area that’s been in the draft path of that greasy cooking smoke. If you come across areas that look like peeling paint, carbon build-up will likely brush off with a bit of elbow grease.

Time count: 5 minutes

Step 4: Wipe Down

For the most satisfying part of the cleaning process, take a couple of damp towels and wipe down the walls and hood, picking up and whisking away any carbon build-up, ash and rust that’s fallen down while scrubbing.

Time count: 2 minutes

Step 5: More Brush Strokes

Remove the grates and grill from the hot soapy water and find a clean, sturdy wall to lean them up against. Use the grill brush to scrape away any now-loosened debris and hardened grease. The filth should be easy to get off at this point since the soaking step is designed to loosen and lighten the greasy barbecue build-up.

Time count: 3 minutes

Related: 10 Things You Should Never Clean With Water

Step 6: Hose Control

Next, pull out a garden hose. Spray down the metal pieces and rinse away all the soap. Use a towel to soak up any remaining water to prevent future rusting.

Time count: 3 minutes

Step 7: Clean Sweep

If your barbecue has a stand or casing, get a hard-bristled broom to sweep out any debris, dirt or leaves that have been hiding. Give the exterior a good wipe down as well. You don’t want particles floating up and landing on your steak mid-flip. Plus, it’ll look better when it’s free from mud and old mustard spills.

Time count: 3 minutes

Step 8: Reuse, Recycle

Remove the protective aluminum foil and shake the debris in the garbage – if it’s not too damaged, be sure you place the foil in the recycling bin. Replace the now-sparkling metal plates, grills, grates and drip pan, and reconnect the propane tank.

And voila! You’re ready to get grilling.

Time count: 2 minutes

Planting a vegetable garden is one of the most rewarding — and delicious — hobbies you can take on. However, haphazardly throwing seeds in the soil probably won’t produce the bountiful backyard vegetable garden of your dreams. For productive results, your best bet is to carefully plot out your vegetable garden layout.

Whether you’re a home gardener looking to boost your veggie harvest or a green-thumb newbie wondering how to start a vegetable garden for the very first time, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our tips for planning an efficient vegetable garden layout — so you can enjoy fresh veggies all season long.

Related: How to Build a Cocktail Garden (Our Favourite Late Summer Trend)

What Are the Benefits of a Vegetable Garden Layout?

Before we get to our tips for how to create a vegetable garden layout, you may be wondering why you should take the time to make one.

While it may take some extra effort and a bit of trial and error, an efficient layout at the start goes a long way towards making it easier to maintain your garden throughout the year. When plants are arranged in a logical way that makes it easier to weed, water and harvest them, you’re more likely to stay on top of your garden.

And, if you’re rotating your crops for an ongoing harvest (for example, if you plan to swap out spring veggies for a fall or winter vegetable garden), a structured layout can be a big help.

A good layout can also make it much easier to successfully implement a companion gardening plan to help make your veggie plants thrive (and help keep pests to a minimum).

Step 1: Consider the Space You’re Working With

The first step to an effective garden layout is to assess the space and conditions that you have for your garden. Think about questions like:

What type of garden space will you use? Are you planning to plant in a raised garden bed or do you have space for a big backyard vegetable garden with in-ground rows? Or, will you be getting creative with container gardening?

How big of a garden do you want to plant? As Scott McGillivray notes with his gardening tips here, “When it comes to vegetable gardens, bigger is not always better.” So, even if you have a large garden space, that doesn’t mean you have to use it all for your veggie garden. Decide what size of garden works for you and your space before you plan your layout.

What are the growing conditions? If it’s your first time planting a veggie garden in a particular spot, take some time to consider your local climate and temperatures, potential pests and how much sun or shade your garden will get.

Where will your garden be? Think about how close your garden is to your living space. Is there an easy water source nearby? How often will you see the garden in your day-to-day life? If you walk by it often, you’ll be more likely to keep up maintenance than if it’s hidden in a corner, for example.

What are the soil conditions? Consider the drainage and depth of soil for where you’ll be planting.

Related: Vegetable Garden Planners to Help You Grow All Year Round

Step 2: Do Some Pre-Planning

Once you’ve decided where your garden will be, it’s time to think about what you want to plant and when.

A good way to start is to make a list of all the veggies and herbs that you and the people around you like to eat. After all, there’s no point in growing rows of spinach if no one in your household will eat it.

If your garden area is compact, you might also want to consider including some vertical-grow or vining vegetables in your plan (think: cucumbers or tomatoes) to help maximize the space.

When you have a list of vegetables you’d like to plant, you’ll want to note when each veggie would need to be planted. This will vary depending on where you live, so it’s a good idea to find a planting calendar for your location. The Almanac, for example, has an online tool that lets you search by postal code to find the ideal times to plant veggies in the spring and fall.

Step 3: Draw it Out

Now that you’ve collected all the information you need, it’s time to design your garden so that you can create an efficient layout.

There are many strategies you can try — whether you prefer to draw your garden by hand (freehand, graph paper or on a printable vegetable garden planner template) or use a garden layout app.

Whichever tool you use, you’ll want to arrange your plants in a logical way for maximum efficiency, considering factors like:

Plant arrangement
Depending on your garden space, you can lay out your vegetable plants in a variety of ways, such as in blocks, rows or using a square-foot gardening style.

Generally, you’ll want to arrange plants by height, so that the tallest plants are furthest away. This is key to your plan’s efficiency, as it allows for the easiest access to all of your veggies when it comes time to weed, water or harvest them. Planting small plants in front of taller ones can also help ensure that each gets its share of sunlight (be sure to consider which direction the sun is coming from while planning).

For a garden bed with access from one side, plan to plant taller vegetables at the back of each garden bed, shorter vegetables in the middle and the smallest plants at the front.

Related: The Easiest Vegetables to Grow in Each Canadian Province

Similarly, for a garden bed with access from all sides, plan to plant your taller vegetables in the middle, surrounded by shorter veggies and with the smallest plants at the front or edges of the garden space.

Remember to include proper space between plants in your plan. The ideal spacing for plants will vary by veggie, but you can look for guides online (like this guide from Gardening Know How).

If you have multiple garden beds in your garden, you’ll want to plan your layout to include space for you and your tools (like a wheelbarrow) to move freely between them.

Plant pairings
In addition to considering factors like sunlight and ease of access, you’ll also want to think about which plants work best when planted in close proximity.

Companion planting, which is the practice of strategically growing certain plants close together to help them thrive, can offer benefits like pest control, improved soil quality and even better-tasting veggies. If you’re planting spinach and onions, for instance, you may want to plan to place them close together in your garden as a strategy. Why? Onion bulbs can help to repel pests and the two crops work well together, spatially, as onions grow vertically and spinach grows horizontally.

You may also want to consider planning to include some pollinator-friendly plants in your garden layout.

Related: Beautiful Native Canadian Plants to Grow by Province

As the cold weather moves in, the temperature isn’t the only thing that’s dropping.

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national home sales dropped 1.9 per cent between August and September, making it three straight months that home sales were down in Canada. Meanwhile, the number of properties being listed continues to rise.

Looking ahead, the association predicts average home prices will continue to dip for the rest of the year and into 2024.

The translation? Buyers may have an advantage heading into the winter season.

Related: This Is How Long It Takes to Buy a House in Canada: Study

“Recently, the real estate market has transitioned to a buyers’ market, providing homebuyers with more leverage and negotiating opportunities when it comes to purchasing real estate,” says Lindsay Lemierzewicz, a realtor with iPro Realty.

“This shift in market dynamics, combined with the approaching winter season, will certainly give buyers the advantage during the colder months ahead.”

Related: This is What $1 Million Gets You in Major Cities Across Canada

Thinking of purchasing a home this winter? Here are five advantages you may find:

Motivated Sellers

Traditionally, the real estate market is busiest in the spring, and many sellers have waited until the nicer Canadian months to list their properties. That doesn’t mean sellers are always more motivated if they list during the winter season, however. There are many reasons why a seller may choose to list their home. It could be for personal reasons, a lifestyle change or because of future needs.

Related: 10 Incredibly Cheap Homes for Sale in the East Coast

However, in 2023, inventory trends indicate sellers may be more motivated since there are more listings than buyers. Sellers who understand that current competition, along with the hassle of keeping a home clean for showings during snowy winter months, are likelier to wait to list if they can. That means those who do forge ahead this winter may want to unload their properties quickly.

Less Competition

Just as current trends tell us homeowners may be more motivated to sell in the months ahead, they also indicate that fewer buyers are looking for their next home right now. That means that this winter, you’re less likely to enter a blistery bidding war with other buyers.

Related: These Are the Best Canadian Cities to Raise Kids in 2023

As a result, sellers are likelier to accept reasonable offers sooner, signing on that dotted line rather than waiting to see if another offer comes through if they wait it out.

Faster Closings

Since the winter real estate market is typically slower than it is during other seasons, professionals associated with real estate purchases are also likelier to be slower than usual. That means realtors, mortgage brokers, lenders and lawyers may be able to help you find your dream home and complete a closing even faster than they would throughout the rest of the year.

You Can See the Home in Winter Action

If you’re buying a home in the winter, it’s true that you won’t be able to see and appreciate the full landscaping of a home. However, you can see how that home works in the cold weather. Winter is a good time to see how well a home is insulated, whether there is ice or snow buildup to factor in, how drafty the windows or doors are and how well heat distributes throughout the property.

Related: Buying an Older Home? Watch Out for These Red Flags

If you’re looking at buying a home with maintenance fees, the winter is also an excellent time to see how well the associated services, like snow removal, work.

Hiring Movers May Be Easier

Not many people want to move their belongings during the cold Canadian months, but there is another advantage to buying a home in the winter: moving companies are also slower during this time of year. That means it may be easier to secure services than it would be in the spring. Often, more staff are available and companies may offer discounted rates or be more willing to negotiate to drum up your business.

You Might Also Like: The Average House Prices Across 10 Canadian Cities Right Now

For more housing news and to see what’s trending, check out our Real Estate section.

The cocktail garden is one of the hottest new trends among mixologists and gardeners alike, and it’s easy to see why! Planting a cocktail garden simply means planting veggies, fruit and herbs you’d use to make your favourite cocktails and mocktails. This practical, easy approach to gardening is a great way to make sure you have lovely, fresh ingredients on hand for all of your mixology adventures.

Related: This Beyonce-Inspired “Pure/Honey” Cocktail is the Perfect Renaissance Sip

How to Create a Cocktail Garden

When it comes to creating a cocktail garden (or any garden, for that matter), the best approach is a kind of reverse engineering. Think about what kinds of drinks you enjoy, and then plant the fruits, veggies and herbs featured in those sips. Love herbaceous, bitter bevvies? Mint, rosemary and thyme are your best friends. Big fan of sweet, refreshing drinks? Berries and melons are a must.

The bottom line is, if you’re growing a garden with the express purpose of using it to make delicious drinks, plant the things you find delicious!

That said, another important factor is space. Cocktail gardens can be any size, but whether you have a vast backyard or a cozy balcony will determine what you can plant – it would be pretty hard to grow watermelons in a pot on a windowsill.

Cocktail Garden Plant Ideas

Rosemary

Rosemary is a great addition to a variety of cocktails and mocktails. Keep it simple by adding a sprig of this fragrant herb to a classic gin and tonic, or go all in with a more complex cocktail like a rosemary gimlet.

Basil

Basil isn’t just for sauces and salads – it also makes for a refreshing addition to cocktails! For a creative twist on a classic, substitute basil for the mint in your favourite mojito recipe. When it comes to keeping your basil in good shape, prune the leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

Thyme

Thyme may not be the first herb you think of when it comes to cocktails, but a thyme Aperol spritz is a fresh twist on an old fave. There are many varieties of thyme, and your best bet is to smell them and choose the one that appeals to you most.

Related: This Is Why Your Herbs Keep Dying (And 5 Tips to Bring Them Back!)

Mint

You and a cocktail garden are mint to be! Having plenty of mint on hand means you can always whip up a classic mojito, or bring the taste of summer into fall and winter with a tasty cranberry mojito. Mint is notorious for spreading like a weed, so try planting it in a container so it doesn’t take over your garden.

Jalapeños

Jalapeños are another versatile cocktail garden option. Spice up Taco Tuesdays with a jalapeño margarita, customizing the spice level by removing some or all of the seeds. If you also grow watermelons, you’ll have all the fixings for a spicy watermelon margarita.

Berries

For fresh and fruity cocktails, raspberries and strawberries are a great staple to have on hand. Raspberries are one of the many berries that grow wild across Canada, and along with strawberries, will come back year after year. Try a delicious strawberry daiquiri, or add a raspberry twist to your favourite cocktails by making a raspberry simple syrup.

Ginger

Finally, give growing ginger a try, and then use it to make your own gingerale or ginger beer – perfect for Moscow mules or ginger beer peach floats.

As we eagerly await the arrival of summer, there’s no better way to enjoy these warmer evenings than with an outdoor movie night with your loved ones. Whether you have a backyard, terrace, or small balcony, you can easily transform it into a cozy outdoor theatre with little effort.

So break out the blankets, pillows and popcorn and set up your own starlit cinema by following these simple steps.

Materials Required: 

• Projector 
• Projector screen (a soft hanging screen is shown here, but one with a stand works too)  
• Extension cord (if required) 
• Hooks 
• Double-sided stickies 
• Comfortable seating (such as loungers and chairs)
• Lounging cushions 
• Outdoor rug 
• Cozy blankets 
• Snacks and beverages 
• Added bonus: string lights for extra ambiance

Step 1: Find a Premium Location

Determine the best spot to set up your theatre. If you’re using a soft projector screen that requires hanging, then a flat surface (such as a fence that is free of debris) would be ideal. If you’re using a free-standing projector screen, make sure the ground is level.  

Step 2: Set Up Your Screen

Since I chose to secure my soft screen onto my fence, I gathered a few hooks and heavy-duty double-sided stickies to get the job done. Make sure the fence isn’t wet or covered in dirt. The hooks don’t stay on great on wet wood (you wouldn’t want your movie to be interrupted halfway through!). I recommend securing the top midpoint of the screen first, then fastening on the two top corners, before finally securing the bottom portion. 

Step 3: Arrange Your Seating Area 

Place comfortable seating in cozy theatre style. I used a couple of loungers, but those can easily be swapped out for foldable chairs, chaise loungers or even floor seating. 

Step 4: Set Up the Projector 

Find a small table with an optimal height to rest the projector on. Be sure to have access to an electrical outlet, and if need be, have an extension cord handy. Follow the manual to set up the projector to ensure optimal, movie-worthy results. 

Step 5: Create Extra Comfort 

Maximize the cozy factor for you and your movie-night guests with extra decor elements like an outdoor rug, comfy blankets and fluffy cushions. 

Step 6: Serve Treats and Beverages 

It’s not a movie night without snacks! Treat guests or family members to popcorn, their favourite candies and chilled beverages.

Step 7: Press Play, Sit Back and Enjoy! 

And there you have it: a low-effort way to maximize your outdoor time this summer with a fun movie night right in your own backyard.

When you think of French-inspired design, Ontario isn’t exactly the first place the comes to mind. That is, until the mother-son duo of The HighAcre came onto the scene. Opening its gorgeous French doors in early 2023, this boutique hotel has taken social media by storm with its stunning decor and lavish amenities. Inspired by the timeless beauty of Parisian homes, The HighAcre offers a one-of-a-kind wellness retreat for locals and travellers alike.

During my stay, I met with the owner, Brett, who walked me through the rustic interiors and shared the history of this ‘home away from home.’ For many guests who stay at The HighAcre, ‘home’ is how they would describe this luxurious haven. It has all the attributes of a cozy abode — and then some. What makes this place truly special, however, is the love, passion and vigor infused into every inch of this hidden gem. If we’ve peaked your curiosity thus far, stay a while and let us take you on an invigorating getaway you’ll never forget.

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What Makes The HighAcre Unique?

When you visit a hotel, generally they are always the same — cookie cutter layouts consisting of a bed, bathroom and a desk. The HighAcre takes this basic concept and elevates it to new heights. Each room is outfitted with the most stunning and eclectic decor pieces that match the overall vibe of the estate. Brett describes staying at The HighAcre as “transformative” — an experience unlike anything in Canada. A tall order, and one that it definitely delivers on.

Apart from the stunning interiors, the hallmark of this estate has to be the private ensuite spa. Not only does each spa have it’s own uniquely designed bathing area, it also has a dedicated hammam steam shower and infrared sauna. As it stands, this is the only hotel in Canada that offers this type of luxury experience. Brett came up with the idea from his days working as a ballet dancer for the National Ballet of Canada. “Health and wellness are so important for me, and as a dancer you have to be in peak physical, mental and emotional form at all times,” says Brett. “I want our guests to feel relaxed and reenergized during their stay — I felt this was the perfect way to accomplish that.”

Related: 10 Best Bathroom Renovation Trends in 2023

Your Stay at The HighAcre

I don’t typically suggest staying in your hotel the entire time you’re travelling, but in this case, I’ll make an exception. From the ensuite spa to the Riviera-style pool, yoga studio and lush gardens — is there any reason to leave? During my stay, I spent the most time in the spa soaking up some much needed R&R. The day felt slow, but I wasn’t in a rush for it to be over. The night was perfect, with the crackling sounds of the fireplace and plush bed linens. My morning was no different — birds chirping by the gardens as I baked up fresh croissants and coffee.

In the never ending hustle culture we experience here in Canada, it’s worth investing in yourself — your peace and serenity. From the moment you step into The HighAcre until the time you check out, every second is pure bliss.

The question remains: would I return to this extravagant estate? Yes, yes I would. If that’s not convincing enough for you, book your stay and find out what it feels like to dive deep into indulgence.

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A lawn that stays green all year long while barely having to water it? Talk about luck! According to the National Association of Realtors, the clover lawn has been Google’s most searched home improvement trend of 2023 so far. And we believe it: clover lawns are a clever and sustainable alternative to grass lawns that have been all over our social media pages. 

What are Clover Lawns? 

Clover lawns cover your yard with clovers or shamrocks. You can either exclusively cover your lawn with all clovers or combine clovers and traditional turf grass. In fact, your yard may already be growing some clovers right now. Instead of treating them like weeds, here’s why you should consider keeping them. 

The Benefits of Clover Lawns

There are a lot of pros to opting for clovers over grass. Having a green and lush lawn all the time is just one of them! These are the benefits of having the “Luck of the Irish,” as your lawn of choice: 

It’s Low Maintenance

Clover lawns require no mowing, so you’ll have a great-looking lawn with less hassle. White clovers can grow around two to eight inches tall and require little or no mowing to keep them looking tidy. 

Clover Lawns Can Withstand Canadian Climate

Clover lawns work in any region of the country, coast to coast. They’re heat resistant and can thrive during sweltering summer months — including drought. Additionally, they can also survive Canada’s extreme winters. 

It’s More Sustainable

Having a clover lawn means less watering, which is much better for the environment. Since clovers can grow in poor soil, they can survive without as much water as typical grass. Clovers also help promote biodiversity and encourage pollinators like bees to pollinate your stunning garden. 

Additionally, clovers can also spread fast in areas that don’t receive that much sunlight, so they’re perfect in shady areas where the grass is harder to keep alive. One con: they don’t handle foot traffic as well as regular grass. However, they’re affordable compared to Bermuda or Perennial, plus they’re pet-friendly, too. 

Of course, you’ll more likely to find four-leaf clovers with this new trendy lawn. And who couldn’t use some more luck and good energy in their lives?

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.