London Free Press

These plants more than just pretty faces

By SHERRY NOIK QMI Agency

It's easy to forget that plants are useful for more than just pretty backyards and Valentine's Day bouquets. They provide crucial medicine and sustenance, building materials and even birth control.

Reveal Spray Mop a bargain at $30

By Mag Ruffman, Special to QMI Agency

Did you spend days of your childhood on your hands and knees, washing floors, then applying two nice fresh coats of wax?

From Canada to Ireland, garden treasures await

By JANIS WALLACE Special to QMI Agency

Looking over the back fence has always been a popular activity, especially amongst gardeners. Recently they've expanded their horizons by peering into gardens on the other side of town, across the country and across the "pond."

Let us sweeten home deal

By Mike Baldinelli, Special to QMI Agency

For years, the London Home Builders' Association has considered part of its role to educate Londoners about the residential housing industry. Such education is provided as a support for Londoners in their quest for a new home or their desire to renovate an existing one.

Add zing to your office with these fun touches

By JAMI KLOET Special to QMI Agency

It's that time of year again.

A/C needs checkup for summer’s start

By Rob Parker, Special to QMI Agency

Believe it or not, hot weather is coming, and when it arrives, many of us will rely on central air conditioning to keep our homes cool.

Design hotbed shoppers’ delight

By Cheryll Gillespie, Special to QMI Agency

Istanbul is one of my favourite cities, and Sam and I have just spent a fabulous week shopping, sightseeing and gathering inspiration for our next projects during the first in what is hoped to be annual Istanbul Shopping Festival.

Spring good time to divide many perennials

By Denise Hodgins, Special to QMI Agency

One of the most rewarding aspects of perennial gardening is the fact most plants increase in size over the years.

Hope you’re ready to toss containers

By Mag Ruffman, Special to QMI Agency

Something needs to be said about those plastic kitchen containers we all use.

Cats, not cat burglars

By Frank Fourchalk, Special to QMI Agency

Are your pets jeopardizing your home's security?

Yours for just US$14.5 million

Five thousand tonnes of local stone went into the construction of this spectacular ranch that has been featured in magazines such as Town & Country and Western Interiors & Design.

It’s not just easy to be green, it can become a lifestyle, too

By JAMI KLOET Special to QMI Agency

Contrary to what Kermit the Frog solemnly declared 40 years ago, it's actually easy being green.

Homebuyers offered freebies

By DALE CARRUTHERS The London Free Press

Purchasing a home just got a little sweeter for London homebuyers.

Owning own home an achievable dream

By Mike Baldinelli, Special to QMI Agency

For many, owning a home represents personal and financial success and the feeling of having something all yours - a home where your personal style will tell the world who you are. A place where you make the rules.

Tapping into trends

By Janis Wallace Special to The Free Press

After this winter of our discontent, the annual Canada Blooms provided plenty of pop in new plants, designs and tools. Though gardeners do love digging in, they also enjoy sitting and admiring the results of their green thumbs. To make more time to gaze from the gazebo instead of sweating in the sun, several cool tools were featured.

Ignore rules at your peril

Q: Some people just don't get it. Why can't they just follow our condo rules that explain very clearly how to put out garbage bags and recycling? I shudder every week when I think about garbage day. I never know what is going to be left behind to pick up after the garbage and recycle trucks depart. Could you please address the problems that occur because of owners who do not take the time to put their trash out properly? Thanks!

Wait soon over for lenten rose

By Denise Hodgins, Special to QMI Agency

Winter in cold-weather areas can be excruciating for gardeners. While the garden outside sleeps, we're inside, pacing the floor and waiting for spring. Well, if you have Lenten roses in your garden, your wait will soon be over.

Proper ventilation ensures fresh air

By Mark Salerno, Special to QMI Agency

Getting the proper amount of fresh air in your home is important, especially if anyone in your household has respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis or chronic colds. If your home is stuffy, has lingering odours or is humid in fall and winter, it is likely that your house does not have adequate ventilation.

Medallion provides perfect backdrop

By Cheryll Gillespie, Special to QMI Agency

I admit I have a small addiction to shapewear. Perhaps it's the Virgo in me that continually seeks consistency and that is always on the quest for perfection, but I love the near-perfect backdrop that shapewear provides. No visible seams, no panty lines, no bulges caused by bra straps, just a soft, sheer drape of fabric.

Your garden may be worth more in your assets than you realize

By SHARON SINGLETON QMI Agency

Most homeowners are ignorant about the hidden treasures in their gardens, with some plants and trees worth thousands of dollars, according to the co-founder of a horticultural assessment firm.

Itching to grow

By JANIS WALLACE, Special to QMI Agency

Canada Blooms, the country's biggest annual gardening gathering, was like a traditional bride this year -- decked out in something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

Home a novelty for travelling Vannelli

By MARCY CORNBLUM, Special to QMI Agency

It sounds like a cliched movie plot: musician digs out his last few dollars to go to L.A. and waits outside record company big shot's house, gets an audition, then gets signed to a major label.

Qualified home inspector worth cost

By ROB PARKER, Special to QMI Agency

Real estate agents will typically provide the names of at least three home inspectors in your area.

Give home new life with exterior renos

By MIKE BALDINELLI, Special to QMI Agency

Exterior renovations aren't just to breathe new life into a tired looking home. They can significantly reduce maintenance as well as improve the energy efficiency, security and general comfort of your home.