AT HOME_29May11

MAY 2011

{

T H E U LT I M A T E G U I D E T O D O M E S T I C B L I S S O N T H E N O R T H S H O R E

}

Consider your

ECO-FOOTPRINT INSIDE:

EASY ACCESS RENOS GET INTO THE GARDEN LIVE BIG IN SMALL ROOMS

PHOTO DREAMSTIME.COM

VȱȱȱEȱȱȱRȱȱȱAȱȱȱNȱȱȱDȱȱȱAȱȱȱHȱ

Antiques, Rugs & Decor 1329 Marine Drive, (778) 279 3879

West Vancouver (Opp. Handi Restaurant) www.verandahantiques.com

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT Equipment that works hard so you don’t have to Dynamic Equipment Rentals is your one stop source for all your construction, home and garden equipment rental needs.

33% SALE

• Pressure Washers • Compactors • Lawn & Garden • Paint Sprayers • Bobcats, Excavators • Ladders • Concrete Equipment • Scaffolding • Generators

HURRY! SALE ENDS SATURDAY JUNE 4TH TRIBALS - VEG DYES - TEA WASH - CUSTOM

3’X5’s 4’X6’s 6’X9’s 8’X10’s 9’X12’s

PLEASE BRING THIS ADVERT WITH YOU

ANY WOOL RUG ONE WEEK ONLY! “Bringing unique antiques and rugs to the North Shore….”

• Air Tools & Compressors • Log Splitters • Carpet Cleaners • Utility Trailers • Tile Saws • Scissor Lifts • Jacks • Pumps • Lighting Equipment • Heaters

OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT offers full repairs and maintenance for almost any tools and equipment you already own.

FULL SERVICE HUSQVARNA & YAMAHA DEALER. EXCLUSIVE POWERBARROW DEALER FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA.

www.dynamic-rentals.com

West Vancouver

North Vancouver

1483 Clyde Ave | 604-926-5404

105 Fell Ave | 604-985-9321

Open 7 Days a Week • Delivery Available

A20 - North Shore News - Sunday, May 29, 2011 A D V E R T I S E M E N T

RENOVATEMySpace Great Canadian Landscaping Makes Neighbourhoods Grow

DESIGN. INSTALL. MAINTAIN.

604.924.5296

One of the biggest grassroots stories to emerge in the past five years has been the development and growth of Community Garden spaces. On vacant municipal land, people in neighbourhoods across the North Shore have partnered with local government to turn unused land into flower beds and vegetable gardens, adding to the local food supply and brightening streets.

North Vancouver’s Great Canadian Landscaping Company has been an eager, pioneering participant in the movement.

Follow us on:

greatcanadianlandscaping.com

For When Quality Counts

Plumbing and Heating Repairs Installations / Renovations Drain Cleaning

“We have formed a new unique partnership between The Edible Garden Project and Park Royal Shopping Centre to help set the stage to educate North Shore children on responsible and sustainability gardening practices for today and in the future.”

For their part, Great Canadian is supplying the know-how and elbow grease.

“We are mainly providing knowledge and good old fashion labour. Our general manager’s mandate is to operate 100% organically and to be carbon neutral by 2013. We have 32 team members that are more than willing to assist in these community initiatives through The Great Canadian Ambassador Program where they are encouraged and rewarded for being brand ambassadors when out and about in the community.”

As part of their outreach, they are working with local students.

Residential ~ Commercial ~ Air Quality Hot Water Tanks ~ Maintenance

“We have asked for the help of North Shore Grade 5 - Grade 7 science students to help test the effectiveness of their Activated Compost Tea as an eco friendly supplement to today’s traditional lawn and garden fertilizers. The company’s in house Scientist, Martin Harcourt, is the Compost Tea Master and holds the key to the secret ingredients which he says uses only sustainable natural plant products as a base to concoct the magic brew.”

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

PLUMBING AND HEATING AND GAS

104 - 1075 West 1st Street, 2x3 North Vancouver 05291508 P

604.980.1369 www.rbplumbing.ca

Serving the North Shore since 1972

SECURITY SCREEN DOORS • No Bars, No Grills • Just security with a clear view

05291512 2x3 P 604-299-8878

www.wizardscreens.com

“We have formed a new unique partnership between The Edible Garden Project and Park Royal Shopping Centre to help set the stage to educate North Shore children on responsible and sustainability gardening practices for today and in the future.”

As well as the Park Royal program, The Great Canadian Landscaping Company is working with the Edible Garden Project at North Vancouver’s Loutet Farm- a cooperative initiative between the City of North Vancouver, North Shore Neighbourhood House and the University of British Columbia- to produce a sustainable year round harvest of locally grown produce.

“Suburban Gardening this past year or two has been front page news and at the forefront for local and national media,” says Great Canadian’s Jason Black.

“We feel the movement of families successfully harvesting from their own suburban backyard for themselves and the community is naturally just around the corner and through this partnership we can help get the message out about food security in our community.”

The Great Canadian Landscaping Company is a member of the Society for Organic Urban Land Care and the BC Landscape and Nursery Association. In addition our staff are also attending Gaia College in Burnaby to continue their education and promote the practice of sustainable land care.

To do so, Great Canadian Landscaping has partnered with the Park Royal Shopping Centre and the Edible Garden Project.

To find out more about how to get the Great Canadian Landscaping Company working for you, call them at 604-924-5296 or visit them online at www.greatcanadianlandscaping.com

Renew your view

with affordable custom window coverings from Budget Blinds

Check out our great selection of styles: sumers’ Cho on Award ic

e

2008-2010

B

us

Award Winning Renovations Design Build Live

e

C

Shutters • Draperies Wood Blinds • Cellular Shades Roller Shades • Roman Shades Woven Wood Motorization & more!

Gold Award Winner i n e Fo r l l e n c ss Exce

Rendering to Reality

Budget Blinds of North & West Vancouver

604-929-2546

05291554 2x3 P

FREE In-Home Consultation www.budgetblinds.com

ccirenos.com ccirenos.com 05291507 2x3 P Renovator thethe Year Renovatorofof Year

2010 WINNER

Large Volume Large Volume

(604) 980 8384 604.980.8384 North Vancouver North Vancouver

The Northshore’s ONLY 05291552 2x3 P

Window & Door Specialists. It’s all we do!

604.839.0636 northshorewindows.com

Sunday, May 29, 2011 - athome - A21

Home Reading

From sustainable building to making space for four-legged family members, these books will inspire and educate

The dictionary defines hybrid as “a thing made by combining two different elements.” When it comes to homebuilding, author Catherine Wanek says: “A hybrid house is a thoughtful combination of construction materials and methods, selected for resource and energy efficiency.”

Strategies for hybrid home design revolve around conservation and sustainability.

Insulation, orientation to the sun, natural building materials, good use of air.

movement are all aspects that come into the planning of a complete home system.

There are different considerations for varying climates and Wanek presents stunning examples, from a strawbale home in New Mexico to a magnificent clay brick house in northern Italy.

— TERRY PETERS

THE HYBRID HOUSE

by Catherine Wanek Gibbs Smith Publishers, 144 pages, $29.95

Home improvements are a normal part of looking after your residence. But what about your dog? How does he fit into a do-it-yourself world?

Each project begins with a list of tools, materials and a cutting guide, then stepby-step instructions show you how to build it.

Author Ruth Strother provides stepby-step instructions on the creation of some fabulous projects for your pet.

Doghouses, dog beds, dog training aids, even a backyard agility course with jumps, ramps, weave poles and a hoop jump.

Good quality colour photographs, wellwritten descriptions and useful tips make this an exceptional guide.

— TERRY PETERS

THE DOG FRIENDLY HOME

by Ruth Strother Creative Publishing, 128 pages, $19

The Rain Water LEADERS

since

1979

• Sales • Installations • Repairs • Maintenance

EXTERIOR PAINTING SEASON IS HERE!

Specializing in Heavy Gauge 5” x .032” Continuous Colonial Aluminum

AURA EXTERIOR Color Lock Technology delivers superior fade resistance

We offer high flow, unfiltered gutter outlets with filters at the bottom of the downpipe for easy access. Downpipes in eighteen colours to match trim. Heavy gauge colonial gutter in four colours. Five year installlation warranty. Fully insured and registered with Work Safe BC.

The brilliant color of Aura Exterior lasts year after year, even in the toughtest environment.

$

700

ONE GALLON CANS

$

3500

655 East 15th Avenue, Vancouver • 604.876.4604

TANKTECH ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

OFF

OFF

FIVE GALLON PAIL ARBORCOAT Ultimate Durability UV Protection Cutting edge technology provides a finish that ouperforms the best alkyd stains on the market.

$

500

OFF

ONE GALLON CANS

$ • TANK REMOVAL • TANK LOCATING • SOIL TESTING

• METAL DETECTIONS • VAC TRUCK SERVICES • SOIL REMEDIATION

CERTIFIED OIL TANK REMOVAL & REMEDIATION SPECIALISTS Seniors Discount • Free Estimates

604-328-1234

2500

OFF

FIVE GALLON PAIL *Offer valid until June 30th, 2011.

Cannot combine with other discounts.

The Paint Depot PA R K & T I L F O R D

775-333 Brooksbank, North Vancouver www.paintdepotltd.com • 604-973-0170

A22 - athome - Sunday, May 29, 2011

Renovating for Accessibility The right renovations can dramatically change quality of life for the physically disabled.

Zosia Ettenberg is thinking about renovating her kitchen. She’s not worried about granite countertops or new sink fixtures, she just wants to make the whole room accessible.

Ettenberg uses a powered wheelchair to get around, and that puts her arms and shoulders below the level of most kitchen fixtures. “I’m really in a bad position to wash dishes … because it’s too high for me,” Ettenberg said.

For people with physical disabilities, finding the right home isn’t just a matter of haggling with sellers or landlords.

There are almost always renovations that can make it easier for them to do

This full height adjustable kitchen was recently designed and installed at ICORD by Peak Interiors.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

chores that fully able-bodied people take for granted.

Ettenberg said. “You need to do your own planning,” she said.

light switches lower, to make them easier to reach.

Ettenberg is looking into getting a sink that can be lowered and raised — a recent innovation on the North American market.

While municipal governments mandate that some units in new developments be built to flex-housing or accessibility standards, that usually means a number of minor changes. It might mean having extra supports in a bathroom wall so that bars can be added later. It might mean installing wall sockets at 18 inches high, or

But it typically doesn’t include modifications such as ramps, lifts, or major changes to a kitchen or bathroom.

Once disabled homeowners know what they want done, they have to find funding.

There are a hundred other renovations, from major to minor, that might be needed to make a home accessible. And those renovations are often unique to each person and their own circumstances,

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) does provide some funding for homeowners. If their homes

Join Us For Build-A-Pond Day! The North Shore’s largest landscape supply store.

BUILD-A-POND DAY HANDS ON WORKSHOP HA Come and join us for DAY Build-a-Pond Day as the EVENT- ON LS SPECIA CAPE Aquascape Design professionals reveal the secrets of building a UAS ALL AQ CTS! Pondless® Waterfall Feature...

PRODU In just one day!

THURSDAY, JUNE 9TH, 2011 9:00AM - 3:00PM $25 admission cost* Limited space availablity - sign up today!

CREATIVE

Bricks ’n’ Blocks 1371 McKeen Ave, North Vancouver

*Participants will receive a $25 gift certificate towards purchase of any Water Gardening Product.

604.984.3008

(at the foot of Pemberton Avenue) Mon to Fri 7:30am-4:00pm • Sat 8:30am-4:30pm • Closed Sun & Holidays

Ponds • Pavers • Retaining Walls • Patio Slabs • Fountains Flagstone • Natural Rock • Garden Statuary • Planters & More!

Sunday, May 29, 2011 - athome - A23

Finding contractors who have the special skills to create an accessible home is another problem.

are below a certain value, they can qualify for up to $16,000 in the Lower Mainland.

The funding from the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) is considered a form of loan, but it is forgiven over 15 years. If the homeowner sells their home before that time period, they will have to pay back a portion of the funding. “So long as they’re occupying their home, they’re fine,” said Jabeen Janmohamed of the CMHC.

A similar program called Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence provides grants for those over the age of 65 living on a low income.

Finding contractors who have the special skills to create an accessible home is another problem. Ettenberg remembers the last round of renovations she made to her home. “I had five different contractors,” she said.

The CMHC also asked her to get three quotes for the work, but many of the smaller home contractors didn’t want to give quotes for relatively minor jobs.

A recent entrant on the accessibility renovation scene is Peak Interiors, a Vancouver-based company that has taken

a page from European innovations in the field.

“Everybody thinks it’s super-expensive, but it isn’t,” said Nancy Paris, the CEO of Peak.

Her firm works with contractors to create multi-level countertops, fridges, stove ranges, and even cabinets that drop from the ceiling.

“You can have a standalone sink in an island that’s height adjustable,” Paris said.

It requires getting some flexible hoses, and building in a motor to the countertop.

Counters can be adjusted by build in controls, by remote, or possibly even by a smartphone in the near future, Paris said.

Build locally...Build anywhere

That type of adjustable equipment is especially useful in a home where a couple that includes one person in a wheelchair and one able-bodied person live, Paris said. It allows them to adjust sinks or counters to the level comfortable for them.

Design, Build, Deliver, Setup

Paris said she enjoys the work because it allows people to do more — too many disabled people are cut off from using their kitchens because they have not been designed to their needs.

Monday-Friday 10 to 5 1367 Crown St. North Vancouver Visit our showroom today.

BY MATTHEW CLAXTON

ian ad uct n Ca rod P

www.ajia.ca • 604-990 -1133

MCLAXTON@LANGLEYADVANCE.COM

CONTEMPORARY PLANTERS FOR ANY SPACE

O N E S T O P PA T I O S H O P S I N C E 1 9 8 6

Quality Brand Names at Competitive Prices

Albany

Sedona

Sale $1,299 Reg. $1,849

with fifire re pit

Sale $3,469 Reg. $4,955

$

840

4 seater Patio Set (reg $1200)

FINAL BLOWOUT: Atlantis Ceramic

60%off

Springline Firetables Exclusive Designs

$2,879

Sara

New Shipment Arriving June 12th

SLD 3660 3’x5’ | 77,500 BTU

HOT TUBS, PATIO FURNITURE, BBQS, PATIO HEATERS, FIREPITS

www.atlaspots.com Tues-Sat 10:30am-5:30pm 1087 Churchill Crescent, North Vancouver

604-960-0556

Sun 12-5pm Closed Mondays

104 Philip Avenue, North Vancouver • Tel: 604.985.0057 Serving the North Shore Since 1986 www.crystalview.ca Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00 | Saturday 9:30-4:30

A24 - athome - Sunday, May 29, 2011

Spring Cleaning Never Looked So Good What to look for in a green home.

In the market?

CONSIDER YOUR ECO-FOOTPRINT

Get up to a

2,500 rebate

$

®

For a limited time only, get $30 back on Tuscany Series and $15 back on Style Line™ Series for each replacement window or door when you purchase five or more. The more you buy, the more you save.

Hurry! This offer ends June 30th.

Yes, we do window and door installations, too!

on Tuscany® and Style Line™ Series Vinyl Replacement Windows and Doors.

Purchasing a home involves making many decisions. How many bedrooms do you need? What neighbourhood do you want to live in? Should it be previously owned, brand new or custom-built?

In addition, homeowners are investing in upgrading their homes with green features to make them more energy efficient and comfortable, as well as to increase the sales value.

Here’s one more thing to consider: is the home a “green” home? That is, does it have features that will save energy and water, reduce maintenance costs and waste, offer a healthy indoor environment and have a reduced impact on the earth?

All of this is good news for buyers who are looking for a home with a particular shade of green. Whether you’re looking at a home that is previously owned or one that is new, here are some things to consider:

With growing awareness around being green and making the right choices for the environment, it’s not surprising that more builders are constructing green homes.

Insulation Next to a mortgage, energy costs can be one of the most significant household expenditures. An energy-efficient home conserves energy by reducing heat loss during the winter and heat gains during the summer.

1.800.MILGARD · milgard.com

You’ll love our worry-free vinyl patio doors.

They won’t warp, crack or peel. Nor do they absorb moisture. That means you can depend on them to slide open easily in any weather. What’s more, they are energy efficient, so they help keep your home comfortable as well. All are available in custom sizes and covered by our Full Lifetime Warranty.

Reflect Refl ect Your Good Taste with

The Beauty of Stone

Call today for a free, no pressure, in-home estimate.

Financing available. OAC.

Doors | Windows | Hardware | Moulding

604.980.3667 • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • NEW CONSTRUCTION • RENOVATION

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM: 103-2433 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver

www.northshoredoor.ca DOORS • WINDOWS • MOULDINGS • DOOR HARDWARE ECLIPSE DOOR SYSTEMS • GARDEN DOORS • PATIO REPLACEMENT

OFFICE & SHOWROOM

1450 Charlotte Road, North Vancouver KITCHEN & BATHROOM COUNTERTOPS Find out the advantages of Engineered Quartz and Natural Stone at:

604.985.0213

www.nsstoneworks.com

Sunday, May 29, 2011 - athome - A25

One of the best ways to reduce heat loss and gain is to ensure ceilings, walls and foundations are well-insulated and draftfree. Energy Star windows and doors will also help keep your heating and cooling costs down while improving comfort.

everything you need for living within an area where it is easy to walk, cycle or take a bus. This includes schools, shopping, jobs, recreation facilities and libraries. By spending less time in your car, you will significantly reduce your environmental footprint and save money on gas.

last up to 10 times longer than regular bulbs and use one-third of the energy.

Heating System A home with an older model heating system that operates at 65 to 75 per cent efficiency can realize significant cost savings by converting to a new energyefficient model that operates at 85 to 98 per cent efficiency. Look for heating systems that use high efficiency motors as well as reduce electricity costs.

Water-efficiency Water is a precious resource. Newer front loading clothes washers can use far less water than older top loaders. They can save on water heating and clothes drying costs too. Also, ask if the home has low-or dual-flush toilets and low-flow shower and faucet fixtures. Water use can be further reduced by limiting the amount of water required to maintain lawns and gardens through the use of hardy, indigenous plants, capturing rain water for irrigation and limiting lawn area.

Durable Building Materials When a building material requires frequent repair or replacing, it becomes both an environmental and economic burden.

Durable materials don’t need to be replaced or repaired as frequently and this reduces repair costs as well as the amount of resources consumed to supply the materials and the amount of material taken to landfills. Look for things like exterior siding that doesn’t need frequent painting, roofing materials built to last for 20 years or more, and moisture-resistant finishes in bathrooms and kitchens.

Hanging Baskets and Peonies

Variety Sustainable neighbourhoods offer a variety of housing options, from townhouses and condos to single family homes and can accommodate people along the full spectrum of needs and budgets.

Indoor Air Quality Choose materials and finishes that have low odour and low pollutant emissions. A ventilation system that provides fresh outdoor air and deals with moisture and odours can also help maintain a healthy indoor environment.

One way to check the nearby destinations in any neighbourhood you’re considering on your green home hunt, is to visit www. walkscore.com and enter the address of the house you’re looking at. This tool calculates a walkability score for that address based on its proximity to transit, grocery stores, schools and other amenities. This is one element of sustainability that can be compared to other neighbourhoods.

Where you live matters, too.

If you’re committed to living a green and sustainable lifestyle, the location of your home can be just as important as what it’s made of. During your search, think about looking for a sustainable neighbourhood - one that will allow you to reduce your environmental footprint even further and save you more money.

Light Fixtures Energy-efficient lighting is an easy way to reduce your electrical consumption. Look for compact fluorescent lamps, which

25% off

Location, Location, Location Sustainable neighbourhoods contain

Sale ends Saturday June 4th www.dykhofnurseries.com

BY TREVOR GLOYN

460 Mountain Hwy., North Vancouver BC • 604.985.1914

TOP MOUNTED HIGH FRIDGE PERFORMANCE White only COMPACT HIGH PERFORMINGFRONT FRONT LOAD LOAD LAUNDRY SET An ideal 2nd fridge for

TOP MOUNT FRIDGE

T U O D

• White only • 17 cu. ft.

• Reversible doors

L O S

• • •

AMAZING – NOW $39999

basement 2.5 cu. suite ft.

1200 RPM Suitable for closet installation Stainless drum AMAZING – steel NOW $399.99

AMAZING – NOW $89999

SUPER HOT FRIGIDAIRE LAUNDRY BUYS!

AFFINITY STEAM FRONT AFFINITY FRONT LOAD LAUNDRY SET LOAD LAUNDRY SET

T U O

4.4 cubic food silver washer with matching steam dryer

$1499.99

D L O

LESS $300 mail in rebate (‘til June 30th, 2011) LESS $300 mail in rebate (‘til June 30th, 2011) LESS $75 Powersmart mail in rebate

$

99

JUST 1124 /pr AFTER REBATES!

$1149.99

Hurry s - quantitide limite

MAY

SUPER SPECIALS NOW AT COLONY WAREHOUSE

LESS $300 mail in rebate (‘til June 30th, 2011)

LESS $75 Powersmart mail in rebate

WHILE QUANTITIES LAST

AMAZING – JUST $77599/pr AFTER REBATES

2010 WINNER - BEST NORTH SHORE APPLIANCE STORE AWARD

www.colonywarehouse.com

Colony – A family business based on service, selection and value

CAPILANO VW

CHURCHILL ROOSEVELT

COLONY COLONY

MACKAY HAMILTON

WAREHOUSE “Saving you money since 1969”

Mon-Thurs: 9am-5:30pm Friday: 9am-9pm • Saturday: 9am-5:30pm Sunday: noon-4pm

Major Appliance & Mattress

MARINE DRIVE

LLOYD

COLONY

1075 Roosevelt Crescent, North Vancouver 604-985-8738 (2 blocks behind Indigo Books - south of Marine Drive)

PEMBERTON

Hurry s - quantitide limite

SAMAZING –

4.0 cubic food washer with vibration control and matching dryer

AMAZING

CAPILANO MALL

A26 - athome - Sunday, May 29, 2011

Here comes the sun . . . we hope Though the cool drizzle outside might have slowed your garden down this year, it’s almost summer and there are chores to be done.

■ This is the month for weeding and deadheading to keep your garden looking its best. Remove weeds before they can form and shed seeds.

Gardening gurus include these tasks on the list for June.

■ Finish filling hanging baskets, patio pots, window boxes and planters with flowers.

■ Keep your compost well aerated or turned for speedy decomposition.

■ Continue to thin seeded vegetable plantings.

■ Mulch rhubarb generously after harvesting stops near the end of the month. Remove any rhubarb flowerspikes that develop.

■ Plant salad crops of lettuce, radish and spinach in a lightly shaded location with cool, moist soil.

Bros.

Roofing Ltd. The Company Homeowners Trust

■ Cut chive clumps down to a few inches from the ground, a small section of the clump at a time, to keep fresh, tender new growth coming along.

■ Remove dead foliage from spring-flowering bulbs.

PHOTO TERRY PETERS

Digging Dig*It

■ Once the warm weather finally arrives, mow the lawn high to protect the roots and crowns of the grass plants from burning. A thick, healthy lawn also makes it more difficult for weeds to take hold. During dry weather water long and deep.

The gardening tools have generally evolved from equipment made by men for men.

Modifications have been made for women but often in terms of sizes and colour choices.

BY DEANA LANCASTER

Dig*It Handwear offers something more for the woman gardener. A glove designed by women for women sees a number of innovations. The glove is shaped for a snug fit with a Velcro wrist strap to prevent dirt or debris from getting inside. The fingertips are padded inside and protected outside to create a safe haven for manicured nails while providing a durable cover. Daisy shaped dots are designed into the palm, creating a good grip and protection for the palm.

Samra Bros. Roofing Ltd. is a family owned and operated business serving the lower mainland for the last 40 years.

We are specialists in cedar shake re-roofing and we also do cedar conversions to fiberglass laminate shingles. We use high quality products such as Malarkey and CertainTeed. All of our roofs come with warranties which are fully transferrable.

Call us today @ 604-983-0133

Made of synthetic recycled materials, the gloves can be hand washed and laid out to dry to keep them clean and ready for their next use. Available at Canadian Tire.

for a free estimate. Call us before you sign on the dotted line and see how much money we can save you.

• Liability Insurance • WCB • BBB

www.samrabrosroofing.com

BY TERRY PETERS PHOTO DREAMSTIME.COM

One of the largest and most exciting selections of perennials in Canada.

Come see what a perennial nursery can be!

20% OFF any one shrub/tree with this ad.

Expires June 12, 2011 *One coupon per person per day

RESIDENTIAL SPECIALS

2 FOR1

%

35

OFF

SEALED UNIT SINGLE GLAZED REPLACEMENT REPLACEMENTS MATERIALS ONLY LABOUR CHARGES ADDITONAL

www.phoenixperennials.com

Valid until June 30, 2011

Valid until June 30, 2011

Open seven days a week • 10am-5pm

3380 No. 6 Road, Richmond BC, V6V 1P5

778.370.2456 EMAIL: speedy8336@belroncanada.com 053111

Between Bridgeport and Cambie - less than 20 min. from most points in Vancouver just over the Knight St. bridge.

604.270.4133

MATERIALS ONLY LABOUR CHARGES ADDITONAL

At home or the cottage, in the condo or apartment, at the townhouse, even on the houseboat, glass is a fact of life; your life. It’s something you probably take for granted, until it breaks. No matter who you are, or where you live, getting window glass replaced is a simple as calling us.

At Speedy Glass, we stand behind all of our glass replacements with a 15 year warranty on all sealed units.

MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-5:30PM • SATURDAY 8AM-4:30PM

Sunday, May 29, 2011 - athome - A27

Go play in the dirt Summer is all about spending time outdoors and enjoying the warm weather.

Gardening is a great way for families to spend time together away from television and video games, while learning about nature and getting in some great exercise.

The President’s Choice brand’s garden guru Peter Cantley, vice–president, Floral and Garden at Loblaw Companies Limited, has more than 45 years of experience. Want to help get kids excited about gardening?

Follow Peter’s simple tips for parents and soon your kids will have green thumbs of their own.

Kids love getting dirty — so let them!

Weeding and planting is an easy activity to get kids started. Kids can join parents in the garden by digging in the soil with a small spade and finding roots and worms.

Engage little ones in the responsibility.

If your child is old enough, ask them to help water the lawn or plants. If your child is really taking an interest in helping out, why not give them their own section of the garden? Watching plants grow from seeds into flowers or vegetables is not only fun for kids, but a great learning opportunity. To mark their special spot, have them make signs identifying each type of produce in their garden.

Share your love of gardening with others! If the family is headed over to visit friends for Sunday night barbecue, pick some fresh tomatoes from your garden and bring them over as a thoughtful hostess gift the kids can be proud to give.

Remember to have fun. Canadians only have the summer heat for a short time so make the most of it and start planting!

For more tips on planning a garden and President’s Choice garden products visit pc.ca.

PHOTO DREAMSTIME.COM

WWW.NEWSCANADA.COM

Bringing you a brighter future! www.tcaelectric.ca

BRAND NAMES YOU CAN TRUST

A SHADE BETTER Est. 1984 604.984.4101 #110-949 W. 3rd St., North Van. (behind Capilano Mall)

info@ashadebetter.ca • ashadebetter.ca

• • • • •

Automation Drapery Parts Repairs Cleaning

Specializing in paving, and resurfacing driveways, patios, playgrounds, and pool decks.

Before ECO-FRIENDLY • NON-SLIP SURFACE • CRACK RESISTANT SEVERAL COLOURS • 5 YEAR WARRANTY

At BC Eco Paving we use recycled rubber to create beautiful, and extremely durable surfaces which are backed by a 5 year warranty.

After

Call today for a FREE estimate www.ecopaving.ca

604.785.3795

A28 - athome - Sunday, May 29, 2011

Make your small space BIG accessories. Whatever you can do to reduce visual contrast will be helpful in your quest for a more spacious-feeling room.

Back in the real world, however, most people are dwelling in more realistic, average spaces. In these typical dwellings we make the best of the space we’ve got, utilizing storage techniques and decorating to reach a visually pleasing outcome.

If you have the option to do so, glass partitions of any kind will help make a space feel less enclosed.

In the realm of decorating a smaller space there are techniques that can be used to make a diminutive room appear open and airy. Many of them can be applied to your own home to make any space feel larger.

A semi-monochromatic colour scheme lends itself to an open feeling. The floors and walls are all covered in the same colour and pattern. In a room without strong visual contrast, the eye wanders about the space effortlessly. Accents like dark trim, baseboards and door frames, for instance, break up the visual space and make a room feel smaller. Older homes that have enhanced decorative trim do tend to feel more compact. Painting wood trim has been a divisive strategy among decorators, but by painting out dark features such as this you can create a more open and airy space.

Horizontal lines add width. They can be infused into a room through paint techniques, choice of striped linens (like a shower curtain) and even some

Strong pattern or colours in an area rug break off the visual floor space, which can make a space feel smaller. Use tones similar to the flooring around the area rug for less contrast and choose a subtle pattern (if any at all) to further support your efforts.

Wall art. Pictures, paintings or any item displayed on the walls of a room have the potential to break up the visual flow. While it’s not necessary to forgo any wall art, in a smaller space it’s important to make note of the colours and contrast of the artwork and framing when choosing your pieces.

How you choose to display these items can help make a difference as well. Hanging sets of three or five prints gallery style will provide the desired horizontal line while allowing you to display interesting artwork.

Straight lines. Choosing contemporary or modern furniture will keep that linear feel to a small space. Similarly, window coverings that are simple and sleek further support the cause. Ruffles and floral patterns are better suited for a larger space. Other items that can help enhance your efforts are mirrors, neutral linens

START SAVING RAINWATER NOW!

Choosing contemporary or modern furniture will keep that linear feel to a small space. Similarly, window coverings that are simple and sleek further support the cause. Ruffles and floral patterns are better suited for a larger space.

Pictures, paintings or any item displayed on the walls of a room have the potential to break up the visual flow. While it’s not necessary to forgo any wall art, in a smaller space it’s important to make note of the colours and contrast of the artwork and framing when choosing your pieces.

(to cover a dark dining table for instance) clear or mirrored furniture (Urban Barn has items along these lines) symmetrical versus asymmetrical placement and good old inexpensive paint, which can be used to correct a myriad of problems.

De-clutter. Tables overflowing with magazines and piles of toys on the floor can quickly negate your efforts. De-clutter your small space as much as possible.

BY CONNIE OLIVER WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

MAKE YOUR GARDEN GLOW WITH SOLUS FIREPITS TULIPS, ROSES, AND FIRE – OH MY! Make your outdoor space memorable with a Solus Decor firepit. It transforms backyard gardens and rooftop patios into cozy, romantic getaways, campsites in the city, and gathering spaces for good ol’ fashioned fun.

Solus firepits are Canadian-made, and are delivered right to your doorstep! They are fun, fashionable, and easy to love. They’re also pretty much guaranteed to make you – and your garden – the envy of all your friends.

Light it up and have fun!

Get your Solus firepit today | 1.877.255.3146 | info@solusdecor.com | www.solusdecor.com

052611

Most people covet grand rooms with endless floor space and soaring ceilings.

Spaces like this give us a sense we’re living in opulence and grandeur.