Homes

Breeding program aims for beautiful, disease-resistant blooms that thrive in extreme cold

It’s a good thing I got bored of guilt some time ago; otherwise, I’d be blush-pink with embarrassment over a neglected Red Lion blooming merrily in the family room. I bought and potted the amaryllis bulb in November, 2011.

Almost four decades ago, Peter and Lois Mason bought an old cottage farmhouse in North Saanich for $50,000. Peter well remembers driving up to the property for the first time and being utterly dismayed, wanting to turn around and drive away.

Dear Reena: How can I get rid of the gross stink of dead mice in a vehicle? A mechanic was asked to locate any nests or dead mice and he said he couldn’t find any. I’ve tried baking soda and charcoal briquettes.

There are always many ways to start off the decorating process. When it’s time to plan your seating area, whether it’s in the living room, parlour, den or great room, first thoughts are of comfortable chairs or a multi-purpose sofa.

TORONTO — If you’re stuck in a style rut and primed for a home makeover, it can be daunting to choose from the seemingly endless range of colours, furniture options and finishes available to create a cohesive look.

Dear Tony: Our strata corporation has $350,000 invested in GICs with an investment brokerage. We have used the same company for the past five years and are very satisfied with the returns and the management of our funds.

Dear Helen: This winter, I’d like to try cutting a few stems from some of the early-blooming shrubs in the garden to see whether they will flower in a vase of water. What is the best time to gather the stems? A.F. Dear A.F.

An oft-repeated mantra in the real estate world is location, location, location. It’s usually a winning refrain.

Dear Reena: There is a hazy film that covers the windows of my car. I have washed them with window cleaners but the film always comes back. What can I use to end this? Jeannine Dear Jeannine: Many car experts use rubbing alcohol to shine car windows.