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Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: Summer brings ever-changing fragrances

Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: Summer brings ever-changing fragrances

It’s a lovely time to pause and absorb the loveliness of individual plants
Helen Chesnut: Rampant clematis can be replaced with other varieties

Helen Chesnut: Rampant clematis can be replaced with other varieties

We have a Clematis armandii that has gone out of control. Can you recommend a replacement vine that would be easy to maintain?
Condo Smarts: Strata can enter unit for repairs with proper notice

Condo Smarts: Strata can enter unit for repairs with proper notice

If you cannot gain access, speak to your lawyers as it may require a court order to resolve the issue
Helen Chesnut: Moisture, warming temperature bring boom in growth

Helen Chesnut: Moisture, warming temperature bring boom in growth

What a welcome change from last year, when berries baked and shrivelled in the hot early summer sun.
Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: No need to prune small-growing patio tomatoes

Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: No need to prune small-growing patio tomatoes

Small-growing patio tomato plants do well without pruning. It’s fine to leave them to grow as bushes.
Condo Smarts: Lighting upgrades can reduce electrical demand

Condo Smarts: Lighting upgrades can reduce electrical demand

A conversion to LED throughout the building has substantial benefits and a short cost recovery
House Beautiful: For the love of wood and nature

House Beautiful: For the love of wood and nature

A couple in their 80s downsized to a timber-frame home they built on an upsized 10.5 acres in Central Saanich.
Helen Chesnut: Deutzia scabra creates impressive display

Helen Chesnut: Deutzia scabra creates impressive display

Deutzia scabra and its double-flowered form ‘Flore Pleno’ can grow tall, to a majestic size.
Helen Chesnut: How to avoid 'the elevator look' for heuchera

Helen Chesnut: How to avoid 'the elevator look' for heuchera

Many heucheras have the habit of rising, with the years, well above ground level.
Helen Chesnut: Garden strawberries make a cheesecake delight

Helen Chesnut: Garden strawberries make a cheesecake delight

It sounds awfully fancy, but it’s really quite simple