Duck Eggs
In most cities, homeowners are allowed to keep ducks and chickens in their backyard. They are a wonderful way to reconnect with our food ecosystem and, when we can influence where our food comes from,
Butterfly Gardens
There is something about butterflies that instill a deep sense of wonder. They appear to us as fuzzy caterpillars found along the stems and leaves of garden plants. Then, at a certain time, they spin
Autumn Garden Care
Chilly autumn air signals the last opportunity to prepare your garden for winter. With some planning and proactive care, your vegetable gardens, grassy areas, and shrubs will be ready for the first warm days
Siting a New Home
Home siting is the process of determining how to place the house on a building lot for maximum livability. Siting is influenced mostly by the building footprint compared to available land. In the countryside, natural
Aftermarket Solar
A solar power installation is only as good as its design so it's important to work with a reputable company that has engineers on staff. A viability study is required to choose the right equipment
End of Summer Days
Late summer is the month to begin gathering your supplies for making delicious preserves to enjoy over the winter. Making jam and other spreads is one of the easiest things to do. You may have
Nanaimo’s Early Spring Flowers
It is that time of the year again for gardeners in Nanaimo. The snowdrops are out, the crocus have started showing their pretty colours and the primroses are making a statement. We would like
Textile technology
From radical new materials to embedded sensors that track medical conditions, e-textiles have become a medium for better living. Today's fabrics redefine high-performance with easy care, durability for everyday living, and microprocessors. Self-cleaning fabrics
Naturalistic Housing
The definition of naturalistic housing depends on the context of the architecture. The most common image that comes to mind is a rustic abode, perhaps a log home or a beach cottage. It's a
Easy, Edible Perennial Gardens
One of the best uses for perennials plantings is edibles. Perennials go dormant in the winter and return each spring. Many vegetables and herbs are perennial which means you can enjoy bigger and bigger