Backyard gardening

U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama has become a powerful trendsetter, spurring interest in everything from bare arms and brooches to organic gardening.

And, while the White House garden alone may not have been enough to spur your interest, a growing organic trend and interest in local food have made many of us at least entertain the thought of growing our own mealtime greens.

For me at least, the idea's more than a little bit daunting. Tiny yards and summer schedules packed with time away from the home seem like a surefire recipe for killing plants.

But Ryerson University Urban Planning student Laura Kalbun has come up with one solution for busy (or wary) would-be gardeners.

After having trouble finding a summer job, Kalbun decided to create her own, and, with help from the Summer Company grant from the Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services, she started Backyard Harvesting.

The recently launched urban organic vegetable gardening company offers planning, set-up, care and garden-sitting services for backyards and balconies. The company also offers garden boxes, shown, in a variety of sizes, starting at $175 for a 3.5'x1'x1' cedar box with soil, plants/seeds, delivery and setup.

Another recently launched service connects would-be gardeners lacking land with people who don't have the time, ability or inclination to cultivate their own backyard through"matchmaking" service SharingBackyards.com. In exchange for soil and water, the land owners get half the bounty. Read more about this service in Garden sharing program bears fruit.

And learn more about starting a vegetable garden here and get growing tips on a variety of fruits, herbs and veggies in our outdoor living section.

Pushing my way to a well-kept lawn

Thanks to all the rain we've had lately, the combination of (mostly) weeds and grass that I call my lawn has been growing like crazy. And, because Mr. Speedy and I have never had a yard of any sort before, we had to buy a mower.

After some discussion, we decided to join the trend and go for a reel mower. (Read more about reel mowers currently on the market). We wouldn't need to worry about plugging in - a challenge on our odd shaped lot - or worse yet, struggling with schlepping home fuel (we don't have a car) for a gas mower. It would be eco-friendly and quiet. And it would give us some extra exercise.

So, we went shopping. While I've previously written about the fab Brill model, its $265 price tag was a little over our just-bought-a-house budget. So, we went with a cheaper, but still easy to push, model from Scott's.

We've mowed the lawn several times now with it, and it seems like every time we have, some kind neighbour has offered us the use of their powered mower! I don't know if we look like we're struggling, but people do seem to take pity on us!

But, all in all, it's not so bad. Our yard is fairly small and can be done in a few passes. You do need to move at a decent clip, and reel mowers seem to have a knack for passing over long weeds, which bend over and evade the blades. It seems like no matter how many times you push the mower back and forth over it, that one straggler in the middle of the lawn just won't die. It's more efficient to just pull it out.

Our yard also has a few very uneven patches, and the mower will sometimes bottom out on the hilly bits. I'm very glad that we went with a model that has wheels in the back, in addition to those by the reel, to help keep it a little more stable and make it easier to push.

And, finally, we've learned if you are going with a push mower, you've got to keep it short. These things just can't handle super long grass, so we've been careful to take ours out for a walk about once a week.

I like our push mower, and I'm still happy with our decision to go the eco-friendly route - though I don't know if I would try it on a larger, less flat lawn. And, as an added bonus, all the sympathy has helped us to meet our new neighbours!

Poll: Staycations

Yourhomers will be prettying up their outdoor spaces this summer as they enjoy "staycations" from the comfort of their own backyards, according to last week's poll. (Read the full story here).

Nearly three-quarters, around 71 per cent, of those who responded said they'd be creating a tropical oasis in their backyard this summer in lieu of flying off to friendlier climes.

Just under a quarter, around 23 per cent, said they wouldn't be spending their vacation in their yard, while around six per cent said they might. No one voted "I don't know."

This week, we're still looking at gardens, but this time the luxe landscapes belong to the Bridle Path. This weekend is Through the Garden Gate and, in keeping things light for the start of summer, I want to know how many of you plan to take part in a garden tour this summer? Read the story and let me know in the front page poll.

And, for some more fun weekend reading, check out this super sunny kitchen from Colin and Justin, get inspiration for last-minute gifts for Dad and read all about the home of Egyptologist Amice Calverley, which is being sold to fund an arts centre.

Look, it's growing!

Regular readers know that I'm no gardener. But, inspired by our newest series, My Ugly Garden, where Liz McDonnell is trying to create a pretty and functional space, I thought I'd give my green thumb another try — albeit on a very small scale.

I recently received this cute little Eggling planter along with a press kit (I think it was from Benjamin Moore's new paint line ...) and figured, why not? So, armed with a spoon, I cracked the top, planted the seeds and attempted to water regularly.

And, guess what? It worked!

That's basil growing merrily on my bathroom windowsill — one of the few places I figured would be safe, but still sunny, during our moving preparations!

To read more about Liz's larger scale plans, check out the latest instalment of My Ugly Garden.

Poll results: May long weekend planting

While temperatures this week soared to 30 degrees, the weather has been far from balmy lately. In fact, there was a frost warning only a week and a half ago!

The May long weekend is the traditional time to putter in the garden and put in your plants for the year, but this year the holiday came a bit early, throwing some gardeners off their game.

In last week's poll, I asked whether you thought the May long weekend was too early to plant this year. An overwhelming majority, about 74 per cent of Yourhomers who voted, said their plants would be hanging out above ground for a little bit longer.

About 17 per cent of voters said May 2-4 was still prime planting time, while eight per cent said it might be too early for plants to fare well.About two per cent said they didn't know.

This week, we ask whether proximity to a former prison would change the desirability of a neighbourhood. Read the full story, comment, and vote on our front page!

And, for some more weekend diversions, check out Colin and Justin's glam, French-inspired living room design, a roundup of great outdoor furniture options, and learn what to do with all that plastic gardening waste. And, be sure to check out our new My Ugly Garden series and cheer novice gardener Liz on as she tackles her own outdoor space!

POLL: Has the market hit bottom?

With recent signs of life in Toronto's housing market, including quick sales and studies citing greater affordability, it seemed like a great time to ask Yourhomers if they thought the market has hit bottom — and the majority say no!

More than half, at 55 per cent, of voters said the market will continue to slide. Just under a third, at 28 per cent, said we've hit bottom while 11 per cent say the worst might be over. The remaining six per cent said they didn't know.

Personally, I have no idea whether we've hit bottom and are recovering or if the market is merely having a bit of a spring thaw. Either way, it seemed like a good time for Mr. Speedy and I to buy!

This week's poll continues on the idea of buying a home, looking at a recent trend of people trading in large homes for teensy luxury condos — with astounding price tags. Would you rather put your dollars towards square footage or amenities? Vote on the front page and let me know!

And, for some more Saturday reading, check out the fabulous wallpaper in Colin and Justin's bedroom makeover, get some eco-friendly product inspiration and learn the basics of green gardening (after all, with this weekend's forecast, isn't it the perfect time to putter in your home plot?)

Poll results: Gardening plans

Yourhomers are planning to stock up on perennials and patio furniture to prepare their gardens for spring, according to last week's poll results.

Forty-one per cent of those who voted said they planned to buy perennials this season. Patio furniture or accessories were the second most popular planned purchase at 27 per cent.

Shrubs and trees came in third, with 18 per cent, then annuals with nine per cent. Landscaping services came last, with five per cent of voters.

Spring has arrived, and the warm weather is hopefully right around the corner, so stay tuned for lots more great gardening content, including how to start a vegetable garden like Michelle Obama and 3 easy steps to a flower garden.

This week, I'm taking it a little bit closer to home with the poll question (we all know that I'm not blessed with a green thumb!), and asking whether you'd consider purchasing a home through an online listings service, such as Kijiji or Craigslist. This comes from comments on my home hunting adventure.

We're working with a realtor in our home hunt, because, quite frankly, Mr. Speedy and I need all the help we can get. And, we trust @RealEstateSimon. I wouldn't have the same level of comfort visiting listings off a free website, nor would I necessarily be accompanied by someone with the know-how to tell me if there are obvious wiring problems, upcoming neighbourhood issues or building deficiencies. As a house hunting newbie, that worries me.

But, I want to hear from you! Are my worries unfounded? Would you buy a home from a free listing website? Vote on the front page. And, let me know in the comments if your answer's conditional, i.e., I would, after having a qualified home inspector check the place out.

And, if you're looking for more Saturday morning reading, check out Colin and Justin's latest kitchen project, learn about DIY renos and take a peek inside Colour Confidential host Jane Lockhart's home!

Poll results: Green renos

Last week, we profiled some dramatic (and expensive) green renovations in High Park and the Beach, so our poll question asked whether you were planning to complete any "green" home renos or upgrades of your own in the coming year — anything from painting with low- or no-VOC paints to replacing failing appliances with Energy Star models or upping your home's insulation factor.

Out of the Yourhomers who voted 40 per cent said they were planning some type of green upgrade, while an equal amount, also 40 per cent said no. The remaining 20 per cent said they didn't know if they'd be doing eco-friendly upgrades this year.

If my home hunting adventure goes well (keep your fingers crossed for me!), I'll hopefully be slapping up a few coats of low- or no-VOC paint in the not-too distant future. Any other projects remain a question mark, depending on the state and age of the property we purchase.

This week, we're still optimistically wishing for spring, and thinking about gardens (don't worry, no plants were hurt in the crafting of this poll question). While I don't have a garden — yet — I still want to know what your spring plans are! What do you plan to buy? Any big changes? Share your vote on the front page, and more detailed plans in the comments. Check out some of Sonia Day's advice for a little more inspiration!

And, for some more relaxing Saturday morning reading, check out Colin and Justin's amazing bathroom makeover, DecoRita's acid-flashback sofa, and, for all you handy types, Steven Maxwell's eco-friendly flooring find.

Spring is coming, really!

Visiting the National Home Show last weekend had me dreaming of redecorating both home and kitchen, but also of gardens, spring and sipping mimosas on the patio.

As previously mentioned, the Toronto Star's Dream Gardens were truly stunning, but there was also a plethora of BBQs, gardening wares and patio furniture on display.

Trend forecasters predict that, as part of the whole anchoring trend, people will be making more of their outdoor space this year and using the home renovation tax credit to add decks, patios or landscape their backyards.

So, with the hope that warmer temperatures are truly on the way, I want to share some of the unique outdoor furniture from Icon Home Design, which has an office on King Street West.

Their products are marketed as "the finest collections of luxury outdoor furnishings to help you create the perfect combinations of style and function", all in durable and weather-resistant materials.

Without a backyard, I can't speak to how they'll fare in a rainstorm, but I can say that they are stunning.

I love the canopy on the loveseat, shown above, which you can open and close to respond to the position of the sun or to help protect your pastier friends (like yours truly) from those harsh rays.

The table and chair set, shown right, also caught my eye. I love the modern lines and round shape!

It seems perfect for an evening of drinks with friends — just pop the sangria pitcher on the cute little table and relax!

National Home Show highlights

I hit up the National Home Show on Friday night, and was, as always, surprised by the great deals being offered, the variety of products shown and the number of ShamWow booths. (I counted at least three!)

On the hunt for eye-candy, I went straight to my top three show destinations: Ty Pennington's tySTYLE feature, the Dream Home and the Toronto Star's Dream Garden. And boy, they did not disappoint!

The tySTYLE display, though lacking the Extreme Makeover host in person, showcased a full home designed and built by Adam Berkowitz of Equal Design Group.

The open concept space, which covered everything from bedrooms to kitchen, garage and backyard, showcased great decor and technology as well as tips from Ty.

My favourite Ty Tip is for the kitchen. He says, "Take inspiration from your food. Its colour, texture and natural appeal lends itself to home decor. From paint colour to DIY art, food and cooking lend endless creative inspiration." How cool would it be to do a sushi-inspired kitchen? Black and white cabinetry, textured tiles and pops of green and pink? Maybe a white shag rug off to the side, too?

I also loved the great modular entertainment system in the tyStyle living room, shown, which even included a desk space!

While it is large, I can totally see this working as a small space solution too, as it merges your home theatre, storage and office space all into one wall unit. Of course, you would need to have adequate wall space to install the unit, but I think I could make it work!

And I was totally blown away by the Dream Home, which was styled by CityLine's Janette Ewen.

The sunken living room, which is trending for this spring, was the perfect home entertainment area, embracing technology while remaining stylish, comfy and warm.

The home also offered fabulous patterns and colours, such as this black and white bedroom, with the amazing upholstered headboard. A stylish, sexy, and practical space!

The display also showecased "Luxe for Less" ideas, including a kitchen stocked with PC home products and several DIY projects, encouraging visitors to get inspired and redecorate without breaking the bank.

I'm also fairly certain that I saw a blown-up Uglydolls poster in one room, so much fun!

The home, poolhouse and backyard/garden area were truly inspiring, and definitely must-sees. Sadly, I wasn't the only one who felt this way, so it was pretty crowded and most of my photos ended up being of the back of strangers' heads.

Finally, the Toronto Dream Gardens, right, were like a whole different world.

The light and water features made the displays look magical, and the "reader's lounge" set-up in the middle was a quiet, outdoor living room.

Escaping the show floor was a nice little break, and the gardens were truly stunning. It made me wish I had a backyard to remodel!

There was certainly a lot more to see, and now that I've covered the "big three" stay tuned for more of my favourite products throughout this week!