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Dear Tony: Our strata council was approached by a developer interested in purchasing our property outright.

鈥淭he stage was beautifully set, but there was no show going on.

I often wonder what it would be like to part from my big, bountiful garden and the large family house I no longer need, to embark on the adventure of creating a new, compact garden around a tiny home. I鈥檓 not alone.

Summer is in full swing. We all have our favourite ways to while away holiday weekends. I find that, in order to take full advantage of free time or time away from work, or whatever I consider a break in routine, it helps to plan ahead.

As we move into the heart of the summer, it鈥檚 time to start thinking about outdoor parties. Here are some ideas to make your outdoor event a success. Outdoor dining Outdoor entertaining can present challenges, but they don鈥檛 have to be a deterrent.

What : For the Love of Africa Water Garden Tour When : 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Dear Helen: Can you tell me the name of a very tall plant I鈥檝e seen around Victoria? It鈥檚 over two metres tall and covered with tiny pink flowers. J.F. I believe the plants in your photo are Eremurus robustus (Giant Eremurus, Giant Desert Candle).

Dear Tony: We are a small 18-unit low-rise building in the Greater Victoria area. Two owners have reported they have chronic problems with mice in their units.

Joane and Tony Moran鈥檚 home is truly a faceted jewel in a tranquil garden setting. Instead of the usual right angles and square rooms, the main rooms are hexagonal. And just like a beautiful gem, they are full of reflected light.

Dear Debbie: Our new (old) house in town has many windows, not big ones, but there are three windows in the living room that are side by side with an 18-inch space between each window. I鈥檓 not really a curtain fan.