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What : Conservatory of Music Mother's Day Musical GardenTour Where : 10 private local gardens When : 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 12 and 13 Tickets : $35 ($37 if bought online) for the two-day pass; children 12 and under free. Purchase online at vcm.bc.

Stepping into the home of Bobbi and Don Johannessen is a surprise — which no amount of curb appeal prepares a visitor for.

The long, drawn-out chill of our West Coast spring can be a frustration for those craving warmth, and a blessing for some gardeners.

Window coverings can be a real challenge. I lean toward a minimalist approach, as I appreciate the architectural lines and framework of a multitude of windows, large and small, as well as unobstructed views.

Dear Reena : I am having a dinner party and would like to make cheesecake for dessert.

Dear Helen : You recently wrote about using hot water with a little liquid seaweed fertilizer in it to moisten filled seeding flats prior to sowing the seeds.

As herb and vegetable gardens, composting and other aspects of green living become more popular, many people with limited outdoor space are looking for ways to squeeze the most out of it.

Dear Tony : We purchased a Victoria condo in December and we thought we did all of the right things.

Harvard Business School graduate Nanon de Gaspé Beaubien-Mattrick has lived in Montreal, Vancouver, Silicon Valley, Toronto, San Francisco, New York, Boston and Palm Beach.

Dear Debbie : I’ve been reading a lot about open shelving in the kitchen and I don’t think it’s a good idea. From my experience too much stuff accumulates on the shelves and they become an eyesore. Rebecca You make a very good point.