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Dear Helen: The native red cedar trees in my neighbourhood are showing an alarming number of brown, dry sections. I have one of the trees on my property. A gardening friend told me it is probably dying. J.M.

In spite of the long, dry summer, root competition for moisture and nutrients from pine trees on the boulevard, and the lateness of the season, a broad ornamental bed along the front fence is still looking lively.

Across from Fan Tan Alley, behind a handsomely embellished gate, stretches a long walkway shaded by slender trees.

Dear Debbie: We have just moved into a new-build home. Our living-room fireplace is very plain, ultra-modern, and does not suit our more traditional style.

Dear Helen: I think I need to dig up and store my dahlia tubers for the winter. How is this done? Is the same true for gladiolus corms? S.M.

One of my favourite pastimes is repurposing.

Each time I find myself in front of two particular houses in my neighbourhood, I wonder about the lives of the people inside.

Dear Tony: Our strata council has put owners in a serious conflict. The council proposed a special levy of $100,000 to remodel our lobby and the owners passed it at a special general meeting last week. No one is objecting to the price.

When a retired forester and former award-winning heritage renovator get together to envision their ideal retirement home, the results are bound to be something special.

Nicola and Chris Flint didn’t have to look very far to find the property of their dreams. In fact, Chris grew up on the sun-soaked site they now own on the waterfront just north of Sidney.