Organic Gardening News

If you want a garden that looks amazing without constant upkeep, try these easy-breezy plants (they practically take care of themselves)...

Make sure your peace lily is happy and healthy as it moves into its growing season. Do these five tasks in May for a thriving peace lily.

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Barkitecture is the latest in pet-friendly gardening. Work with your dog's instincts, not against them, and design a space you'll both love.

“Home resides in a mother’s heart.” We couldn’t agree more.

With Mother’s Day on May 10, here are five beautiful homewares tested by Westcoast Homes for the mom who’s a dedicated cook or who simply appreciates style and comfort at home.

Le Creuset’s whistling kettle

There’s something about a statement kettle that turns the afternoon brew into a daily ritual worth savouring. A Le Creuset kettle is durable, easy to clean and pretty enough to leave on the stovetop permanently. With 11 colour options ranging from classic white to Le Creuset’s iconic Flame, there’s something for every kitchen colour palette. For any mom who loves a quality cuppa, it’s a gift that truly lasts.

Le Creuset | $135

Wall Flowers: A Love Letter to Wallpaper

Wallpaper is back in a big way. In this gorgeous coffee-table book , designer and Chasing Paper founder, Elizabeth Rees, explores the history of wallpaper and chats with designers and artists about the craft of its creation, presented alongside inspiring images. We love how it peels back the layers on an age-old decorating method, revealing a fresh perspective. Perfect for the maximalist mom who embraces personal expression and bold design moves.

Wall Flowers: A Love Letter to Wallpaper by Elizabeth Rees (Gibbs Smith)

Amazon.ca | $63

Maison Madison’s Giovanna oval platter

Martha Stewart approved: this handsome oval platter earned a spot on the queen of cuisine’s own Instagram. Handmade by artisans in Portugal, this solid, ceramic earthenware piece features a bold yellow scalloped rim that makes a springtime table setting feel special. Unlike flowers or chocolates, this is a gift that lasts, reminding mom of you every time she takes her treasured platter off the shelf.

Maison Madison | $143

Pure Parima’s floral printed sateen duvet cover

Modern Regencycore is having a moment. Soft florals and romantic prints are making their way from fashion runways into the bedroom. Pure Parima’s floral printed certified Egyptian cotton sateen duvet cover is a beautiful example. Available in two regency-inspired prints — lavender and vintage floral — the set includes a duvet cover and pillow slips with a noticeably luxurious feel. Designed for a soft landing at the end of every busy day.

Pure Parima | On sale from $230

Paderno’s Vida Colour Series coffee machine

When the whole household runs on coffee, a reliable 14-cup machine is non-negotiable. Paderno’s Vida Colour Series can be programmed the night before, has auto shut off, a keep-warm function, and a pause-and-pour option for those in a rush. It comes in three stylish colours, Blufin, Shortbread and Matcha, making the java station as good-looking as it is hardworking.

Canadian Tire | $119.99

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Don't wait any longer on these critical care tasks or your fig harvests will suffer.

The 17th annual Awards for Housing Excellence gala brought out a sold-out crowd of 542 to The Westin Bayshore recognizing excellence in homebuilding across Metro Vancouver. On April 18, The Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) honoured the exceptional work of the industry’s builders, renovators, designers, and leaders across 67 categories. Throughout the evening, honourees were applauded for their creativity, craftsmanship and forward-thinking projects that helped to redefine housing and design in 2025.

“The range of winners across the categories this year speaks to the strength of our industry and how competitive our market has become, making a HAVAN Award a significant achievement,” says HAVAN CEO Wendy McNeil. “Each year, the program is reviewed to reflect the changing housing landscape, with categories that respond to how homes are being delivered today and the need to address housing challenges, including small-scale, multi-unit housing, multiplex, and modular solutions that support much-needed “missing middle” housing. These awards help homeowners identify professionals who consistently deliver industry-leading results.”

We reached out to six standout winners:

Vancouver-based Laura Grist Interior Design Inc. took home the Grand HAVAN for Interior Designer of the Year and Best Bathroom Renovation under 50 sq.ft for Hidden in Plain Sight, a condo’s reimagined powder room transformed into an elegant space.

“Getting the recognition that we’re ‘as good as we think we are’ is always nice when that’s confirmed,” says Grist. “This win is the culmination of 18 years of design, clients trusting us with their homes (and offices, and second homes… and then sending their friends), long-standing relationships with contractors and trades, and a team that’s been designing side-by-side for the past eight years.”

Vancouver’s HIT Quality Construction’s James Murphy, founder and chief builder, was honoured to take home three awards, including the coveted Grand HAVAN Residential Renovator of the Year.

“Receiving the Renovator of the Year is both an honour and a meaningful milestone for our team and us. Being recognized by our peers makes this especially significant, as it reflects our commitment to excellence, our passion for thoughtful design and craftsmanship, and the strong relationships we build along the way.”

North Shore’s Hasler Homes won three awards, including Best Custom Home: $5 million – Under $10 million, Best New Custom Kitchen: Under $175,000, Best Energy Labelled Home: Custom and Grand HAVAN Custom Home Builder of the Year.

“Winning the Grand HAVAN Custom Home Builder of the Year award is a meaningful milestone for both me and our entire team at Hasler Homes. It represents far more than a single achievement, it reflects years of dedication, craftsmanship, and a shared commitment to excellence,” says Greg Hasler, president. “Most importantly, it motivates us to keep raising the bar. This recognition isn’t a finish line; it’s a reminder to continue innovating, improving, and delivering homes that exceed expectations.”

Vancouver-based Foxridge Homes Ltd., a Qualico Company, took home three awards, including two Grand HAVAN Awards: Best Residential Community: Single-Family, and Grand HAVAN Single-Family Home Builder of the Year.

“These awards mean a great deal and truly belong to everyone on the Foxridge team. This recognition reflects the passion, commitment, and pride behind everything we do,” says Eric Andreasen, vice-president Foxridge Homes.

Surrey’s Zenterra Developments was awarded Best Townhome/Rowhome Unit: Less than 1,500 sq.ft., Best Multi-Family Condominium Unit – The Commons, Best Marketing Campaign and Grand HAVAN Multi-Family Home Builder of the Year.

“Winning the Grand HAVAN Award for Multi-Family Home Builder of the Year is a reflection of the people behind every Zenterra home,” says Derek Fenton, vice-president of marketing and sales. “Our team brings serious purpose to everything they build, and to be recognized by our industry peers for that work is something we don’t take lightly.”

Vancouver’s Renewal Development with Wesgroup Properties won Best Environmental Initiative.

“The construction industry has a significant environmental impact, be it in terms of carbon emissions or material waste. Our partnerships with the shíshálh Nation, Squamish Nation, Wesgroup, Bosa Properties, Anthem Properties and many others demonstrate that development can be done differently,” says Glyn Lewis, founder and CEO, Renewal Development. “Ultimately, the power of our home relocation — repurposing projects is the power of our example. To demonstrate what’s possible when partners come together to reimagine development.”

 

Vancouver-based NorthStar Development took home a new category in 2026: Best Modular/Prefab Housing Solutions award.

“This recognition is meaningful for our team at NorthStar Development because Estrella proves we can deliver urgently needed homes for local workers in a way that is both practical and scalable, with 80 per cent of homes offered at below-market rates,” says Gordon Wylie, President. “By using modular construction to achieve cost and schedule certainty, we were able to bring the first new apartment building to Prince Rupert in 30 years and support the workforce that is essential to the city’s continued growth.”

A full list of winners and photos of the projects are available at havan.ca

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