Whether you receive them as a gift or choose them yourself, living plants have become an essential part of holiday decor. Here’s what to do to enjoy your favorite gift and holiday plants well beyond the season.

Poinsettia

No flower defines the holiday season like the cheerful poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). It’s known for its bright red “leaves,” which are actually bracts — although, these days you can also find them in shades of white, cream and pink, as well as bicolor versions. It’s also long-lasting. Given the right care, it often will continue to bloom until the beginning of spring. If you’re willing to do a little more work, you can also get it to rebloom for several holiday seasons.

During The Holiday Season 

Ideally, put your plant in a location that gets six to eight hours of bright, direct sunlight. It also can handle darker spots for a few weeks. Keep it out of drafts and cold spots, and place it where it won’t touch cold window glass. Daytime temperatures should be between 18.3 to 26.7 degrees Celsius.

Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to an inch or so below the surface, then allow the container to drain completely. If you can, provide additional humidity; setting it on a pebble tray is ideal. Don’t fertilize while the plant is blooming.

Rule Of Thumb 

Remove the wrapping around the container, cheerful though it may be, or at least poke holes in the bottom to allow water to drain. An exception would be materials that are naturally porous, such as burlap.

Post-Holiday Care 

Give your plant the same care as you did during the holidays until the blooms fade, usually by March. Cut the plant back to about 8 inches high. Cut back on watering at this time as well, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. You can keep your plant indoors or move it outside in late spring into early summer once nighttime temperatures have warmed up above 10 degrees Celsius. Put it in a bright spot that gets indirect light in the mornings and partial shade in the afternoons.

Resume regular watering when growth begins again, but be sure the container drains completely and the soil isn’t soggy. Feed with a balanced half-strength fertilizer every two weeks. Pinch back stems to keep the plant bushy. You also may want to repot the plant if it’s crowded. Bring your plant inside in fall, when nighttime temperatures fall to 10 degrees Celsius again.

The Trick To Their Red Colour 

Poinsettias are short-day plants and require an extended daily period of darkness over several weeks to trigger the change of leaf color from green to red. Place the plant in a location that’s completely dark at night for a minimum of 12 to 14 hours and with nighttime temperatures of 12.8 to 15.6 degrees Celsius. If you don’t have such a location or can’t guarantee it will remain completely dark for that long, cover the plant with a box or black plastic bag, taking care that the covering does not touch the leaves. During the day, provide at least six hours of sunlight and temperatures of around 21.1 degrees Celsius. Continue to feed and water regularly. Turn the plant every few days to encourage even growth.

After about 10 weeks to two months (or even longer), you’ll begin to see the color change. Bring the plant inside and continue watering, but discontinue feeding it until the blooming fades.

If you live in a climate where temperatures don’t drop below 10 degrees Celsius, you can plant your poinsettia outdoors. Choose a spot with fertile, well-draining soil that gets bright, indirect morning sun and partial afternoon shade. Follow the same watering and feeding schedule as you would for plants in containers. If your plant does not get the darkness required for the color change on the bracts, they will remain green, but you will eventually have a good-sized perennial shrub that’s ideal for a tropical-style garden.

Amaryllis

The amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is rapidly approaching the poinsettia in overall popularity as a holiday plant. They’re one of the few forced bulbs that can come back year after year, so you can enjoy your amaryllis this holiday season and for years to come.

Forcing It To Bloom

Fill a pot with enough potting mix so the top third of the bulb will be exposed above the soil. Set the bulb in place, and then fill in around it with potting soil to hold it in place. You will probably also want to add a stake to support the flower stalk.

Place your bulb in a spot that gets bright, indirect light with daytime temperatures from 21.1 and 26.7 degrees Celsius. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, watering when the top inch or two of the potting mix is dry. Be careful not to overwater, and let the container drain thoroughly.

Once the flower stalk appears, fertilize every two to three weeks with a half-strength water-soluble fertilizer. Turn the plant every two to four days to keep growth even.

During The Holiday Season

Keep your plant in a spot with bright, indirect light. Continue watering and fertilizing as you have been.

Post-Holiday Care 

Cut off the stalk once the blooms fade, but continue to water regularly. Feed once a month with a balanced fertilizer. Place the plant outdoors in late spring or early summer. Start by putting it in shade or indirect sunlight, then gradually move it to a spot where it will receive full sun for at least six hours daily. Water and fertilize regularly as you have been. You can also place the plant directly in the garden, away from other plants, once the soil temperature reaches 10 degrees Celsius, then dig it up and repot it in late summer.

Stop watering and fertilizing in late summer, around August to September, and let the soil dry out completely. Remove any dead leaves, and bring the plant into a cool, dimly lit spot before your first frost.

To force the plant to rebloom, keep it in this spot for a minimum of six weeks and up to 12 weeks. Cut off any leaves that turn yellow and wither. Then begin the forcing process as outlined above. Don’t repot at this time, but you can replace the top inch or so of soil.

Holiday Cactus

Once known as Christmas cactuses, the term holiday cactus came about because you can have these plants blooming from Thanksgiving to Easter. The true Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) blooms in December, while the more commonly found Thanksgiving cactus (S. truncata) starts blooming earlier. The Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri) blooms in spring. Fortunately, they require the same general care. They also make excellent houseplants during the rest of the year and can even go outside during the summer in colder climates.

During The Holiday Season 

Put it in a spot where it gets bright, indirect light — a west-facing window that doesn’t get direct sun is ideal. Water regularly, but allow the container to drain freely and the soil to dry a bit between waterings.

Post-Holiday Care 

Continue the same care while the plant blooms. You can move the plant outdoors in spring and summer if you live in a cold-winter climate or at almost any time in the warmest winter regions. Provide bright indirect light through spring and summer and into fall. Fertilize weekly with about one-quarter-strength fertilizer from spring through summer while the plant is growing,

Holiday cactuses are also considered short-day plants that are said to need a certain amount of darkness to rebloom.

In September into October, you can reduce the amount of water your plant receives and put it in a cool, dry spot, such as an unheated garage, where it will get at least 12 hours of darkness per day for about a month. If you can’t ensure 12 hours of darkness, place a box over it in the evenings to block the light. Be careful that the covering doesn’t touch the leaves or you may damage them. Once the buds set, increase the watering and bring the plant into a more brightly lit area.

These cactuses can also grow outside year-round in Zone 9 and above.

Living Christmas Trees

You can enjoy a living Christmas tree for several years. Choose a slow-growing or dwarf conifer that will do well in your climate zone. You can’t keep it indoors for long, but it can be brought in for brief periods for several years.

During The Holiday Season 

Choose a healthy tree in a 5-gallon, 10-gallon or 15-gallon pot. Because nursery pots aren’t very festive, simply slip it into a larger, more decorative container. Set it in a bright, sunny, somewhat cool spot near a window and away from furnace vents and fireplaces. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist. One trick is to place ice cubes on top of the soil and let them melt.

Trees don’t do well inside for very long. Plan on leaving them inside for five to seven days, with a maximum of 10 days.

Post-Holiday Care 

Move your tree outside to a sheltered location out of wind and sunlight for about a week. Water deeply, saturating the root ball, and lightly hose off or wipe off the needles to remove the dust. Once the tree has adjusted to outdoor temperatures, move it into a location in full sun and water regularly. Repot if it becomes root-bound.

Norfolk pine (Araucaria heterophylla), shown here, is a living tree option that can live indoors permanently. It is often sold as a miniature living Christmas tree at nurseries, home centers, florists and grocery stores but can reach up to 100 feet outdoors. Indoors it grows slowly but will eventually reach about 6 feet tall.

During The Holiday Season 

Set your plant in a bright spot, preferably a south-facing window, out of drafts and where temperatures won’t fall below 35 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 degrees Celsius). It loves humidity, so set it on a pebble tray. Water when the soil is dry to the touch and let the container drain completely.

Post-Holiday Care 

Continue the same care throughout the rest of the year. Feed weekly with a balanced quarter-strength water-soluble fertilizer in spring and summer; don’t feed in fall and winter. Turn regularly for even growth. If the plant begins to get leggy, provide more light and cut back on fertilizer.

You fell in love with your new home because of its commanding focal point: a cozy fireplace where you envisioned spending fall and winter evenings warming up by the fire. But what if you love the flames but hate the crumbling brick, the dated brass hardware or the dirty stone? Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to glam up a tired fireplace to suit your design style. Here are some tips–ranging from super-affordable to worth-the-splurge–to give your fireplace a much-need facelift.

Give It A Fresh Coat Of Paint

As long as your fireplace is in good shape structurally and is safe to use, the easiest and most budget-friendly option to transform both the tile and mantel lies in a can of paint. Painting a fireplace white can be transformative. White works best for a fireplace because it usually can be an extension of your trim colour.

Whether you go the all-white or all-black route, or you choose contrasting colours to make it pop, don’t forget to refinish your mantel, too.

If your mantel is made of solid wood, sand it down until any finishes are removed on the surface; this will help the paint adhere and last a lot longer. With your tile surround, be sure to use a primer before applying your latex paint in your desired colour.

To freshen up stone fireplaces, leave the latex paint behind. Chalk paint does miraculous things; you can create this multi-dimensional look that’s whitish-grayish instead of just a solid painted stone. 

Cover A Faded Fireplace With Another Material

For a mid-range budgetary option, consider refacing your fireplace. You’ll get a completely new look without the huge mess and expense of a total tear-down. Try cladding the fireplace in reclaimed wood or millwork to add a warm texture, or incorporate concrete to bring an industrial, contemporary vibe to the space. You can also purchase masonry veneers which look like brick or stone but are much thinner and lighter.  

When it comes to stone or millwork for your fireplace, call in the pros or someone handy. Stone and tile require a wet saw to cut, which can be tricky.

To cut down on costs, put up 12×12 tiles or an even border of stone around the fireplace.

A great DIY alternative, try using shiplap for the upper portion of the wall above your mantel. It’s relatively straightforward to install, and can easily transform a dated fireplace into something more modern and refined. Be sure to paint the shiplap and fireplace surround the same colour so that it flows as one cohesive unit.

If you go the wood route, consult your local municipality–most building codes advise against installing combustible material within six inches of a working fireplace.

Other inexpensive refacing options include drywall, ceramic or porcelain tiles, stucco, concrete, or veneered stones–all can be affixed directly to your existing fireplace for a simple solution.

Start From Scratch

If your fireplace is traditional and your overall design scheme is ultra-modern, a can of paint probably won’t cut it. Sometimes a sledgehammer is the only choice. 

Depending on your personal style, a full demo is the only way to go to create the fireplace of your dreams. Whether that be a sleek marble surround or farmhouse shiplap incorporated with a live edge mantel.

Other splurge-worthy materials include quartz, granite or exotic wood, as well as extending the entire fireplace up to the ceiling. You can also apply any of these tips to your outdoor fireplace, if you’re lucky enough to have one.

Give Your Fireplace Mantel Some Love

An updated fireplace won’t sing until you’ve also styled your mantel. 

Start with an anchor or large piece to ground the space and layer with asymmetrical vases and artwork. Elevate the rest of the mantel with stacked books to create visual interest and finish off with some fresh greenery to complete the look. Arranging a few picture frames along it, too.

Don’t be afraid to get a bunch of accessories; you don’t know what’s going to look good until you bring it home and you can always return the items.

You can also dress up your fireplace with a spiffy new screen, or paint a dated brass screen or hardware using high heat black paint. 

No matter what your budget or style is, there’s a fireplace revamp that matches, so have some fun with this important design element.

With a 2030 goal for provinces and territories to adopt a national building code that makes Canada “net zero energy ready” and a 2050 deadline to bring the country’s carbon emissions down to net zero, the building industry has been busy implementing guidelines to move the process along.

In Canada, buildings are responsible for 17 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions — 30 per cent when you factor in the carbon from the build process and materials. The road to net zero may be long but the new home industry has already taken big steps, starting with the creation of net zero homes. 

Net zero means that on an annual basis, the home produces as much energy as it consumes. It’s a trend driven not just by the 2050 deadline but by new home buyers looking to reduce energy costs and do their part to address climate change.

The Elements Of A Net Zero Home

Net zero is more than just building “green.” It incorporates green features like upgraded insulation, triple-pane windows, energy efficient furnaces and hot water tanks and energy-rated appliances but takes the entire home into account.

Net zero homes have south-facing solar panels, heat exchange systems, south-facing windows to capture passive solar heat and technology that automatically turns off lights and appliances when not in use. They are airtight, super insulated and sealed.

In order to achieve net zero status, homes must be verified through energy modelling. To be labelled net zero under the Canadian Home Building Association’s (CHBA) Net Zero Labelling Program, homes must be 100 per cent more efficient than what the building code stipulates.

Buyers Demand Energy Efficiency

Four of the top 10 buyer must-haves were energy efficient features. At the very top of the list were appliances, ranking higher than highly coveted walk-in closets. Other desirable attributes were energy efficient windows and overall efficiency.

Air exchange systems ranked higher than two-car garages. Home buyers are looking for heat and energy recovery systems that enhance indoor air quality while minimizing heating costs.

The Net Zero Lifestyle

Simon Gosgnach is the owner of Edmonton’s first net zero home which was built in 2012. He has no gas bill, and his home produces most of its own electricity.

“When you look at our utility savings each month, it is amazing how that reduces the cost of home ownership. Looking back, it is obvious that it was a solid investment that directly contributes to a better environment,” he says.

A net zero home is a healthier home with more even heat distribution. Less air leakage means less dust. There’s higher indoor air quality which is important.

“Where did you get that?” An enthusiastic and genuine question those who thrift furniture get asked all too often. Whether you’ve upcycled a dining room table or refinished an antique armoire, you know those unique pieces have a way of attracting the eye of house guests.

Filled with charm and character, thrifted furniture is an excellent option for those on a budget, looking for a distinct piece to complete a design vision, or those simply hoping to make a positive impact on the environment and their community.

So, if you’re interested in upcycling, thrifting, or collecting, here are some thrifting tips to help you find and give new life to classic pieces.

Why Thrift For Furniture?

While purchasing second-hand furniture might sound appealing to those trying to get a deal, it has many benefits beyond your pocketbook.

Better Quality

Let’s be honest, they don’t make furniture like they used to. Most furniture built in the past was meticulously made by hand using real solid wood. It’s these types of quality pieces that really stand the test time.

Better For The Environment

The fast furniture industry is enormous and wasteful. Made of inexpensive plastics, particleboard, and resin, fast furniture items not only break quickly but look dated in only a few years. Opting to buy furniture second-hand reduces demand for new resources, therefore reducing the energy and waste needed to produce, package, and distribute new items. It also keeps our landfills clear of pieces that take millennia to break down and decompose.

Better For Your Community

Buying second-hand is a simple and effective way to help support your community. Whether you purchase items from an individual looking to declutter their home and make a few bucks or a thrift store in your neighbourhood, that money gets reinvested into the local community.

Where To Look

If you’re interested in thrifting, a great place to start is from  the comfort of your own living room. Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and second-hand apps like Carousell are filled with private sellers hoping to find new homes for their items. You can also score some deals and find unique items on eBay and online auction sites.

If hunting for pieces in-person is more your thing, head out to thrift stores, consignment shops, or flea markets. If you live in a bigger city, head to the outskirts of town to search for items, as inner-city stores and markets are often more expensive  and picked over. Estate and garage sales are also great opportunities to pick up quality furniture at a reasonable price.

Tips For Thrifting

Don’t let the thrill of the hunt get the best of you. Follow these tips and you’ll be successful in your second-hand pursuit.

Establish A Budget And Stay Within It

You can form a realistic budget by visiting popular furniture stores and pricing out a similar item.  Know exactly how much you have to spend before making your purchase. Shop using cash. Not only does it allow you to keep track of your spending, most garage sales, flea markets, and small thrift shops prefer cash. Lastly, be aware of hidden costs. While the piece itself might be a steal, consider all that must go into the item after the fact and how much those refurbishments will cost (don’t forget about shipping if you’re shopping online!).

Be Flexible, Yet Focused

When it comes to thrifting, you never know what you’re going to find (or not find). If you set out to find a particular piece but come across another item that you love, change your plans. But make sure you stay focused on your overall design goal and don’t go overboard for the sake of not missing out on a great deal.

Get Creative 

Look beyond an item’s intended use to uncover hidden potential. Repurposing is a great way to breathe new life into old items. Turn an old dresser into a bathroom vanity. Use an old ladder as a blanket rack. When you look at an item with repurposing in mind it might go from garbage to treasure.

Inspect Before Purchasing 

If you have the opportunity, inspect the item before purchasing. Look for mildew, stains, warping, cracks, and smells (like urine or smoke). If purchasing the item online, and an inspection is off the table, ask the seller to send pictures or video of any known damage as these are often not included in the original listing. Lastly, if the item is upholstered and in need of repair, store it outside of your house (in a garage or storage locker) until you’re able to properly tend to it–bed bugs don’t just hideout in beds!

Look Beyond

It’s hard not to get caught up on every scratch and dent but look past the surface and focus on the bones of the piece. Is it made of high-quality wood? Is it solid and sturdy? Is it comfortable? Items that have good bones often make the most beautiful, rehabbed pieces that last well into the future.

Routinely Shop 

Being patient and shopping frequently are the two keys to success when thrifting. Keep an eye out for garage and estate sales. Shop your local flea markets, thrift and vintage shops, and consignment stores weekly. Check online listings and apps every few days. Don’t get discouraged if your perfect desk, table, or side chair is nowhere to be seen on your first trip out. 

Happy Hunting!

When buying your first home, there are more costs involved than you may expect. Between moving expenses, legal fees, inspections and taxes, purchasing a property involves a lot more than just saving for your down payment. It’s not uncommon for first-time buyers to skip on budgeting for these expenses and then get sticker shock when all of the additional costs pile up. 

Thankfully, first-time home buyers in Canada have exclusive access to programs to help offset some of the costs. From rebates to tax credits, there are a variety of initiatives available to support prospective home buyers on their journey to homeownership. 

Here, is the scoop on five first-time home buyer programs in Canada you can apply for when you’re ready to make the leap into homeownership. 

The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)

This federal program through the Canadian Revenue Agency lets you withdraw up to $35,000 tax-free from your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) as a loan to build or buy your first home. 

In order to qualify for the HBP, you must be a first-time home buyer, have an agreement to buy or build, and intend to live in the qualifying home as your principal residence within one year after purchase or when the residence becomes habitable. You can make a single withdrawal from your RRSP or several within the same calendar year. 

You must pay back the HBP loan within a 15-year period to avoid penalties, starting the second year after the funds are first withdrawn. 

GST/HST New Housing Rebate

Targeted specifically at Canadians  buying a new construction property, the GST/HST new housing rebate allows you to recoup some of your tax expenses. 

To be eligible, you’ll need to have purchased or built a new home, or substantially renovated your own existing home that has a fair market value under $450,000 once construction is complete. The property must be your primary place of residence. Floating and mobile homes are also eligible, as well as land that is leased for at least 20 years. 

When you’ve applied for your tax rebate, be sure to keep a copy of the completed forms, original invoices and all other documents for up to six years. 

The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive

Overseen by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), this new buyer incentive program aims to reduce monthly payments with a shared-equity mortgage with the federal government. 

New buyers can claim five or 10% of the property’s purchase price to put toward a down payment. Within a 25-year period, or when the home is sold, the same percentage value of the home is paid back. The homeowner can also pay back the incentive in full at any time. 

For the purchase of a resale property or mobile home, buyers can take a 5%incentive. If buying a new construction home, purchasers can take five or 10%. 

To be eligible for the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, your household income must not exceed $120,000, your total borrowing cannot be more than four times your qualifying income, and you must meet minimum down payment requirements. 

The Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC) 

If you’re a first-time home buyer with a qualifying home you could receive up to $5,000 of the purchase from the Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC).

A qualifying home falls under most residential structure types, including single-family, semi-detached, condominium and townhouse properties that are complete or under construction. Shares in a housing cooperative granting you the right of ownership also apply. However, for any of these property types, you must intend to occupy the home as your primary residence no later than one year after purchase.

To file for the rebate, simply enter $5,000 on line 31270 of your tax return. If you’re applying for the rebate with a spouse, you can split the rebate between the two returns without exceeding the $5,000 limit. 

Land Transfer Tax Rebates

In Ontario, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, first-time home buyers can receive a reduction on their land transfer taxes. Land transfer taxes are paid when the transaction closes, and are based on the purchase price. 

In British Columbia, buyers can receive $8,000 in rebates, earning the full amount up to a $500,000 maximum purchase price. Between $500,001 and $524,999, only a partial rebate is given, and there is no rebate for prices above $525,000. 

If you find rebates confusing, or are simply looking for advice on first-time home buyer incentives, a realtor, financial expert or mortgage broker can point you in the right direction of what will best suit your needs. 

I am experienced with working with all types of buyers, both new and seasoned, I am there to walk you through every step of the home buying process.