Exteriors - Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Whatever amount of garden or outdoor space you have at your LEED, Passive House, ZNE or Green Home & however you hope to use it, we can help you turn it into a beautiful, functional & enjoyable space. We cover everything from alternatives to the traditional lawn, native plants, growing food on a balcony to choosing stormwater management systems, building a natural, chemical-free pool, solariums, durable deck building, natural pools, bee keeping and urban farming

Landscaping

Which are the best bee-friendly & eco-friendly alternatives to grass lawns in backyards?

Ground covers & succulent plants offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional high maintenance lawn, the bonus is, bees love them too. Alternatives to grass lawns - ground covers! North American backyards have one main point in common – Kentucky blue grass. But here we’re talking about ground covers and…

Natural swimming pools and ponds

Natural pools and natural swimming pools

Say goodbye to chlorine and hello to beauty, by using plants for filtration and oxygenation of natural swimming pools. Natural swimming pools - what are the origins? Natural pools were inspired by the beauty and joy of swimming in mountain lakes , a team of Austrian researchers are credited with launching a movement…

Landscaping

Is raking up dead leaves in fall a good or bad idea ?

A classic fall time activity - the habit of collecting fallen leaves has been called into question by many environmental experts. What are the advantages and disadvantages of raking up and disposing of dead leaves? Ecohome takes a closer look. Who hasn't played in a huge pile of fallen leaves, all raked up…

Decks, porches and gazebos

How to stain or paint Cedar wood decking when renovating old decks

We recently helped renovate and stain a huge red cedar deck that had been exposed to all weathers, ice, rain and simple living - burgers dripping relish and ketchup - and all the things we enjoy on a backyard deck. How to stain or paint an old cedar deck to make it look new and last longer. Staining or painting an…

Decks, porches and gazebos

How to restore a cedar wood deck easily

If you’re looking to learn how to make old deck boards look new, you can easily extend the life of a grey cedar deck by pressure washing and staining. Restoring a weathered cedar deck easily, step by step Cedar decking boards turn gray in a few short years if untreated, and can make your deck look much older and…

Exteriors

Top tips for energy efficient swimming pools - reduce pool cleaning & running costs

Swimming in your own home pool is a great way to stay fit, enjoy time with the family, and top up your vitamin D. But beyond the purchase price, what does it cost to run and clean swimming pools, and how can we best reduce energy costs. Energy efficient & eco friendly swimming pools - are they even a thing?! The…

Exteriors

Why to NEVER put coffee grounds on plants or the garden...

When we were spring gardening and had azaleas to plant, we remembered reading that coffee grounds might help certain garden plants so thought we'd check it out. We all know that coffee has many a wonderful benefit, from that ever-so-necessary espresso first thing in the morning, to rubbing it on your skin for a bit…

Food production

Lasagna gardening: the pros & cons of a lasagna garden

A layered no-dig lasagna garden may be an easy way to convert a lawn into a food producing garden - but it's critics may say it's too easy - Ecohome investigates. As with any easy gardening technique, there is a lot to consider regarding lasagna gardening that specifically relates to its many benefits and ease of…

Food production

Lasagna gardening - the easiest vegetable garden at home?

Lasagna gardening is one of the easiest ways to grow vegetables at home and turn a high-maintenance lawn into a productive garden space. What are the pros and cons of the lasagna garden? Do they work for clay soils. Lasagna gardening - what is it? The easiest way to turn a backyard lawn into an organic…

Food production

Food & greens can be grown easily indoors - here's how!

Growing food at home, even in an apartment, is easy for both adults & kids ; here is a beginner’s guide to growing tasty greens & vegetable sprouts indoors - just add some window space and let the harvest begin. A certain level of independence and a real sense of satisfaction can be gained from the growing hobby of…

Natural swimming pools and ponds

Heating a swimming pool - top 10 cost-efficient & eco-friendly ways to heat a pool

Heating a swimming pool - top 10 tips for cost-efficient & eco-friendly ways to heat a pool including planning & building a pool for energy efficiency. How to save money on heating a pool Swimming in a warm pool is a wonderful feeling , and while we hear from many pool owners in the cooler states & provinces that…