STEINBACH, MAN. THE CARILLON n B15
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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026
Home & Yard SPRING
SHOPPINGGUIDE|2026
Transform your backyard into a wellness space
3 benefits of ground cover plants: varieties to explore
D o you ever wish you could have a spa- like experience without leaving home? You can create your own wellness space right in your own backyard. Here are some tips to inspire you. What does wellness mean for you? Do you need a workout space? Do you have a meditation practice? Are you a yoga or Pilates practitioner? Do certain religious or spiritual icons speak to you? Let your personal vision of wellness guide you in your backyard transfor- mation. Inspire serenity through clean design A tidy, uncluttered space with clean lines creates a calming atmosphere. When you choose furniture or structures for your back- yard, select items that eliminate distraction
and promote contemplation. Incorporate organic elements
I s maintaining your lawn becoming a chore? You might want to consider replacing part of your grass with ground cover plants. These low-growing plants have many advan- tages and support local biodiversity. Here are three great reasons to make the switch, plus a few easy varieties to try. 1. Save time on maintenance A diverse lawn resists disease, pests and harsh weather better than grass alone. Ground cover plants spread quickly and crowd out weeds nat- urally. Say goodbye to chemical sprays! They also form a protective layer over the soil, which helps to slow water evaporation. This means your lawn will bounce back more easily from summer drought, especially in sparser areas, such as spots under trees or in shady corners. 2. Add style and originality to your yard Who says lawns must be green? Many types
of ground cover bloom for weeks, adding a touch of colour and originality to your land- scaping. Plant them along pathways, near low walls or between decorative pavers, and let na- ture do its work. 3. Support the environment Ground cover plants generally require less watering than traditional turf. They also at- tract pollinators and provide a valuable source of food, especially late in the season. Support the bees and butterflies! You have plenty to choose from when it comes to ground cover plants. For example, white clover and lesser periwinkle grow al- most anywhere. Creeping thyme tolerates light foot traffic, and sedum is relatively resistant to drought and temperature swings. Visit a garden centre or nursery in your area for more information about ground cover plants.
A strong relationship with the natural world goes hand in hand with a healthy body and mind. Plants are just one way to forge that connection with nature. However, you may resonate with other organic features, such as a stone garden, a fire pit or a water fountain. Build the spa of your dreams If space allows, why not construct your fa- vourite spa experience? A sauna and cold plunge are so much easier to do every day when you have them right outside your back door. A simple wooden platform can become the perfect meditation or yoga space. Visit your local garden centre for more inspi- ration.
Master the art of contrasts D o you want to give your garden added visual interest without compromising on sophistication? Try embracing the Combine rustic garden furniture with luxuri- ous fabrics and prints. Geometric balance
Spotlight on Corten steel: a versatile landscaping material H ave you noticed an increase in metal outdoor installations with a rich or- ange-brown finish? These creations are made from Corten steel, a durable and eye-catching material. Composition
Uses Originally used for railway equipment and later embraced by avant-garde artists and ar- chitects, Corten steel now appears in a wide range of landscaping features, including foun- tains, outdoor fireplaces, decorative panels, garden edging, planters and fences. Corten steel is praised for its exceptional durability—it can last more than 50 years. It also requires minimal maintenance. All you have to do is rinse it with water if it becomes dirty. If you want to preserve a specific shade, apply a clear sealant once the desired colour is achieved. Do you want to add character to your yard? Incorporate Corten steel into your landscaping.
Soften industrial materials with the organic shapes of trees and flowers. The smooth, func- tional lines created by a concrete walkway are subtly balanced with a border of irregularly shaped stones. Complementary light and shadow Create spaces where sunshine and shadow are the focus. A sundial feature tracks the sun’s movement. Mature leafy trees provide sooth- ing dappled light. Reach out to a local landscaper for help making the most of your outdoor space.
spirit of yin and yang. Here’s your inspiration to incorporate artful contrasts in your outdoor spaces. Colour harmony Commit to two complementary colours and apply them throughout your outdoor space— think blue and orange, yellow and purple or red and green. Diverse textures Textures contribute to your visual and tactile experience. Create a counterpoint with deco- rative shrubs beside a stone retaining wall.
Corten steel is made by combining copper, chromium, nickel and phosphorus with tradi- tional steel. This alloy protects the metal’s sur- face from oxygen by developing a protective layer of rust. This layer is so dense that cor- rosion cannot penetrate the structure, which prevents any future deterioration. Unlike or- dinary rust, this outer layer, also called a pati- na, reaches maturity after several months to a few years. Over time, the colour changes from bright orange to a deep brown.
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