
Emily grew up in a household where there was always a summer garden, and a room being renovated. This influence followed her into adulthood as she has worked in various trades for more than a decade, specializing in tile and trim carpentry. She owns and runs MLE Renovations and has over 15 years of professional renovation and landscaping experience.
Emily has a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Guelph, a Masters in Creative Writing from Humber College, and a Journalism diploma from Conestoga College, so writing about DIY projects is her dream job! She’s particularly interested in green design, re-purposing items, and creating environmentally-friendly outdoor landscapes. She always has a project in mind. Next on the list: creating a rain garden on the front lawn, and turning her garage into a working office and guest suite.
Emily lives just southwest of Toronto, but grew up in Chicago, and has family across Canada and the United States. She currently works in a Lowes garden center and has an orange tabby cat who helps her decide where plants should go - without getting his paws dirty.
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How to Build a Raised Garden Bed
Starting with a frame allows you to control soil quality....
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How to Plant, Grow and Care for Hydrangeas
Mature hydrangeas can be divided to form new shrubs....
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Guide to Growing and Caring for Petunias
Oh, my sweet petunia...so much more than just a pretty face....
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6 Greenhouse Ideas (and How to Build One)
Protect your plants and lengthen growing season....
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Lettuce Propagation Methods
It's easy to grow your own lettuce, let's get started....
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17 Exterior Mistakes that Decrease Home Value and Curb Appeal
These basic errors lower your home's price....
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How to Flip a House
It's a big process, but it can be very lucrative....
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How to Build a Fire Pit
Building a fire pit is a satisfying and straightforward DIY project....
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Snow Fence 101
While we can’t control the weather, we can manipulate where snow accumulates using a snow fen...
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Is Bokashi Composting Better?
This ancient technique accelerates the breakdown process....
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A Fall Checklist for Gardeners
Don't let cool weather get you down with these gardening tips....
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How to Maintain a Healthy Lawn in Volatile Weather Conditions
Don't let your grass fall victim to the weather....
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5 Ways to Design a Small Urban Garden
A small space doesn't mean you can't have plants....
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Drought Resistant Landscaping
Frustrated by dry spells and browning gardens? Think local....
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Is Duct Cleaning Worth It?
Protect your air quality with an annual checkup....
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Unique Deck Designs
Think outside the rectangle....
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Cleaning Stone Fireplace Fronts
5 easy steps to get your stone fireplace sparkling....
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What to Know About Cars Moving North
Prepare for some generally tougher conditions....
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Plant Pet Safety
Some leaves are toxic to our fuzzy friends....
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What Plants Work Best for Rain Gardens?
These beauties love the water....
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6 Popular Campers and RVs
Explore the world in a home you trust....
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Shower Head Replacement Tips
Invest in shower power with these handy tips!...
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Bathtub Caulking: What Types of Caulk to Use
One of the keys to a good application is to choose the right product....
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10 Perfect Plants for Permaculture Gardens
These beautiful plants produce nutritious food....
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7 Signs It's Time to Replace Old Plumbing
Gripes with your pipes? Use your senses to check out plumbing issues....
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How to Unclog a Toilet
Don't panic! One of these 6 methods is bound to work!...
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7 Resolutions to Save Money With DIY
Mutitask by learning new DIY skills that will save you money....
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7 Must-Do Projects Around the House in February
Beat the February Blues with these must-do projects....
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Kitchen Design Trends for 2019
Check out these kitchen trends that are all the rage this new year....
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Installing an Outdoor Pole Light
Installing an outdoor pole light can be a way to get functional lighting as well as ambience....
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How To Prepare Your Land To Build a House
You'll need to clear the land before you start construction....
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Beginners Guide to Van Life
Could living on the road be right for you?...
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10 Gorgeous Low Water Plants
These beauties will flourish even in dry climates....
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Create a Garden Wall with a Trellis
With care and patience, you can create a new space....
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How to Tell If You're Under or Over Watering Your Plants
They'll show different signs depending on how wet they are....
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10 of the Best Indoor Plants
From trendy newcomers to classic standbys....
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How to Care for the 2021 Plant of the Year
This peaceful beauty prefers bright indirect light....
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How to Prune in a Way That's Good for the Tree
Your large plants will be both healthier and more beautiful....
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How to Conserve Water in Your Garden
Keep your plants thriving and your water bills low....
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10 Birds You Want in Your Orchard (and How to Keep Away the Ones You Don't)
Many birds will help protect your fruit trees from insects....
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10 Tools You Should Rent Instead of Buying
Some one-time projects don't require a permanent investment....
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Starting Plants Indoors
Save time and money by starting this garden project now!...
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How to Remove a Tree Root Without Hurting the Tree
Never take out more than a third of the root system....
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10 Trees That Make Great Indoor Plants
Bring a hint of the forest indoors....
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How to Propagate Pineapples, Avocados, and Citrus Trees
With patience, you can grow a special garden from scraps....
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10 Alternative Lawn Styles
Save money, water, and the planet by switching from grass....
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Growing an Attractive Front Yard Vegetable Garden
Enjoy your landscape both outdoors and in the kitchen!...
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10 Money-Saving DIY Car Projects
Preempt potential damage down the road....
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Patio vs Deck
Your preference might depend on the qualities of your space....
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9 Rain Garden Ideas
Design your garden to flourish in wet seasons....