
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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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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DIY Projects for Cat and Dog Owners
Press paws on human projects for a minute....
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How to Get Free Trees and Plants
Stop paying for plants!...
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Trees You Shouldn't Plant Near Houses
Keep these problematic trees at a distance....
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How to Save a Dying Arborvitae Tree
Learn about the "tree of life" and how to keep it thriving....
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Redbud Tree Propagation Instructions
Grow your own redbud tree with these tried and true methods....
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How to Find Homes For Rent in Your Area
Find your dream home with these rental tips....
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Identifying & Treating Hollyhock Diseases And Pests
Keep your hollyhocks blooming for years....
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Easy Outdoor Plants
Steer clear of invasive species and plant these instead....
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When To Plant Vegetables
Set them up for success....
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Wildfire Prevention and Preparation
How to keep safe when wildfires are imminent....
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Crafting With Real Flowers
Celebrate their beauty with an artistic touch....
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Cleaning Tips for Common Appliances
Your appliances need a little love....
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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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No-Mow Lawns
Ditch the lawnmower this summer and plant this instead....
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Organic Lawn Care 101
Learn how to get a healthy lawn the natural way....
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How to Plant and Grow a Clover Lawn
Plant this for a greener, lusher lawn!...
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Inexpensive but Stunning Landscaping Ideas
Find joy in simple steps....
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Beautify Your Backyard Landscape on a Budget
You don't have to break the bank to buff your bushes....
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Alternative Landscapes for Challenging Terrain
These backyard ideas go beyond the garden bed....
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Desert Gardens and Other Water-Efficient Landscaping
Create a lush backyard even in the driest places....
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Designing an Outdoor Kitchen
Cooking outside isn't limited to barbecuing....
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9 Features That Make Tiny Home Living More Fun
Spice up a minimalist lifestyle with some simple pleasures....
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Outdoor Kitchen Patio: Surface Types
Smooth floors will make the space more fun to use....
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Cheap Paver Patio Ideas (And How to Install One)
Inexpensive surfaces can still have that "wow" factor....
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The Best Ways to Prevent Weed Growth Between Pavers
Don't skip these steps before laying patio stones....
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Paver Alternatives to Suit Any Space
Think outside of the box with these interesting patio ideas....
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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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How to Conserve Water in Your Garden
Keep your plants thriving and your water bills low....
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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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6 Popular Campers and RVs
Explore the world in a home you trust....
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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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Bathroom Tasks You Should Do More Often Than You Think
Don't let surprising hazards sneak up on you....
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What Vegetables Can You Grow Indoors in Winter?
Keep a kitchen garden all year long!...
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8 Home Upgrades You Can Do as a Beginning DIYer
Add value to your home, or just make it more fun to live in....
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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....
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The Secrets to a Great Windowsill Garden
Whether ornamental or edible, keep them growing strong....
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9 Fast Growing Flowers for a Springtime Garden
You have a beautiful bounty from which to pick....
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How to Use a Hammer
Master the original DIY tool....
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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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Spring Bulbs for Beginners
Consider timing, size, and color for a varied bloom....
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9 Small Space Design Trends
Find some new creative uses for your nooks....
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10 Projects That Aren't as Hard as You Thought
They'll each increase the value of your home....
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10 Winterizing Tasks You Absolutely Have to Do
Speed up your process with this high priority checklist....
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How to Insulate an Attic: DIY Attic Insulation
Good insulation makes home heating and cooling cheaper....
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6 Things You Might Not Know About Grass
It's a surprisingly diverse plant category....
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How to Propagate Pineapples, Avocados, and Citrus Trees
With patience, you can grow a special garden from scraps....