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For gardeners, each part of the year and every change of season comes clearly marked by signature plants. In my garden, a winter daphne beside the carport welcomes spring in a cloud of fragrance.

Dear Debbie: I’m having a disagreement with my friend about a tufted armchair. I love the vintage style, but will it fit into a contemporary room setting? Karen Vintage style looks amazing in a contemporary setting, as long as it’s one or two pieces.

Dear Helen: What has caused some of my apples to have translucent flesh that looks water-soaked? Are such apples all right to eat? P.J. Your description fits a physiological condition called water core.

Dear Tony: Our strata in Abbotsford has melted down into conflict and dispute over an unauthorized expense. Our strata council of three decided it was time to renovate our lobby.

When I walk into a poorly designed room, I react immediately to the negative aspects. I don’t feel comfortable. It could be that the furniture is out of balance, creating an awkward path to follow.

Never before had I seen such glee over the prospect of a significant rainfall. Though some places on the Island were blessed with earlier summer rain, for the rest it had been drought all the way through — until the end of August.

Dear Helen: I gathered in almost all the tomatoes before the rains, and am looking for some interesting ways, beyond canning, of processing them. Something simple and quick would be nice. C.L.

Dear Tony: I have a south- facing unit in an eight-floor building, and my deck is open to the full exposure of the sun. During the day, the deck surface heats up and it is unusable as a result of the heat.

Dear Reena: I would like to know the best way to store onions so that they will keep for a fairly long time. Ruth My favourite onion storage solution includes a pair of clean pantyhose. Place an onion in the toe and tie a knot above the onion.

Anyone who has ever fantasized about peeking behind the curtain of a play, or tiptoeing into the wings for a different angle on a production will enjoy what the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is staging.