Lighter snow than normal in December has gardeners in Calgary wondering about watering their trees and perennial beds this month.

I remember wearing shorts on the deck in December in the '90s, so this is not the first time we've had warm weather at this time of year. But dry winters are rare, so let's review the rulebook for gardeners about winter watering. The short answer is, don't do it.

Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, with everything from vast natural areas to a popular, manmade swimming lake.

But the 1,348-hectare park almost never happened, and once faced the unfortunate possibility of being loved to death by the expanding population of Calgary.

Its saviours were a dashing politician who came to power in the early 1970s, and later, diligent work by provincial park staff to find a balance between human use and wild spaces.

Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta's Silvercreek Legacy build is now underway in the northwest Calgary community of Silver Springs. Work started on the affordable housing project at the end of November, and since then water and sewer have gone in, with the foundation set to be poured at the end of January.

Reservoir-community residents feel nurtured by nature

For most homeowners, the idea of stepping outside and being immersed in nature with peaceful walking trails, busy beavers and stunning sunsets is the stuff of dreams. For residents of communities around the Glenmore Reservoir, however, it's just another day in paradise.

Perched on the Elbow River, the Glenmore Reservoir and Dam were constructed in 1933 to provide Calgarians a safe and sufficient supply of drinking water. While they certainly do that, they offer so much more.

"The reservoir has given residents a special connection to the environment," said Geoffrey Vanderburg, president of the Lakeview Community Association.

When temperatures drop and snow flies, Calgarians need not stay indoors or head out of town to stay active.

When the Alberta economy was firing on all cylinders, Albertans were known throughout the country as the one demographic that was sustaining the recreational residential property market in Canada.

Renovation expert and HGTV superstar Bryan Baeumler has fond memories of his first home, a small, 50-year-old bungalow that he purchased and renovated with his wife, Sarah, who is an interior designer.

Renovations are often a serious consideration for homeowners planning to sell.

Nick Lima, a Calgary REALTOR® who specializes in marketing renovated homes and those in need of renovations, says reaching out to the right experienced professional should be the first step.