Of course, not just any rock will do. So, luckily, there are lots of options when it comes to building the perfect patio. From your standard red interlocking paving bricks; to black slate; to sandstone tiles, stamped concrete, and even aggregate; there’s wide variety of materials available—all with their own advantages and disadvantages. We’ll explore some of the possibilities in this edition’s feature story titled ‘Rock Solid’.

Also in the spotlight this month is our salute to the SAMs, the Canadian Home Builders Association – Calgary Region’s annual awards of excellence in home building. From ‘starter’ homes, to million dollar mansions, to Builder of the Year, we’ve got the complete list of winners.

And, since summer officially arrives soon (although you’d never know it from the weather!) we take a look at some gadgets to help your garden grow, including a mini-greenhouse, rain barrel, mulcher, watering can and sprinkler timer. Still in the backyard, our Focus On photo spread will light a fire under you, while L. Sara Bysterveld’s Going Green column teaches a thing or two about eco-friendly lawn care.

For show home aficionados we’ve got four fantastic houses from four of the city’s top builders, including recently named 2008 Builder of the Year Morrison Homes. Join us as we tour Morrison’s Ellsworth model in prestigious Wentworth Glen; Jayman MasterBUILT’s Manhattan design in Riversong (Cochrane); and Excel Home’s Sherwood II home in the new southeast community of Walden. For our front cover feature we travel to the northwest to Royal Oak and check out Birchwood Properties’ new ‘Character’ and ‘Estate’ show homes.

The big news this month though, and something we’re really proud of here at Source Media Group, is the launch of our brand new magazine—Okotoks Living. Produced and distributed with assistance from the Town of Okotoks, Okotoks Living is all about just that … living in Okotoks. It’s about the lifestyle, the people, the places and the things, including a major focus on sustainability, that make Okotoks the great town it is.  Watch for Okotoks living to be distributed to households in Okotoks, in Media Classified vendor boxes south of Fish Creek Park in Calgary, and at various locations around Okotoks.