We use our barbecue so much that, in addition to giving it a thorough cleaning every spring, we need to replace it with a new one about every five years. If that sounds familiar, or if you just feel it’s time for an upgrade of the old grill, then don’t miss our special Focus On barbecues.

And, continuing on that theme of outdoor living, we’ve got a great feature story on patio furniture, an environmentally friendly article on community gardening, and a Gadgets page devoted to your deck.

Our community profile turns the spotlight on Airdrie this month with features on the growth of the city itself, as well as show home walk-throughs of homes by Mattamy Homes and Vesta Properties.

Back in Calgary, our writers tour the Manchester, by Crystal Creek Homes, and, for our cover feature, the Verve from Creations By Shane Homes.

On the interior side of things, Aly Velji’s Design & Décor column tackles the three Rs of  decorating during a recession: Re-purposing, re-configuring and re-selling. It’s practical and timely advice we can all use.