Ep 28. Rethinking a Garden

In Ask This Old House season 19 episode 28, titled "Rethinking a Garden," the team heads to New Jersey to help a family transform their overgrown and outdated backyard garden into a stunning outdoor living space.

Host Kevin O'Connor meets with homeowner Chris to survey the current garden and get a sense of what he wants to achieve with the redesign. Chris shows Kevin the different areas of the garden, including a vegetable patch and a seating area, and expresses his desire for a more cohesive and inviting space that can be used for entertaining.

Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada joins Kevin and Chris to begin the garden redesign. Jenn starts by removing some of the overgrown plants that are crowding the garden and blocking natural light. She also maps out a new layout for the space, separating it into different sections for cooking, dining, and relaxing.

Next, Jenn and Kevin begin work on the cooking area, which will feature a built-in grill and a stone countertop. They remove the old grill and level the ground to create a solid base for the new cooking station. Jenn also adds some raised planters along the back of the garden, which will allow Chris to grow his own herbs and vegetables for cooking.

The dining area is next on the list, and Jenn creates a beautiful outdoor table and bench using repurposed wood from an old barn. The table provides ample space for Chris and his family to enjoy meals al fresco, while the surrounding garden creates a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

For the seating area, Jenn constructs a simple and elegant pergola using cedar wood. The pergola defines the space and provides a focal point for the garden, while also adding some shade and shelter from the sun. Jenn also installs some beautiful and comfortable outdoor furniture, creating a perfect spot for Chris and his family to sit and enjoy their surroundings.

Throughout the episode, Kevin and Jenn offer helpful tips and advice for viewers who are looking to redesign their own gardens. They explain the importance of creating a cohesive design and using materials that will withstand the elements, while also emphasizing the value of repurposing and recycling materials whenever possible.

By the end of the episode, Chris is thrilled with his new garden and can't wait to start using it to entertain friends and family. The garden has been transformed from a neglected and overgrown space into a beautiful and functional outdoor living area, thanks to the expertise of the Ask This Old House team.