Ep 20. Transition Garden, Granite Post Sign

In season 21 episode 20 of Ask This Old House, titled "Transition Garden, Granite Post Sign," the team visits a homeowner to help enhance the look of their home's exterior. Host Kevin O'Connor is joined by landscape contractor Jenn Nawada and carpenter Nathan Gilbert. Their first stop is at a local nursery to pick out plants for a transition garden that will frame a new stone walkway.

Jenn shares her expertise with Kevin and explains that a transition garden acts as a buffer between the home and the rest of the yard, helping to seamlessly blend the two together. They choose a variety of plants that are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and will thrive in the specific lighting conditions of the area. Once the plants are selected, the team heads to the homeowner's house to begin planting.

Nathan and Kevin work on installing a granite post sign for the homeowner's property. The post needs to be drilled to accommodate a metal rod that the sign will rest on. Nathan explains to Kevin how to make sure the drilling is level and straight by using a laser level. Once the hole is drilled, they fit the rod in and secure it with epoxy.

Next, they install the actual sign onto the rod, making sure it is straight and properly secured. The sign is made from high-density urethane, a material that is weather-resistant and holds up well over time. The final product is a beautiful and durable sign that adds a touch of sophistication to the home's exterior.

Back in the transition garden, Jenn and Kevin begin planting the various plants they selected earlier. Jenn demonstrates how to properly space the plants and how to use a modified shovel to make sure each plant is leveled and planted securely. They also add a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Finally, the team installs a drip irrigation system to water the plants. Jenn explains that drip irrigation is an efficient and effective way to water plants, as it delivers water directly to the roots of the plant, minimizing water waste. The team demonstrates how to install the system and makes a few adjustments to make sure each plant is getting the proper amount of water.

Overall, "Transition Garden, Granite Post Sign" is an informative and engaging episode of Ask This Old House. Viewers will learn valuable tips and techniques for enhancing the look of their home's exterior, from choosing the right plants for a transition garden to installing a durable and beautiful sign for their property. With expert guidance from the Ask This Old House team, anyone can improve the curb appeal of their home and create a welcoming outdoor space for themselves and their guests.