In this episode:

Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada meets a plant expert at a local greenhouse to talk about different houseplants and tropical plants. The two discuss the importance of the direction windows face, as it determines how much sunlight the room will get. Matching this sunlight to the right type of plants will allow them to thrive. They also explore suggestions for greenery with different sun exposure requirements: shade plants like bamboo palms and pothos, partial shade plants like dracaena and Swiss cheese plants, and full sun plants like crotons and snake plants. Next, we catch up with House One editor Jenn Largesse as her backyard renovation project continues to progress. With the new shipping container pool installed, code requires the entire yard to be fenced in. Opting for low-maintenance, she decides on a 6-foot vinyl fence product that more than meets code requirements. After digging fence post holes 3-feet-deep, Jenn fills them with concrete and slides the fence posts in place. Next, she installs the bottom rails that stretch from post to post, before installing individual pickets. Then, she caps the fence off with top rails and post caps, making her yard safe and secure. Finally, we meet host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva at the shop as the two get busy building a beehive. Starting with the bottom board (the hive version of a basement), the two build the main hive body, the racks (also known as frames), and the top covers. With all the individual pieces necessary, the pair make use of a variety of materials and power tools to assemble the entire hive.

Houseplants for Different Areas of the House

Landscape expert Jenn Nawada takes us to a local greenhouse to discuss how to choose houseplants for any room.

Where to find it?

Jenn Nawada and Chris Bell, the houseplants and tropical plants expert at Weston Nurseries, gives insight on how to choose houseplants for different areas of a home.

How To Install a Vinyl Fence

House One editor and DIY expert Jenn Largesse installs a low-maintenance fence around her yard to bring it up to code.

Where to find it?

Jenn and Jon from Southway Fence install a Chesterfield Smooth White Vinyl Fence. The fence is manufactured by Bufftech, a CertainTeed brand. Jenn demonstrates how to dig a post hole with a post hole digger. John sets the vinyl post in quick-set concrete and uses a level and string line to finalize its position. Jenn and John insert the steel-reinforced bottom rails between the posts, and then tap the vertical panel pieces into the groove with a rubber mallet—making trims to their height and width with a miter saw and table saw as needed—before capping them with the top rail. They use a drill driver to install a set screw and then secure the caps with PVC adhesive. Lastly they hang the gate hardware and gate using a drill/driver.

How To Build a Beehive

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor get to work building a hive for honeybees.

Where to find it?

There are a lot of beehive plans to choose from online. Try these free beehive plans from The Spruce. Original Air Date: Apr 21, 2022, Season 20; Ep. 26 23:42

Products and Services

Expert assistance: Weston NurseriesSouthway Fence Vinyl fence manufacturer: CertainTeed Beehive plans: The Spruce