Ep 7. Butterfly Garden; Dark Closet

In Ask This Old House season 14 episode 7, titled "Butterfly Garden; Dark Closet," the team tackles two projects: building a butterfly garden and installing a light in a dark closet.

First, host Kevin O'Connor meets up with horticulturist Carrie Engel at a local botanical garden to learn about creating a butterfly garden. Carrie explains that the key is to provide a variety of host plants and nectar sources. She also suggests planting in groups and using mulch to retain moisture. Back at the project house, Kevin and landscaper Roger Cook get to work creating the garden. They start by removing the existing lawn and preparing the soil. Then, they install a stone path and plant a variety of native plants, including milkweed, coneflowers, and butterfly bushes. Finally, they add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. The end result is a beautiful and functional butterfly garden that will attract a variety of species.

Next, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey tackles a dark closet in need of a light. He first confirms that there is no existing electrical wiring in the closet. To solve this problem, he suggests using a wireless, battery-operated light that attaches to the ceiling with adhesive. Richard demonstrates how to install the light, which involves first attaching a base plate to the ceiling and then snapping the light fixture onto the plate. He also shows how to attach a remote control to the light so that it can be turned on and off from outside the closet. This quick and easy solution provides much-needed light in the closet without the need for extensive electrical work.

In addition to these two main projects, the episode also includes a few quick tips from the Ask This Old House team. Roger Cook shares how to properly prune a hydrangea bush, while plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shares a quick tip for preventing rattling pipes. Finally, Kevin O'Connor shares a viewer question about how to restore a worn wooden porch. He consults with carpenter Nathan Gilbert, who suggests first sanding and cleaning the porch and then applying a coat of protective sealer. This simple solution will help protect the wood and keep the porch looking its best for years to come.

Overall, Ask This Old House season 14 episode 7 provides a great mix of practical advice and DIY inspiration. Whether you're looking to create a butterfly garden, install a light in a dark closet, or simply learn some helpful tips and tricks, this episode offers something for everyone.