Ep 18. Passage Set, Landscape

In this episode of Ask This Old House, the team focuses on two different projects related to outdoor spaces. The first project involves installing a passage set on an interior door, while the second involves creating an attractive landscape in a front yard.

The first project starts with host Kevin O'Connor meeting up with door hardware expert Mark Rippy. They are at a house where the owner wants to replace an old doorknob with a new passage set. Mark explains that passage sets include both a latch and a strike, but no locking mechanism. He shows Kevin the different parts of the new passage set and how they fit together.

After removing the old doorknob, Mark uses a template to mark the spot where the latch and strike will be installed. He drills the necessary holes and chisels out space for the latch. Then he screws the latch and strike into place.

Next, Mark installs the actual door handle. He shows Kevin how to carefully align the screws so the handle is straight. Then he adds the finishing touches like the escutcheon, which covers the hole around the latch and makes the whole setup look sleek and polished.

The second project takes place at a house where landscaping expert Jenn Nawada meets up with homeowner Emily to improve the curb appeal of the front yard. Emily explains that the yard currently has no plants or other features besides a single large tree. Jenn makes some suggestions for how to add visual interest and make the yard look more inviting.

First, Jenn and Emily work on clean-up and preparation. They prune the tree and clear out any dead or overgrown plants. Jenn lays out a plan for where different elements will go, such as new plants along the pathway and a raised garden bed in the corner.

Jenn teaches Emily how to dig a trench for edging, which will help keep the lawn separated from the garden bed. They also add some roller-style edging along the path. Then Jenn and Emily start adding plants, including flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, and a small rose bush.

The final step is to add some decorative touches, such as a trellis for climbing plants and a birdhouse. Jenn also gives Emily some advice on how to maintain the new landscaping, such as watering and pruning.

Overall, this episode of Ask This Old House offers practical tips and advice for two different outdoor projects. Whether viewers are looking to upgrade their interior doorknobs or create a more attractive front yard, they can learn from the experts on the show.