Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada takes us on a road trip to discuss roses at the International Rose Test Garden in Portland, Oregon. While there, botanic specialist Rachel Burlington explains the city’s history with roses, why the area is ideal for roses, and some of the best varieties to plant.
After the rose garden visit, Jenn takes us to a homeowner’s backyard to plant one of the rose varieties. The two find a bare spot in a garden bed before they plant their new rose bush.
Next, carpenter Nathan Gilbert heads out to solve a homeowner’s tile problem. With some damage to some existing tile, Nathan shows the homeowner how to remove the old tile, patch the damage, install the new tile, and blend the repair.
Finally, we meet the entire cast from season 22 back at the shop to answer some fan mail—good and bad. The team answers questions about some of their techniques and choices, as well as responds to some kind and encouraging comments sent by viewers and readers.
Jenn Learns All About Roses
When a homeowner contacted the team at Ask This Old House for help with her rose garden, Jenn Nawada answered the call. But instead of choosing any variety off the shelf, Jenn headed to the International Rose Test Garden. There, she received help from Rachel Burlington, the Botanic Specialist. Rachel taught Jenn some interesting facts about roses, the test garden, and Portland’s love for roses.
Where to find it?
Jenn heads to Portland, Oregon, to meet up with Rachel Burlington, a Botanic Specialist at the International Rose Test Garden, to give a tour of the gardens and discuss the process of rose testing to see how different cultivars thrive in a variety of conditions and for a long period of time.
Rachel suggests that homeowner Catherine should plant a rose variety called All Dressed Up.
To install the rose bush, Jenn and Catherine used digging shovels to dig the hole.
How To Replace Bathroom Tiles
After a homeowner purchased their new home, they set out to remove the previous owner’s handicap grab bars. As a result, their fully-tiled bathroom was left with some holes that needed patching. When they called the team at Ask This Old House for help, carpenter Nathan Gilbert gladly headed out to help them patch up their problem.
Where to find it?
To remove the tile, Nathan first scores around the grout using a utility knife. Then, he uses a grout brush to clean out any dust. He also uses a carbide-tipped grout removal tool to help create a clean open line in the grout. He then begins carefully chipping out the tile with a hammer and chisel.
Once the gypsum board is vacuumed and wiped off, the tile is ready to be installed. To adhere the new tile, Nathan uses a tile repair mortar, applying it to the back of the tile using a 1/8-inch notched trowel. Once the tile is laid in, Nathan checks that the depth of the tile matches the others with a level. To grout the tiles, Nathan uses an unsanded grout that comes in a caulking tube for easy application.
The Crew Responds to Viewer Feedback
Join host Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, paint expert Mauro Henrique, mason Mark McCullough, landscape contractors Jenn Nawada and Lee Gilliam, carpenter Nathan Gilbert, home technology expert Ross Trethewey, and master electrician Heath Eastman as the team digs into the digital mailbag.
Original Air Date: May 30, 2024, Season 22; Ep. 26 23:12
Products and services from this episode
- Side trip: Washington Park International Rose Test Garden
- Expert assistance: Botanic Specialist, Rachel Burlington
