ben napier builds greenhouse family garden

7 Intentional Details Ben Napier Built Into His Family Greenhouse And Garden

ben napier builds greenhouse family garden

The ultimate gift of love and legacy, Ben Napier’s custom-built family greenhouse and garden has become one of the most talked-about projects from the HGTV hit series, Home Town. Revealed as a touching Mother’s Day surprise for his wife, Erin Napier, this structure is far more than just a place to grow plants; it is a meticulously crafted space designed to cultivate a passion for gardening in their daughters and serve as a living, breathing family heirloom.

As of December 15, 2025, the garden continues to thrive, reflecting the Napiers’ deep commitment to their Mississippi roots and small-town living. Every beam, pane of glass, and planting bed in this English-style greenhouse was chosen with intention, weaving the family's history and future aspirations into the very fabric of their country home’s landscape. Here is a deep dive into the man behind the build and the seven most sentimental details of this extraordinary family garden.

Ben Napier: Woodworker, Entrepreneur, and Family Man

Ben Napier is a beloved figure in the home renovation and design world, known for his masterful woodworking, towering stature, and gentle demeanor. Alongside his wife, Erin Napier, he has championed the revitalization of their hometown, Laurel, Mississippi, through their HGTV show, Home Town.

  • Full Name: Ben Napier
  • Occupation: Woodworker, Craftsman, Author, Entrepreneur, Reality Television Personality
  • Hometown: Laurel, Mississippi
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree in History
  • Early Career: Served as a youth minister at Laurel First United Methodist Church before pursuing woodworking full-time.
  • Businesses: Founder of Scotsman Co. (a woodworking and manufacturing company) and co-owner of Laurel Mercantile Co. (a home goods store).
  • Wife: Erin Napier (married in 2008)
  • Children: Daughters Helen and Mae
  • Television Career: Co-host of HGTV’s Home Town and Home Town Takeover.
  • Signature Style: Preserving historic charm and incorporating custom, handmade wood pieces into every renovation project.

The Sentimental Story Behind the Greenhouse Surprise

The inspiration for the family greenhouse project stemmed from a deeply personal place: a desire to connect their children to the simple, life-affirming process of growing things. Ben and Erin Napier share a mutual wish for their daughters, Helen and Mae, to grow up with a profound love of gardening, understanding the value of patience and the cycle of nature.

Ben undertook the build in secret, a massive undertaking that showcased his dedication as a craftsman and husband. The reveal on a special Mother’s Day episode of Home Town was an emotional moment, highlighting the fact that this was not just a television project but a personal gift of time and love. The structure is a custom, English-style greenhouse, a nod to classic, timeless design that fits perfectly with the Napiers' aesthetic.

This "garden surprise" was designed to be a multi-generational space—a place where the family could spend time together, potting plants, starting seeds, and sharing stories. It represents a living legacy that Ben hopes will instill valuable life lessons in his children.

7 Intentional Details That Make Ben Napier's Greenhouse a Family Heirloom

Ben Napier is known for his intentional design, and the greenhouse is perhaps the most personal example of this philosophy. He ensured that every element had a story, transforming a simple garden structure into a powerful family heirloom.

1. Reclaimed Windows from Home Town Projects

One of the most significant sentimental touches is the use of reclaimed materials. The greenhouse features old windows salvaged from previous Home Town renovations. This detail not only promotes sustainability but also literally incorporates the history of their work and their town into their private family space. It’s a physical reminder of the hundreds of homes and lives they’ve helped restore in Laurel, Mississippi.

2. Wood Milled by Ben Napier Himself

As the founder of Scotsman Co., Ben’s passion lies in woodworking. For this project, he used wood that he personally milled. This hands-on approach ensures that the structure is not just built by him, but is a true product of his craft, making the greenhouse a unique, custom space that could never be replicated. The wood itself carries the energy of his labor and love.

3. The "Souvenir" Seed Starting Station

Ben shared a beautiful tradition that is now housed in the greenhouse: collecting seeds from their travels. He set up a dedicated station inside the structure for starting these "souvenir seeds." Instead of collecting trinkets, the Napiers bring back seeds from the places they visit, allowing them to grow a piece of their travel memories right in their backyard. This detail is a beautiful way to connect their family adventures to their home life.

4. A Focus on Multi-Generational Gardening

The layout and design of the surrounding family garden were intentionally created to be accessible and engaging for children. The goal is to encourage Helen and Mae to get their hands dirty, learn about where food comes from, and develop a sense of responsibility for living things. The garden is positioned as a classroom, a play space, and a sanctuary all in one.

5. An English-Style Design for Timeless Appeal

The architectural style of the greenhouse is distinctly English, characterized by its classic lines, glass panes, and substantial structure. This choice reflects the Napiers’ love for historic and timeless design elements. The English-style greenhouse ensures the structure will age gracefully and remain a beautiful feature of their property for decades to come, just like the historic homes they renovate.

6. A Sanctuary Away from the Cameras

While the build was featured on Home Town, the greenhouse and family garden serve as a truly private, personal space. Ben built it specifically for his family, separate from the demands of their television careers. It is their retreat—a place to unplug, connect with nature, and enjoy quiet family time away from the constant spotlight of being HGTV stars.

7. A Mother's Day Legacy of Intentionality

The timing of the gift—Mother's Day—was perhaps the most intentional detail of all. It was a grand gesture of appreciation for Erin's role as a mother and a partner. By creating a beautiful, lasting structure that facilitates family bonding and teaching, Ben provided a gift that will continue to give back to the entire family for years, embodying the spirit of intentional living that the Napiers champion.

Cultivating a Love for Home and History

The Ben Napier greenhouse and family garden project stands as a powerful testament to the values the Napiers promote: the importance of home, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the enduring power of family. By blending salvaged materials with custom-milled wood and a deep personal history, Ben created more than a structure; he built a symbol of their life and legacy in Laurel, Mississippi. This custom space, filled with everything from reclaimed windows to souvenir seeds, ensures that the Napier daughters will grow up with a hands-on connection to their heritage and a lifelong love for the garden.

ben napier builds greenhouse family garden
ben napier builds greenhouse family garden

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ben napier builds greenhouse family garden
ben napier builds greenhouse family garden

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