Karen E Laine Takes It Outside in the HGTV Special 'Good Bones: Better Yard'

Karen E Laine, Master Gardener and co-star of the HGTV hit series Good Bones, follows her true passion of renovating clients' outdoor spaces in the network's new special Good Bones: Better Yard.

October 26, 2022
Karen lays out her plan to the Demo Boys. Renovated by Karen; as seen on Good Bones: Better Backyard Season 1

Karen lays out her plan to the Good Bones crew (aka, the Demo Boys) for the backayrd makeover featured in the new HGTV special, Good Bones Better Yard.

Karen lays out her plan to the Good Bones crew (aka, the Demo Boys) for the backayrd makeover featured in the new HGTV special, Good Bones Better Yard.

Fans of HGTV's Good Bones know that, when it comes to creative re-imagining spaces, the special forte of co-host and resident-mom Karen E Laine is the great outdoors. That set of special skills comes to the fore in Karen's first-ever solo special, Good Bones: Better Yard, coming to HGTV.

The 'mother' half of the Karen-and-Mina mother-daughter duo (aka, "Two Chicks and a Hammer" — the moniker of their family-based enterprise) has historically been involved in numerous aspects of the pair's ambitious rescue and resurrection of distressed (sometimes mega-distressed) properties.

Two Chicks and a Hammer: Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen E Laine

Two Chicks and a Hammer: Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen E Laine

An attorney by trade, Karen brings legal expertise to the pair's endeavors in addition to her trademark smiles, enthusiasm, humor and famously upbeat vibe.

And she brings one other thing: a penchant for imaginative, impromptu and, sometimes, a tad whimsical, home enhancements. More often than not, those enhancements arise out of her love of nature, and a knack for creating original, unexpected and nature-inspired features right in her clients' backyards.

While Mina focuses on renovation logistics, possibilities and incorporating distinctive decorating style, often Karen has zeroed in on an inspired exterior enhancement. Landscaping, hardscaping, horticulture and water features are all things that are up her alley. It's Karen's special talent for transforming outdoor spaces, creating bucolic backyard retreats, that's the focus on the new HGTV special premiering on HGTV Nov. 15, 2022.

Tad and Karen work on cleanup at a renovation on Woodlawn Ave. in Indianapolis.

Tad and Karen work on cleanup at a renovation on Woodlawn Ave. in Indianapolis.

During the one-hour episode, Karen, who lately has been contributing a special exterior project for each Good Bones renovation, helps a young couple with a baby on the way.

The yard in question is in such derelict shape that the owners have considered selling their home. To come to their rescue, Karen and her expert team assess the area — which is overrun with rodents, poison ivy and dead trees — and then create a design plan to give the family a multi-purpose outdoor oasis.

The result in an enchanting yard with distinct spots for playing and entertaining complete with a kitchen, fireplace, basketball court and secret garden.

Good Bones: Better Yard premieres Tuesday, November 15, at 9/8c on HGTV and will be available to stream the same day on discovery+.

And don't forget to check out Mina's Good Bones spinoff series, Good Bones: Risky Business — focusing in on Mina's very own dream-home project.

Mina Starsiak Hawk Opens Up About Her 'Good Bones' Spinoff, 'Risky Business'

The new series — which features just one house — shows a grittier, more in-depth look at the renovation processs. HGTV sits down with Mina to get all the details.

Good Bones: A Crash Course

A few observations on why viewers have fallen head-over-heels for HGTV's home renovation series Good Bones — now in its seventh season.

Fans also are invited to stay connected with Good Bones: Better Yard and Good Bones on HGTV’s digital platforms at HGTV.com/GoodBones and by using #GoodBones on HGTV’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Next Up

'Good Bones' Season Four Is Headed Your Way with 15 Brand New Episodes

HGTV's fearless mother-daughter duo Mina and Karen are back for a fourth season of the hit series Good Bones, rescuing vintage but desperate homes in their home city of Indianapolis -- transforming them into shining jewels to light up the city's historic neighborhoods.

Good Vibes Are in Abundance on HGTV's 'Good Bones'

A few observations about why viewers are falling head-over-heels for HGTV's new home renovation series Good Bones, now shooting its second season.

Mina, Karen and the Little Victorian That Could

The ladies of Good Bones transform a tiny and sad Victorian home on the outskirts of downtown Indy into a stylish showplace brimming with light and space.

'Good Bones' Season 2 Finale: The Little House on Lexington

Mina and Karen take a financial risk on a house in an established historic neighborhood but, with structural issues and zoning restrictions, soon find they may have landed themselves in a historic hot mess.

Mina Starsiak is Pregnant!

Watch the Good Bones star surprise her family with the news of expecting her first child this summer.

HGTV Exclusive! New Video of Mina Starsiak's Baby That You've Just Got to See

Baby Jack, newly arrived member of the Good Bones family, is just irresistibly cute. Here's proof.

New Series Featuring 'Australia’s Thunder From Down Under' Stars Comes to HGTV

These steamy construction gurus are ready to 'Flip the Strip.' Here's what you need to know.

Cristy Lee Opens Up About Filming Season 1 of ‘Steal This House’

The auto-guru-turned-HGTV-host gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like filming for Steal This House.

Interview: Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent Discuss Living Beautifully

In Down to Design, our editors delve into the creative minds of HGTV designers. Here, Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent of The Nate and Jeremiah Home Project open up about finding inspiration and designing with emotion.

The Biggest Little Farmhouse: ‘Farmhouse Fixer’ Fans Can’t Get Enough of 'The Little Couple'

Rewatch the 'Biggest Little Farmhouse' Farmhouse Fixer episode now, streaming on discovery+.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.

Luxury Home Giveaways

HGTV Smart Home

A sophisticated Southwestern home in Santa Fe, New Mexico

HGTV Dream Home

A modern mountain getaway in Morrison, Colorado

HGTV Urban Oasis

A Southern-inspired escape in Louisville, Kentucky