Actress Taraji P. Henson was taught at a young age by her father to be a blessing to others, and that’s exactly what she is in the latest episode of HGTV’s hit show “Celebrity IOU.” Henson taps “Property Brothers” sibling duo Drew and Jonathan Scott to help renovate the backyard of a woman who is like a mother to her — her housekeeper Jahel.

In the episode entitled “Taraji P. Henson’s Garden Sanctuary Surprise,” the actress gets her hands dirty in the name of surprising her loved one. Henson met her housekeeper Jahel after moving back to California from Chicago after the show she starred in, “Empire,” came to an end. Her prior housekeeper retired, leading Jahel to be hired three years ago during the pandemic. Jahel, who is originally from El Salvador, moved to the United States 30 years ago and values family and her outdoor space.

“I love Taraji like family. She is like my daughter. She is a very special person,” says Jahel.

Henson feels the same way, saying, “She [Jahel] treats me like a daughter and I just fell in love with her as a single mother. I am a single mother [too].” The actress coordinated with Jahel’s daughter Winter to surprise Jahel with her dream garden renovation in her Santa Clarita, California, home.

“Her [Jahel’s] backyard represents a place where she can decompress because she takes care of people’s homes for a living,” says Henson. “Family is my very foundation and she’s an extension of my family. She treats me like a daughter…She makes my house look and feel so beautiful, that I wanted to do the same for her,” Henson shares.

Four Weeks To Renovate

Henson challenged the Scott brothers to complete the renovation in four weeks. After offering to help with the renovation herself, the brothers agreed and immediately got to work. Jahel and Winter were sent away for four weeks while the garden of Jahel’s dream was being built.

The end result is a zen, resort-style oasis with a contemporary design. It’s an ideal space for Jahel to honor her loved ones, entertain, relax, and pot plants. Jahel and Winter can revel in this low-maintenance garden for years to come. After seeing the big reveal, Jahel exclaims, “It’s totally different now. Now it’s so beautiful.”

Catch the episode and see the final reveal on the next episode of “Celebrity IOU,” airing Monday, June 26, 2023, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV.