Local couple wins DIY Network landscape makeover, will be featured on special
Jason Cameron, a host on DIY Network, left, surprised Mike and Erin Penn of Dexter with the news that they won "America's Most Desperate Landscapes" contest for a $25,000 makeover.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Mike and Erin Penn of Dexter got the news in person this afternoon from Jason Cameron, host of the "Desperate Landscapes" program. Work on their landscape is expected to begin next month, with the results being showcased on a one-hour special on July 13.
The Penns were aware of Cameron's visit, but they did not know they had won the contest.
"We were so surprised, because we just thought we were finalists," Erin Penn said just after hearing the news. "We're so excited to see the transformation they can make with this house."
Since both the Penns are coaches at Dexter High School—he coaches baseball, she coaches volleyball—they may get their teams involved in the renovation work.
DIY Network, a cable channel specializing in home improvement, has been showing "America's Most Desperate Landscapes" for the past few years. Viewers can submit photos and videos of their horrifying yards, via the show's website, and the DIY crew selects one for a makeover, using a budget of $25,000.
Jason Cameron and the Penns at their Dexter home.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
DIY Network offers a variety of home improvement and landscaping programming. Its website, www.DIYNetwork.com, offers resources for homeowners as well as program information.
The house and yard of Mike and Erin Penn will be renovated for the show "Desperate Landscapes".
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Comments
2020
Thu, May 19, 2011 : 6:04 p.m.
Hire local lanscapers: then watch the money flow, right to MEXICO!
LCobler
Sat, May 21, 2011 : 11:42 a.m.
Given the producer's research in the area, talking to local homeowners to get ideas where to purchase landscape materials, I'd say most if not all the money for the makeover materials is going to go to local business owners. This, in addition to the noteriety for Dexter, will I'm sure bring even more business to our wonderful community.
mooly
Thu, May 19, 2011 : 2:50 p.m.
darlings..... this is a DIY show... therefore they aren't hiring any landscapers since their friends and families will help for this Do-It-Yourself Network episode. They will only have the producers, the host who is a landscape architect, and all of the hard laborers, who will be their brood of family and friends to do all the dirty work.
ez12c
Thu, May 19, 2011 : 12:18 p.m.
I think it is perfectly fine for them to accept the $25,000 prize from a network even though they aren't local. Now if AnnArbor.com offered the same $25,000 landscape prize (and the local landscaper was at least as qualified), then I agree with you.
free form
Wed, May 18, 2011 : 10:02 p.m.
Cute house! I can't wait to see the transformation. There is great potential there.
Elaine F. Owsley
Wed, May 18, 2011 : 8:05 p.m.
I've admired that old house for the 40 years we've lived in the Dexter area and am excited to see what can be done with the landscaping, since it is almost more of the site than the house itself.
Trumpet
Wed, May 18, 2011 : 8 p.m.
How exciting. Can't wait to see the changes going on. The house has so much potential and the owners have already done some nice things to it...this will be great !
clownfish
Wed, May 18, 2011 : 7:05 p.m.
They should hire local landscapers to do the work.
LCobler
Sat, May 21, 2011 : 11:38 a.m.
Most, if not all, the work is done by local volunteers - friends of the homeowners. That's the best way to connect with others and to get a community commitment to the value of homes that then translates into increased value for the rest of the homes in the neighborhood.
clownfish
Thu, May 19, 2011 : 1:23 p.m.
Whoever is doing the hiring.
Elaine F. Owsley
Wed, May 18, 2011 : 8:05 p.m.
Who do you mean by "they". The work is free for the homeowners.