The DIY Network teamed up with the Today Show to find the most desperate landscape in the country. We received more than 10,000 entries and narrowed them down to just four finalists who competed live on Today for the chance to win a complete yard makeover. The winners are Chris and Leslie Johnson of Sagamore Hills, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. He's a former Marine, and she's a baker, and neither has a green thumb. Jason Cameron and the Desperate Landscapes crew spend two days in Sagamore Hills turning the worst landscape on the block into one of the best. Jason Cameron and his Desperate Landscapes crew paint the house, add shutters, put in a concrete walk and steps and install beautiful landscaping that will provide beauty to the home throughout the seasons.
Before: Brown is the predominant color scheme in much of this desperate landscape and the house is bland. The yews, meant to be foundation plants at one time, have gotten leggy with age and effectively hide the front walkway.
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After: A coat of red paint makes the front door stand out, new shutters add dimension to the house, and lots of colorful plants and flowers lead visitors to the entrance. With the yews gone, the landscape opens up, and the new walkway is clearly visible.
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A fresh coat of paint adds some "pop" to the house. Aluminum siding requires a coat of primer before painting, but Jason saves time by using a product that combines both paint and primer in the same application.
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A well-laid, landscaped walkway leads from the driveway to the house. Find out how to
build the forms for the concrete walk and steps.
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Chris and Leslie's plantsThe following is a list of plants (including turf) for this makeover: Sod This project requires about 625 square yards of Kentucky bluegrass. This cool-season grass has a long growing; it does most of its growing during spring, fall and winter and slows down during the hottest months. Laying sod Tips for installing turf: Install along the longest straight line (like a driveway or sidewalk)
Push edges together tightly. You don't want gaps, but avoid stretching the turf.
Stagger joints in a bricklike fashion.
Use a sharp knife to trim edges.
Avoid small strips on outer edges as they won't retain moisture.
Water new sod within an hour of laying it and water regularly for first two seasons to establish root system.
Avoid mowing new sod until it is four to five inches long.
Water every day or so after we plant it for first three weeks to help it establish.
If you step on this grass and it takes a while for your footprint to disappear, the grass needs water.
Japanese hydrangea vine
Climbing vine grows up flat, vertical surfaces.
Prized for its heart-shaped leaves and white hydrangea-like flowers.
Blooms in June-July
Slow to establish, but once it does, it's beautiful.
USDA Zones 5-8
Maintenance tip: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth.
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