Landscape Makeover: From Desperate Yard to Picket-Pretty Curb Appeal
A neglected front yard gets a colorful transformation with a picket fence and dozens of new plants.

Before: The homeowner discovered two snakes in her yard, and now she's terrified to set foot in it much less do any landscaping. The neighbors would be happy if she'd mow the yard, but they'd be happier if the yard looked as good as the others on the block. There's not even a sidewalk!

After: A picket fence defines the space, and the new walkway offers a view of beautiful plantings. A fresh coat of paint on the house complements the bright new landscape. On the right, a hornbeam tree provides a strong vertical element. With the tall weeds gone, the yard may just be a little less hospitable for snakes.

On the left side of the house, a Kousa dogwood, daylilies, phlox and bugbane will provide a long season of color for this front yard.

On the right side of the yard, coneflowers and Russian sage will provide color from summer to fall. Planters frame either side of the front door.

Next Up
America's Most Desperate Landscape 2009
Desperate no more: The winners of the DIY Network's 2009 national contest received a simply stunning makeover.
Transforming a Desperate Landscape
See how a dead, brown yard was transformed into a beautifully landscaped space.
Landscape Design Strategy: Control the Focal Points
A smart makeover focuses attention on the landscape's assets and hides its weaknesses.
America's Most Desperate Landscape 2010: Landscape Tips for Weekly Winner 4
The fourth weekly winner of America's Most Desperate Landscape 2010 is Gail Kirby, Bowling Green, KY. for her photos of a desperately bare front yard. Jason Cameron offers tips for giving this blank slate some curb appeal.
Eco-Landscaping Makeover
A dreary front yard gets a major boost in curb appeal with low-maintenance landscaping that is easy on the earth and the eyes.
Fabulous Front Yards
Let your home put its best foot forward. Get inspired by these problem-area makeovers.
Landscape Makeover for a Hilly Front Yard
Landscaping that accents the house and frames a front deck also reduces mowing on this steep yard.
America's Most Desperate Landscape 2010: Landscape Tips for Weekly Winner 3
The third weekly winner is Michele Lewis of Hanover, NM, for her photos of a front yard that's nothing but bare dirt. Jason Cameron offers tips for turning this sad site into a beautiful front yard.
America's Most Desperate Landscape 2010: Landscape Tips for Weekly Winner 2
The second weekly winner is Melissa Cerrato of Kingston, Mass. for her video of a yard that's starkly bare and mostly sand. Jason Cameron offers tips for turning this sandpit into a beautiful front yard.