America's Most Desperate Landscape 2015: Before and After Pictures
Our landscaping experts found a really desperate yard then asked you to help redesign it. Thanks, you did a great job. Take a look at the stunning results.
This is the Hoofard family. Several months ago we told them that Jason Cameron and his crew were going to overhaul their Southern California yard. We asked you to help with the makeover by voting on some of the key design elements. The voting period is over and the makeover is complete. Take a look at how beautiful it turned out.
Don't remember how you voted, see the results from round 1 and round 2.
Homeowners Aaron and Nicole Hoofard found out about the makeover when they opened their garage door and lo-and-behold, there was Jason Cameron to deliver the good news.
Before: Main Entrance
Let's start the tour at the gate leading onto the Hoofards' property. Sitting center stage in the large driveway is a circular planting bed with an unusual fountain. Regardless of what the letters spell out, this fountain is not very welcoming.
After: Driveway
The front planting bed was revamped with new tropical and drought-resistant foliage.
Before: Globe Fountain
In the middle of the old fountain stood a large ugly globe. The family was anxious to get rid of it, but we decided to keep it, check out how we repurposed this eyesore.
After: Globe Fountain Turned Giant Baseball
The large globe is no longer part of the fountain, it is now an eye-catching icon that sits next to the kids' batting cage.
After: Globe Fountain Now a Mascot
We rolled the old globe fountain up the hill and painted it to look like a baseball and then add a new fountain and cougar statue to the center planting bed. The cougar is significant to the family because it is the mascot of the high school where the homeowners both teach.
Before: Driveway/Raceway
The home's driveway is so big, Nicole and Aaron jokingly refer to it as an airport runway. But the kids find it ideal for pedal-car racing.
Before: Driveway/Raceway
The driveway is still as big, but the surroundings are a whole lot prettier.
Before: Front Yard
The front of the home looked a little tired with its overabundance of concrete. The portico is out-of-proportion with its too-skinny wood columns and uneven brick light posts.
After: Front Yard
The portico columns and light posts were redone in stacked stone. The new red door, redwood fence and pergola all match the terra cotta roof to create a cohesive look.
Before: Front Entry
Chase (age 4) and his faithful companion Maggie are looking forward to the remodel of the home’s entryway.
After: Front Entry
We asked you to vote on the front door color, you overwhelmingly selected red. New pavers line the steps and walkway.
After: Covered Pergola
A new pergola provides shade to the patio area on the right side of the front entry.
After: New Dining Space
Underneath the pergola, a new dining set provides a place for family dinners and entertaining.
After: Pergola Area
Just beyond the pergola we added a new lounge area with a fire pit table.
Before: Landscape Plan
Here is the initial design plan. True to our word, we added a new lawn, a pergola, hardscaping, a play space for the kids, and rebuilt the circular planting bed in the driveway. And we used all the design elements you voted for to make it look fantastic.
Before: Side Yard
The hillside to the right of the house was a barren mess. Not sure why the lawnmower was sitting there, there is nothing to mow.
After: Side Yard
The kids will be cartwheeling all day long on this beautiful new lawn. We also installed a batting cage with a pitching machine so the kids can practice their swing. Outside the batting cage, we added a bench and a giant baseball.
Before: Fruit and Veggie Garden
Nicole has a degree in horticulture and teaches agriculture, and the school where she works has a six-acre farm and nursery. The Hoofards realize the irony of her work and the condition of their yard. But their property does have some bright spots. In the backyard, Nicole has installed raised beds and lush fruit trees.
After: Vertical Garden
A multi-level herb garden was added to add visual interest to the yard and to spice up dinner.
Before: Maggie Pleading With Jason For a Doghouse
Chase and Maggie butter up the Desperate Landscapes host to make sure they get the yard of their dreams.
After: A Space For Maggie
We included something for everyone in the makeover. Sweet Maggie got a custom-made doghouse for frequent naps.
