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

A couple from Dexter has won the dubious honor of having one of "America's Most Desperate Landscapes," and as a result will receive an expert $25,000 yard makeover from the DIY Network.

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

Program host Jason Cameron is a licensed contractor specializing in home improvement and landscaping. According to a DIY biography, he gutted his own home and completely revamped the backyard, and puts his extensive hands-on expertise to work for DIY Network building, landscaping, hardscaping and more. A native of Toledo, Cameron worked his way through Northern Michigan University as a carpenter, and then moved to Northern Jersey/New York City where he continued his carpentry and general contracting business. In addition to "Desperate Landscapes," he also hosts DIY's "Man Caves."

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.