Dexter Couple Wins Yard Makeover from TV's 'Desperate Landscapes'

When Mike and Erin Penn moved into their house on Broad Street in Dexter, they knew they had a lot of work ahead of them, inside the house and on their half-acre of property.

They had somewhat of a home improvement plan, which got a bit more challenging after the birth of their son, Michael "Trey" Penn, five months ago.  But this week, their vision got a big boost from the crew of the DIY (Do It Yourself) cable television network series Desperate Landscapes.

The Penns, who entered a contest this year to win the network's $25,000 yard makeover, were chosen from among thousands of applicants. 

"We knew we had work ahead of us, but the house and yard have so much potential," said Erin Penn, a volleyball coach at and director of operations for All American Volleyball Camps.

"We had a little bit of a plan for the yard but nothing like this," said Mike Penn, a baseball coach at DHS as well as a software developer and CEO of the educational company 3D Literacy. "They married our vision with their vision, and it's amazing." 

Jason Cameron, host of the television show, said working on the Penns' landscaping was a joy.

"The Penns are a great couple with a great space and an amazing landscape," he said.

Cameron said it's important that the Penns work with him and with the show's crew members so they can see everything that's going on and learn how to maintain the yard after the crew leaves.

Desperate Landscapes is in its ninth season.

"Our show is about taking the worst house on the block and making it better," said Jay Shatz, the show's executive producer.

He said he and some of his crew surprised the Penns last month, telling them they were finalists and showing up — with cameras rolling — to give the Penns the news that they were actually the winners.

Monday was demolition day in the Penns' yard, and on Tuesday and Wednesday, the crew of 20 — along with close to 30 volunteers — were hard at work transforming the yard.

"Erin thought it would be a good team-bonding experience," volleyball player and volunteer Ali Bowman said.

Also helping out were Erin's parents, Becky and Larry Cobler.

"We were glad when they (Erin and Mike) moved near us in Dexter," Larry Cobler said.

The Desperate Landscapes crew finished at 1 p.m. Wednesday, several hours before deadline, and both Erin and Mike said they are thrilled with the finished product.

The episode of Desperate Landscapes featuring the makeover of the Penns' yard is scheduled for broadcast July 13 (time to be determined) on the DIY cable network.