Extreme Gardening winner—Deborah & Mike Matarazzo

After building their dream home, Mike and Deborah weren't finished as they had a lot to do to keep up their 3-acre yard. Their neighborhood requires the homeowners to maintain a front yard that mimics the natural surroundings and to plant wildflowers. They were in for some extreme gardening.

After the property was excavated, they had four challenges. First, a 900 foot sandy wall that bordered the front yard. Second, a natural gully by our front driveway used for street water runoff that could not be altered due to property restrictions. Third, a solid clay soil hill that surrounds the west side of the house. And lastly, the abundant year-round deer that eat the plants, trees and shrubs.

After the hard work of planting, choosing plants for clay soil and that the deer won't eat, Mike and Deborah are left with a lush yard—both in front and in back.