USU Extension Master Gardeners Help "Extreme Makeover Home Edition"

If you watch ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition Sunday, Oct. 9, you'll see the work of Utah State University Extension's Master Gardeners, along with the dozens of other local volunteers. The show features the makeover of Gordon and Lisa Harrison's home in Bountiful.

The home of the Harrisons and their three children was chosen because Gordon is recovering from a rare form of pancreatic cancer. His neighbors submitted a proposal to Extreme Makeover Home Edition because Gordon had done so much for his neighbors and others.

In early August, Davis County Extension agent Shawn Olson, horticulture assistant JayDee Gunnell and more than 40 Master Gardener volunteers planted hedges, trees, herbs annuals, perennials, vegetables and raspberries at the Harrison home.

According to Syd Allred, president of the Davis County Master Gardeners, raspberries are a particular favorite of the Harrison family. They had a raspberry patch in their previous garden with original canes that date back more than 100 years. The USU-associated volunteers also helped with the irrigation system, laying sod and hauling dirt and compost.

"Lori Matsukawa, our native plant specialist and designer, oversaw the naturalized plantings around the stream area," Allred said. "Rhea Anderson, our vegetable and small space specialist, directed the planting of the vegetable garden."

The Extension specialists and gardeners were also asked to donate and design two perennial beds.

"With USU plant material from the Kaysville Research Farm gardens, Helen Criddle, our iris expert, and her crew planted a beautiful garden of iris in the purple and lavender colors," Allred said. "Our daylily curators, Pauline Frampton and Mary Garr, and a group of Master Gardeners also planted a lovely garden around the hot tub area."

Purple was chosen for the iris garden because lavender is the color that represents cancer awareness programs.

"We got to meet many of the TV program stars and take pictures and get autographs," Allred said. "Everyone at the project was great. It's amazing to think the entire project was donated."

The home makeover project was featured in a story in The Salt Lake Tribune. Additionally, more information and photos on the project are usually posted on the Extreme Makeover Home Edition Web site following the broadcast.

Writer: Dennis Hinkamp 435-797-1392 dennish@ext.usu.edu

Contact: Shawn Olsen 801-451-3402 shawno@ext.usu.edu

Contact: Syd Allred 801-299-0173