After several meetings with the production people at the home, we were told they didn't have a landscape plan and asked if we could draw the design. This was Sunday night, April 18th. The show was to start taping on the 21st. At 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, the design was complete and they loved it!

Usually, as a landscape contractor, we are the last to come onto a job and not used to working with all the other contractors around. Unfortunately, this caused a delay in starting our work as we had to wait for the pool contractor to excavate the pool and the construction contractor to put on the addition to the house.

On Thursday we were ready to bring in the large Redwood trees - the main focal point for the backyard landscaping. Valley Crest Tree Company was delivering 2 60-inch box trees and 8 24-inch box trees. Unloading the 60-inch box trees was a large undertaking. But with the right equipment we were able to unload them and finally move them into the backyard by 7:00 pm that night. After final consultation with Preston Sharp, the show's outside designer, the trees were to be moved from the original design. This would mean the whole design would be tossed and the rest of the landscaping would be done on site without a plan. But we knew we could do it! The mound of dirt was moved to accommodate the new location of the trees and the trees set in place.

By Friday morning we were ready to begin. We had 4 days to complete the landscaping, front and back. After the grading was complete, the waterfall, creek, and pond were next. The large boulders were placed in the water feature and surrounding landscaping. Some were so large it took several men to move them. The temperatures were starting to rise as the day went on. The footings for the bridge were poured. The golf green areas were leveled out. By the end of the day we were preparing the pond to be filled.

Saturday morning started early. At 6:30 a.m. our crew arrived for what ended up being a 42 hour shift for Dave and his foreman, Francisco. There was a lot to get done before the reveal on Monday afternoon. The pond was filled and running. Now, we had to be sure the water was clear by Monday. The bridge was installed after converting it to be part of the golf course. More rock was placed in the landscaping; plants and trees were starting to come in. The flagstone patio was set and groundcover placed in between.

Sunday morning came and went for Dave and Francisco who went home to shower and change and returned to the jobsite, without any sleep. Plants and trees were installed. Work begun on the irrigation and the low voltage lighting. Not much time left and we still had to do the front yard! Very difficult to do when all the other crews had their equipment and scaffolding spread out all over it.

Monday morning, the day of the reveal. Things were coming together and it looked like we would make it on time. The rest of the plants were installed and bark was put down, completing the look. Finishing touches on the irrigation and lighting were done. Temperatures were in the mid 90s today, but we had to hustle to do the front yard. It was 2:00 and we had until 4:00 to landscape the front yard! In 2 hours we did it!!! What a crew!!! The front yard has a very different look and feel than the backyard.

The family didn't arrive until after 5:00. All the spectators were waiting across the street while the contractors were standing in the yard next to the house. We were all crammed in there like sardines in the sweltering heat waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Water was passed out to help keep us cool and calm. The bus was pulled in front of the house so when they arrived they couldn't see the house at first. Then the bus was moved. What a reaction from the family and spectators/contractors. There were tears all around. Preston came around and shook the hands of the general contractor and Dave for the excellent job they did in such a short time period. We couldn't have been prouder to have been involved in such a project and have it come out as beautifully as it did.

We wish to thank the following vendors and suppliers for all of their donations and help:

Arrow Rentals
Cochran Landscape Materials, Inc.
L.A. Nursery Sales
Ogawa-Mune, Inc.
Sherman Landscape & Masonry Supply
United Green Mark, Inc.
Unique Lighting (via United Green Mark)
Valley Crest Tree
Watersavers Irrigation Inc.
Western Star Nurseries
Whitewater Bridges