Backyard makeover Week 2: Smith’s backyard

My husband, Stan, and I have lived in our house for the last 14 years. One of the reasons we bought the home was to enjoy the view of the water during the spring, summer and fall. We have tried to make the area tranquil, but our attempts have been unsuccessful. Our first attempt was to put in a stone walkway with small flower beds on either side of the walkway. Over time, the area has become overrun and difficult for us to manage. We have placed some benches in the area so we can sit with our grandchildren to enjoy the view. However, the benches are not practical for the kids and us to use.

Both Stan and I are in our 70s and our dream of a tranquil backyard is getting tougher for us to accomplish. Our ideal backyard would give Stan and I the tranquil views of the lake we first dreamed of when we purchased the house. It would also provide us with areas to host gatherings for our family, friends and especially our grandchildren. We host different events, like Easter and Fourth of July, and would love to have a nice area the family can enjoy during the events. We would love to have a place to sit and enjoy the views and an area so we could get to the lake to use the paddle boat or canoe or go fishing. Please help us achieve our dream.

What Northwest Metalcraft experts recommend, with a budget of more than $20,000:

Clear everything off the existing patios for a clean slate. On the patio to the left overlooking the lake, a deep-seating set that is truly comfortable would invite entertaining. This Seaside Casual set would include a sofa, two deep-seating lounge chairs, two ottomans, a coffee table and an end table, all made of no-maintenance recycled materials. A 42-by-60-inch bar table and four shellback chairs on the right side of the patio, also of recycled material, would be a great place to watch the grandkids play in the water. An Adirondack seating group on the grassy area could include a loveseat, rocking chair and chair with footrest.

From May 6 through June 3, the Daily Herald will publish finalists in our Get Your Summer On backyard makeover contest. Two winners will be chosen and they will receive prize packages valued at about $15,000. Winners will be featured in Home & Garden on June 10. To see more backyard makeover ideas, special web page at www.dailyherald.com/entlife/homegarden/summer.