Rescue My Backyard Furniture photo contest by Daily Herald

One look out your back door and you're greeted by the dreary last legs of winter. Gray skies. Patches of snow. Barren trees and bushes. And, if you're like many of us, patio furniture that has seen better days.

That's when you start daydreaming about summer days out on the patio surrounded by gentle breezes, greenery, flowers and - dare we hope? - new patio furniture.

We can help make that fantasy a reality through our Rescue My Backyard Furniture Photo Contest. Send us a photo of your rundown backyard furniture for a chance to win a prize package valued at $4,890 that will perk things up considerably.

Thanks to By The Yard Inc., one lucky winner will be chosen by the Daily Herald to receive a table, four stationary chairs and two Adirondack chairs that will definitely up your outdoor game.

By The Yard furniture is made in Minnesota from recycled milk jugs and is maintenance-free, comfortable and naturally weather-resistant. The furniture is strong, stain-resistant, cleans up with bleach, requires no winter storage and it comes with a 35-year warranty.

Best of all, everyone who enters will get 10% off their order of furniture from By The Yard Inc. The offer is good online or in the Vernon Hills showroom and expires on April 30.

So upload your photo and start planning your beautiful summer.

Photos will be accepted through midnight on March 25. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. Winners will be notified by March 31. Upload your photo at events.dailyherald.com.