Backyard makover Week 2: Good things come in small backyards

I’m small and cozy with a great park view, but old and in need of a facelift.

My owners of 32 years have always pampered and taken good care of me. I’ve always been fed (fertilizer), had the grey hairs plucked (weeds), have had many haircuts (mowed), but like all who age time has taken its toll on me. I am no longer the young, vibrant backyard I used to be.

I have lost my friend, “Eye Appeal,” and last fall my 20-year-old pal, “The Pool.” It is now called the “Sandpit.” On top of that, I have rotting railroad ties, a failing veggie garden and fish friends that don’t survive the so-called pond. HELP! I love our tree lights, but my old tree buddies died this year, all three of them.

Now that the pool is gone, a fresh new beautiful change would be a wonderful surprise for me and my other backyard friends, the birds and squirrels. It’s time for this ol’ gal to come alive for entertaining, relaxation and evening fires. Please consider me for your backyard makeover so my owners can GET THEIR SUMMER ON!!!

What the experts at Midwest Spa suggest, with a budget of $5,000-$8,000:

Never fear, ol’ backyard, you will feel more than alive again if your owners will add a gazebo and a spa. We suggest the Nordic Impulse DP (Deep Soak), five-person hot tub. Melt the stress and pain away in this hydrotherapy spa tub.

For added privacy, add a Craftline Industries Dollhouse Gazebo. The 7-by-7-foot Dollhouse Gazebo adds privacy while adding an exciting element to the backyard.

This package is entertainment ready, with a bar, four stools, two planters and steps. Lattice work on the gazebo provides added protection from Chicago elements.

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.