Suburban backyard could get a makeover

When Barbara Sydnor heard about the CSN Stores Battle Your Blah Backyard contest, she thought, “Why not?”

Now Sydnor, of South Elgin, is one of 100 finalists nationwide for a chance to get a backyard makeover. Chris Bieberstein, of Addison, is the only other Illinois finalist out of 13,000 entrants.

CSN Stores, a Boston-based online retailer of home and office goods, teamed up with Justin Cave, a TV landscape designer, to offer the $15,000 prize to frustrated homeowners like Sydnor, who entered the contest last spring.

Sydnor said her yard is not what she wants it to be. “It’s got gardens back there and things I’ve made on my own but nothing that would have been done by a designer,” Sydnor said. “Everything is kind of makeshift because that was what I had.”

Sydnor hopes to win the contest and have her backyard turned into a cozy haven, more reminiscent of the country than the middle of a small town.

In his contest entry, Bieberstein said his backyard is an eyesore in need of a new patio and swing set, a deck for the pool and a fence to hide the street traffic by his home.

“It would be so nice to have a retreat to go to as a family to relax and enjoy each other’s company,” Bieberstein wrote.

The grand prize, second place and third place winners will be announced on June 15. Until then, everyone has a chance to help decide the outcome. The public is invited to find CSN Stores on Facebook, view the photos of all the “blah backyards” in the Contest Corner section of the page and vote until June 1.

Dave Ladetto, CSN stores spokesman, said the highest vote-getter on Facebook will make it into the Top 5, but the winner will be chosen by Cave and the CSN Stores’ Room Rescue Crew. Ultimately, Ladetto said, it’s the overall need for a backyard makeover that will win the contest for one lucky homeowner.