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THIS IS THE OFFICIAL PAGE OF THE $16,000 ULTIMATE BACKYARD MAKEOVER GIVEAWAY HOSTED BY BACKYARD GIVEAWAY AND SPONSORED WQ|MAG.SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Please Read The Rules And The Sponsors On This Page.
You must be a WQ|mag Member to Enter. Not A Member? Join By Clicking Here It's Free To Join!

Hosted by Backyard Getaway www.backyardgetaway.net

The Backyard Getaway is a family owned and operated service and retail pond & water garden business that grew from a hobby into a passion. Let us add the peace and tranquility of flowing water to your backyard and enhance your landscape with a unique water feature. Whether you prefer a Koi pond, a water garden with beautiful lilies, pondless waterfall or even a pet friendly pond for your dog, we will create your perfect getaway in your own backyard. We offer pond installation, maintenance & restoration services.
Do-it-yourselfers order your pond equipment & supplies online or call us for local delivery in Manatee & Sarasota Counties. Koi & Aquatic plants are available for viewing by appointment. We carry a full line of pond & water garden products from Liner & Pumps to Filters & UVs. We also carry water treatments, lighting, water lilies, aquatic plants, live Koi & koi food. Our customers are our number one priority & we will be happy to walk you through & show you step by step how to install your water feature.

Ask about our free garden clinics,hands on pond build classes, our annual parade of ponds water garden tour & our Backyard Friends Club. If you would like to see one of our water garden creations contact us & we will be happy to give you an address to visit. Call today for your pond consultation.

Backyard Getaway
Your Complete Pond Source & More..
(941) 752-POND (7663)
www.backyardgetaway.net
[e-mail]
Donating: Water Garden.




Other Sponsors and Contributors:


Your Green Home Resource
[phone]
www.steffm.weebly.com
[e-mail]

Your Green Home Resource educates and coaches families as to what steps they can take and supports them as they begin the journey to reducing their carbon footprint. We do not force anyone into a choice they are not comfortable with, and we do not judge if a family decides they are not ready to take a particular step at this time. It is a learning process, and one action leads to another.
Donating: Complete home consultation


All Phases Welding
2415 10th St. Ct. E.
Ellenton, FL 34222
941-723-6800
www.AllPhasesWeld.com
[e-mail]

All Phases Welding & Fabrication Inc. is a local business based out of Ellenton, FL. in Manatee County. We are a residential and commercial welding company that has over 15 years of experience in all aspects of welding. Our quality workmanship is currently building our reputation as one of Manatee Counties premiere welding contractors and we hope to expand that throughout the state. We specialize in carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. We are portable as well and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency needs.
Donation: two one of a kind solar lamp posts



D & T Handy Girlz
Home Preservation Specialist
941-713-1387
[e-mail]

15 years experience with commercial & residential properties Securing, cleaning & maintaining foreclosed properties. For prompt, dependable & courteous service
call Doris or Terry.
Donating: Landscaping & landscape plantings



HYDRO-STACKER LLC
941-322-9602
www.hydrostacker.com
[e-mail]

HYDRO-STACKER LLC is the original patented inventor and holder of the vertical hydroponic growing system. The HYDRO-STACKER system is water saving (as much as 400 percent over tradidtional growing methods & does not use traditional insecticides or fungicides because of the growing medium that is used. The HYDRO-STACKER system only uses three quarts of water for twenty plants in fourteen square inches of growing area. Production for food can increase over normal growing to 4 to 5 times more food. The HYDRO-STACKER system has a Lifetime Warranty.
Donating: two installed stack automatic feed systems



Premier Video Productions, Inc.
(800)-716-5692
(941)-753-1910
[e-mail]
www.pvvideo.com
Established in 1989 by LaJuana Pruitt, offers full service video production from the conception of your project to finished delivery. We videotape in digital and HD, serving both local & national cliental ranging from the legal & medical communities to fine arts & entertainment.
Donating: video of makeover



Ryland's Rustics
[phone]
[e-mail]
Pat Gormley, Artist
Creating one of a kind wall & garden art using 100% recycled materials
Donating: One of a kind garden art


Historic Sheds
[phone]
www.historicshed.com
[e-mail]
Historic Shed was founded by the historic preservation professionals at to meet the needs of historic-home owners for affordable and attractive additional space that complements and enhances their historic property. We also offer hard to find accessory products for your historic building, including window screens, wood screen, doors, foundation lattice and gates.
Donating: Garden shed



NDC Carpentry
[phone]
[e-mail]
General contractors specializing in custom interiors. Kitchens, Baths, Windows, Doors, Custom trim, Arbors & Decks.
Donating: arbor



Eco Essentials
[phone]
Jodi John
[e-mail]

Offering rain barrels, earth boxes, worm farming & organic Shitake Mushroom buying club.A 1” rainfall generates about half gallon of water per square foot of roof area.
Donating: rain barrel




Tampa Bay Landscape Lighting
By Decorating Elves
(866)-445-6202
www.tampabaylandscapelighting.com
www.decoratingelves.com
Decorating Elves was started as a small business venture by Nick Schriver to help homeowners Avoid the Holiday Hassle. With hard work and dedication Decorating Elves has grown to be the premier outdoor lighting & event decorating company specializing in Christmas lighting & holiday decor.
Donating: Standard Landscape Lighting Package with 10 fixtures and 1 transformer



PAVING CREW, INC
2150 17TH ST,
Sarasota, FL 34234
941-360-0203
FAX [phone] [e-mail]
www.pavingcrew.com
Paving Crew specializes in installation of interlocking brick pavers, old Chicago pavers and retaining walls. We are a licensed and insured company, full staffed to meet the specific requirements for residential and commercial projects. We have in house crews that can handle any kind and any size jobs, knowing that customer service is very important, we schedule all repairs for the very next day. We also offer pressure cleaning and sealing of any paver application already in place.
Donation: Paver patio & retaining wall with seating



FL Native plant nursery
[phone]
www.floridanativeplants.com
Florida Native Plants, Inc.was founded as Florida Scrub Growers, and has committed itself to growing native plants since 1982. The plants we grow originate from seeds and cuttings from Florida and therefore include species that are adapted to our heat, humidity, drought, flooding and frosts.
Donating: Plants for alternative lawn choices & butterfly garden basics



Michelle Donner Photography
[phone]
www.michelledonnerphotography.blogspot.com
[e-mail]
I decided in the beginning of 2009 to live my passion... Now, Michelle Donner Photography has been launched. I will photograph and record your small events Now offering portrait sittings. I love what I do, and would love to make you smile.
Donating: publicity shots/portrait



The Hive Creations &
Anna Mariki Tiki
9908 Gulf Dr. Suite C
Anna Maria, Island Fl. 34216
941.778.7432
www.thehivestore.com
The Hive Creations is a unique place to visit on the north end of Anna Maria Island, FL! Established in 2007, it is filled with hand-carved tiki's and tiki-style decor, one-of-a-kind silk screened American Apparel, handcrafted jewelry, organic candles, beautiful wall pieces, and artwork. Everything in the shop is handmade by artists local and regional.
Donating: Two 3' hand carved Tiki



Shade Sails, Inc.
donated a 12'x12' shade sail. (These are very cool for Florida)



The Gulf Coast Plumeria Society
donating a couple of Plumeria Trees





SPECIFIC RULES FOR THIS CONTEST:
* You Must Be A WQ|mag member to Enter. Not a Member? Join Here It is free to Join.

*Entires must live in Sarasota or Manatee County, Florida.

*Must own your home & be 18 years or older to enter.

*If home is in deed restricted community it is owners responsibility to get permission for makeover from homeowners association.

*Family & employees of participating companies not eligible to enter.

*Maximum area for makeover is 1200 sq. ft. (You can still enter if your yard is larger or smaller but the max area to be made over is 1200sf)

*You must send a photo (Size of photo should be 500 pixels wide or less) & 100 words or less of why you want this makeover. (entries will be judged on originality & humor).

*Backyard Getaway & WQ magazine can not be held responsible for any companies or items that may back out of contest

*Only one entry per person.

*NO purchase necessary

*You can nominate someone else, but all above rules apply.

*Top 10 finalist will be chosen by the host & sponsor

*Finalist will be posted on www.wqmag.com where the winner will be chosen by public voting.

*You can vote once daily during voting period.

Dates to remember


*Entry Dates: August 1st- August 31st, 2009

*Top Ten Finalists Announced: September 3, 2009

*Vote for finalists: September 3 - September 18th, 2009

*Winner Announced: September 23rd, 2009

*Makeover scheduled during the month of October

Please read the General Rules which apply to all Contests, Giveaways and Sweepstakes.



ENTER BY SUBMITTING YOUR INFORMATION IN THE REPLY BOX BELOW

[rachelle belanger]

rachelle belanger said:

Well, where shall I begin? Let's start by saying it would sure be nice to actually see outside of my windows into my backyard. It looks like a jungle out there! The bushes have taken over some some while creature. Let my dog or kids out to play? Are you kidding? Who knows what is lurking out there. Seriously, it would be so nice to have a backyard. Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rachelle Belanger

[rachelle belanger]

rachelle belanger said:

rachelle belanger said:

Well, where shall I begin? Let's start by saying it would sure be nice to actually see outside of my windows into my backyard. It looks like a jungle out there! The bushes have taken over like some wild creature. Let my dog or kids out to play? Are you kidding? Who knows what is lurking out there. Seriously, it would be so nice to have a backyard. Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rachelle Belanger

[Nancy]

Welcome to my backyard, otherwise known as the Amazon of Sarasota where trees and bushes outnumber the human population of my household. Animals love it here. The snakes hide in the tall grass and frogs reproduce in the plastic pond that was supposed to be for fish.

Remodeling my backyard has always been a dream of mine. However, being a single parent with two kids in college got in the way. I always had hope that one day I would have a place for me to sit and relax, enjoying the sounds of nature and thankful for what I have.

[IMG]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/Redick_2006/IMG_0219.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/Redick_2006/IMG_0222.jpg[/IMG]

[Nancy]

Nancy said:

Welcome to my backyard, otherwise known as the Amazon of Sarasota where trees and bushes outnumber the human population of my household. Animals love it here. The snakes hide in the tall grass and frogs reproduce in the plastic pond that was supposed to be for fish.

Remodeling my backyard has always been a dream of mine. However, being a single parent with two kids in college got in the way. I always had hope that one day I would have a place for me to sit and relax, enjoying the sounds of nature and thankful for what I have.

[IMG]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/Redick_2006/IMG_0219.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/Redick_2006/IMG_0222.jpg[/IMG]

[Nancy]

Nancy said:

Welcome to my backyard, otherwise known as the Amazon of Sarasota where trees and bushes outnumber the human population of my household. Animals love it here. The snakes hide in the tall grass and frogs reproduce in the plastic pond that was supposed to be for fish.

Remodeling my backyard has always been a dream of mine. However, being a single parent with two kids in college got in the way. I always had hope that one day I would have a place for me to sit and relax, enjoying the sounds of nature and thankful for what I have.

[Heather Patoray]

We’re owners of “a barren, dirt wasteland.” We’ve NO grass, 3 fences that don’t match, with overgrown bushes that serve as part of the fencing. We’ve tried planting flowers, but because our sprinkler system’s malfunctioning, they’re dying. When our dog steps outside, she requires bathing because she‘s covered in dirt and has been attacked by ants. She’s beginning to contemplate using the indoors as a better place to go potty! We’re newlyweds, new homeowners, teachers, and we’ve no cash to transform our yard into a desirable place to spend time together. We’re surely “the misfits” in our neighborhood! (Sniffle) HELP!

[Heather Patoray]

We’re owners of “a barren, dirt wasteland.” We’ve NO grass, 3 mismatched fences, with overgrown bushes that serve as yet another fence. We’ve tried planting flowers, but they're dead, so we'll have to return them to Lowes. When our dog steps outside, she needs a bath because she‘s covered in dirt and has been attacked by ants. She’s beginning to contemplate using the indoors as a better place to potty! We’re newlyweds, new homeowners, teachers, and we’ve no cash to transform our yard into a desirable place to spend time together. Mother Nature just called and said we’re a disgrace!

[Heather Patoray]

Heather Patoray said:

We define “a barren, dirt wasteland.” We’ve NO grass, 3 mismatched fences, with overgrown bushes that serve as yet another fence. We’ve tried planting flowers, but they're dead, so we'll have to return them to Lowes. When our dog steps outside, she needs a bath because she‘s covered in dirt and has been attacked by ants. She’s beginning to contemplate using the indoors as a better place to potty! We’re newlyweds, new homeowners, teachers, and we’ve no cash to transform our yard into a desirable place to spend time together. Mother Nature just called and said we’re a disgrace! (Sniffle)!!!!

[Glenn Johnson]

Glenn Johnson said:

Hello!

My name is Glenn Johnson, and to begin I’d like to thank all at the WQ | Mag for your daily e-blast. It’s the first thing I open when I get to my computer in the morning and I appreciate all of the effort that it takes to do what you do!

When I came upon the $16,000.00 Ultimate Backyard Makeover Contest, my first impression was that there must be a typo! My dreams were answered, and I’m truly amazing with the level of generosity from everyone involved.

Please view the photo of a place we call “the pit” and please consider selecting us. The serenity offered by a beautiful water garden would surely be priceless!

Kind regards,
Glenn Johnson
725 45th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234

[e-mail]
941.587.1965

[Glenn Johnson]

Glenn Johnson said:

Glenn Johnson said:

Hello!

My name is Glenn Johnson, and to begin I’d like to thank all at the WQ | Mag for your daily e-blast. It’s the first thing I open when I get to my computer in the morning and I appreciate all of the effort that it takes to do what you do!

When I came upon the $16,000.00 Ultimate Backyard Makeover Contest, my first impression was that there must be a typo! My dreams were answered, and I’m truly amazing with the level of generosity from everyone involved.

Please view the photo of a place we call “the pit” and please consider selecting us. The serenity offered by a beautiful water garden would surely be priceless!

Kind regards,
Glenn Johnson
725 45th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234

[e-mail]
941.587.1965

[Backyard Getaway (Lisa)]

Great entries so far, can't wait to see more!

[Debbie Gunnerson]

I can't even begin to imagine how to make this mosquito dwelling ditch into something to be proud of.
As it is I only mow 1/3 of the land that I own, and I
never go out there because there is absolutely nothing to look at.
Even my neighbors have said that my property is the worst section, and I'll bet if I were to win this Backyard Makeover, it would inspire my neighbors to do the same.