Editors’ Picks: Our Backyard and Garden Must-Haves

“I love these all-American lawn chairs so much that I’m starting to sound like a company spokesperson. They’re made in the USA, feature cool retro webbing, come in over 30 color combination, and are incredibly durable and lightweight. I’m partial to the Sea Island style but have my eye on the Old Glory for their patriotic appeal.”

—Rachel Hardage Barrett, Editor-in-Chief

“I just bought these outdoor fabric pillow covers for the sofa on our back deck. I love the block-print-inspired design and that they will hold up outside all season long.”

—Amy Mitchell, Managing Editor

“I decided to give myself a break this year and ordered this bench/kneeler so that I'll be more comfortable while working through my garden to-do list. I am loving it so far. It helps me work longer! The side pouches give me places to corral my tools, so that when I move the bench, everything comes along with me. The pouches are removable too, so they’re not in the way when I turn it upside down to use it as a kneeler. Also, the bench “legs” double as kneeler handles that I can put my weight on when kneeling or standing.”

—Terri Robertson, Senior Digital Editor

“One of my favorite things to do in the backyard is to put on some good music, invite a few friends over, and then make a bunch of pizzas. They cook quickly and everyone can put on their own favorite toppings. And I’m a big fan of Solo Stove’s Pi pizza oven. It’s sturdy enough that I can leave it outside, and it gets blazing hot, so you can cook pizzas in just a few minutes. If you’re into outdoor cooking, this is the one to get.”

—Chris Michel, Senior Food & Gardens Editor

“I recently bought a beautiful new potting stand for my garden and have been looking for functional and stylish pieces to go with it. It just so happened I also needed a new watering can, and I love the classic green + copper palette of this piece. The dual handle also helps control the flow of water and facilitates caring for plants at different heights. It holds one gallon of water, which is just enough for watering my more delicate flowers.”

—Anna Logan, Senior Homes & Style Editor

“Every day at our family farmhouse begins and ends on the front porch—usually rocking away in one of these rockers with a beverage in hand. They're made of a durable material that holds up to the elements (so much wind!), which equals a lot more time for fun.”

—Jennifer Kopf, Executive Editor

“My 4-year-old and 2-year-old love playing with this wheelbarrow set. They take turns using it to clean up the yard and it even has a second life as a mail truck for pretend play.”

—Alison Allsopp, Style & Market Editor

“Having a portable heater outside has allowed us to get so much more use out of our outdoor space during the cooler months! It also makes winter/fall hosting so much easier as guests aren’t all confined indoors.”

—Maggie Horton, Associate News Editor

“If you’re looking for a simple table to add some more dining space to your backyard or porch, or you have a small deck like I do, this table is a great choice! It’s super sturdy when it’s folded out, and then it folds up so you can stow it somewhere else if you’re not using. I’ve had mine for about a year, and it’s held up really well to plenty of rain and storms. It rinses off well, too, so you can easily clear away leaves and pollen. And then you can put an umbrella in the center if you need some shade!”

—Beth Branch, Editorial Assistant

“I love the tart, bright flavor of rhubarb but in the south it's hard to find— often the only option is to buy it frozen. I have never tried to grow it (it prefers cool weather) until this year when I came across a variety, KangaRhu, that was engineered to grow in hot climates. It’s been around for a few years (it actually won the 2020 Green Thumb Award) but I just discovered it this spring. I can’t wait to make strawberry rhubarb hand pies next year!”

—Charlyne Mattox, Food & Crafts Director

“Whether friends are coming over to enjoy the evening outdoors or I’m headed to the beach, this rocker chair is something I’m looking forward to using this summer! It’s much roomier than a typical lawn chair and I love the extra bit of relaxation you get with it.”

—Anna Mahan, Associate Commerce Editor

“In my opinion, a backyard is incomplete without lawn games. With its easy-to-learn rules, classic styling, and portability, you can't go wrong with a Bocce Ball set. Bocce can be played in yards of any size or shape, making it a perfect companion for all kinds of summer backyard hosting.”

—Ian Palmer, Visual Editor

“This versatile tabletop fire pit is tiny but mighty! I love that it adds warmth and ambiance to smaller patios, terraces, gardens, and even balconies. Plus, it’s portable for sunset picnics with friends and has enough firepower to make s’mores around the fire whenever my sweet tooth comes calling.”

—Janece Maze, Associate Editor

“I'm a big fan of all things Yeti, and the outdoor brand’s hard-sided coolers are at the top of the list. There’s definitely a place for the larger sizes when it comes time for beach trips or camping excursions, But for backyard entertaining or lounging on the deck, the smaller Roadie 24 is the perfect size. It holds up to 33 cans or 26 pounds of ice, plus it’s tall enough to fit a bottle of wine. Like most Yeti products, it comes in several fun colors (mine is Bimini Pink!), and you can count on it to keep ice cold for days (we’ve tried!).”

—Katie Bowlby, Digital Director

“Are these labrador pot risers not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen? They’re sure to add a bit of pizzaz to this dog fanatic's currently depressing deck.”

—Hannah Jones, Commerce Editor

“A swing in the shade is just where I want to be in the summertime! We have one like this two-seater hanging in our covered deck area overlooking the backyard. The built-in cupholders are a must!”

—Amy Mitchell, Managing Editor

“My family is obsessed with this swing. It’s the perfect activity to transition my kids from school to home!”

—Alison Allsopp, Style & Market Editor

“This wood and wire mesh basket, handmade in Maine, is the perfect size for gathering veggies or flowers from the garden. The wood is also treated so it holds up after repeat washings.”

—Leigh Crandall, Contributing Editor

“Handsome enough to hold a permanent space in your backyard but compact enough to pack up and bring to a cabin, this smokeless fire pit (no moving those chairs every five minutes to avoid the fumes!) is made in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Add on grill accessories and you can also use it to cook up dinner.”

—Sarah Zlotnick, Lifestyle Director