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

"Whether I'm busy in my garden or running errands on the weekend, these functional yet stylish Muckster II Mid Boots are an essential wardrobe staple! Through rain, sleet, snow, dirt and even down right muddy days, they keep my feet cozy and completely dry. I absolutely love the new Chicken print style and it even adjusts to three different heights!"

—Janece Maze, Associate Editor

"Whether at the park or at the beach, this lightweight, striped pop-up tent makes finding shade a breeze."

—Maribeth Jones, Design 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

"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 that 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

"I love sturdy and roomy garden bags. This garden tote is large enough (it has 8 exterior pockets!) to carry everything I need for a morning in the yard without making multiple trips back inside for forgotten tools. It's super durable, water and soil-resistance, and stylish enough to carry at the farmer's market for a few items!"

—Janece Maze, Associate Editor

“Every time I go to the garden store I say I’m only going to buy one plant, but usually end up coming home with at least five! This 30-gallon garden catchall is a great place to store garden waste (like those plastic pots that starters come in) before everything gets divided up for the compost or recycling bin."

—Charlyne Mattox, Food and Crafts Director

"I gifted a pair of these gardening protection sleeves to my dad for Father's Day, and after trying them out, every one in my family had to have their own pair! No more getting scratched by thorny bushes! They also have UPF 50+ and their moisture wicking material keeps you cool while you're protected from all the elements. They come in so many fun pattern options from solids to florals (even camo!), but with every purchase of this cute "Save the Bees" pattern, the company helps restore bee pollinator habitats."

—Jennifer Kopf, Executive Editor

"Add some pizzazz to your yard with this petite version of the Knock Out Rose. Plant it in a container in a sunny spot, and this easy-care rose with fire engine red blooms will bring a burst of color."

—Katie Bowlby, Digital Director

"It's not the prettiest tool in my shed, but I 'm a fan of this super useful compost turner. It works with any stationary bin or compost pile to keep smells away, help everything break down, and get that good black gold faster, so I can spread it on my garden sooner."

—Chris Michel, Senior Food and Garden Editor

"I had visions of turning this galvanized ring into a backyard fire pit, but—in classic working mom fashion—never got around to it. However, I have since used this ring to corral backyard kids' toys and it has proven to be the perfect solution, especially because it easily drains."

—Rachel Hardage Barrett, Editor-in-Chief

"This umbrella has been an absolute lifesaver for us in the spring and summer. Our deck gets full sun with shade from a tree only in the evenings, so it gets HOT in the afternoons. A pergola is in the plans one day, but, until then, I love being able to adjust this umbrella to go wherever we need it and that it doesn't interfere with our space at all."

—Hannah Jones, Commerce Editor

"This roomy, 70-inch long V-shaped planter is elevated to an ideal no-bend height, making it perfect for a back patio herb garden."

—Ian Palmer, Visual Editor

"I'm moving in to a new place this summer, and I have grand dreams for making the small backyard cozy and magical. I'll be adding some classic string lights overhead (of course), but I'm also planning to install these solar lights to the fence and deck. In addition to subtle ambiance while I sit by my (future) fire pit, I'll also appreciate the added safety and peace of mind that comes with an illuminated backyard."

—Emma Gray Pitt, Deputy Art Director

"This raised cooling cot has become a hot commodity for all our dogs at the lake. We currently have a Chihuahua, 35 lb. mutt, and an 80 lb. Lab/Pit mix fighting over it, so it's probably time to buy a few more."

—Hannah Jones, Commerce Editor

"We recently installed these as part of a backyard makeover and I swear they make my ho-hum back patio feel as if it's a high-end boutique hotel in sone fancy Florida town. But seriously: The fabric is extremely weatherproof and the curtains really help feel the space feel more defined, like a real-deal room. My dad, who is not at all into design, came to visit after I installed them and he is now fully committed to outdoor curtains."

—Rachel Hardage Barrett, Editor-in-Chief

"No more bending over in the garden for me! This raised bed planter box, made of unfinished, rot-resistant cedar, comes together without power tools in 10 minutes. It's the perfect addition to my kitchen garden!"

—Anna Logan, Senior Homes & Style Editor

"One of my favorite things about moving to Birmingham from NYC is summer evenings hanging out in the backyard with friends. One of my least favorite things is mosquitoes, which are no joke down here. So I’m splurging on this set of string lights that comes with mosquito repellent pods. There’s no smell, no fuss, you just plug it in, and relax."

—Chris Michel, Senior Food and Garden Editor