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    46 Things To Make Your Backyard, Patio, And Garden The Very Best They Can Be

    Your outdoor space is an extension of your home, so let's make it as nice and welcoming as possible.

    1. Some waterproof and shatterproof solar-powered outdoor string lights so enchanting they'll turn your backyard into a whimsical nighttime oasis. Perfect for draping over trees, winding around railings, or highlighting the edges of your outdoor living space.

    2. A pack of sunflower seeds with nine varieties to turn your garden into an oasis for honeybees, bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Each package has over 1,000 seeds and can cover up to 325 square feet. 

    Sunflowers blooming in an outdoor garden by a roadside
    Close-up of a vibrant sunflower with other sunflowers in the background against a clear sky

    Created by Nature is a small business based in Oregon that sells customized wildflower seed packets, inspired by each of the National Parks, and designed to give back to nature’s bounty.

    Promising review: "Planted a handful of the seeds in our front lawn area. Few months later, and we had a spectacular color array. Great flowers!" —Shane

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

    3. An outdoor furniture set that includes a sofa, two chairs, and two ottomans because your backyard should be just as inviting and stylish as your living room. The sofa and chairs offer ample seating for guests, while the ottomans serve double duty as extra seating or a spot to kick up your feet.

    Outdoor seating area with a sofa, chairs, and a table under sunlight, with a potted plant and cushions on the furniture

    4. A black and white outdoor rug so chic it'll instantly transform your backyard into the "after" shot on an HGTV backyard makeover show. Not only does it add a touch of pizzazz to your outdoor space, but it's also made from durable materials designed to withstand the elements.

    5. A pack of solar-powered path lights that stick right into the ground so your pathways are always beautifully lit once the sun sets. Because they're powered by the sun, you never need to worry about running out of battery or turning them on at night. It all happens automatically!

    Garden at night lit by ground lights showcasing various succulents and desert plants along a pathway

    6. A two-burner griddle grill so you can make sure you have a delicious spread of food every time you host meals al fresco. No need to hurry into the house to get to cooking — with this you can stay outside with your pals and enjoy what's going on.

    7. A potting bench so you can keep everything you need to grow your garden in one place. The tabletop can hold up to 220 pounds, and the bottom shelf and cabinet can handle up to 176 pounds. There's also three metal hooks on the right side for hanging gardening tools. This bench really is a one-stop shop.

    Reviewer's potting bench is shown outside being used to store supplies

    8. A very pretty garden bench, because folks need a beautiful place to sit. Whether it's strategically placed on your porch or plopped down in the middle of your garden, it's sure to turn heads with its unique design and available colors.

    9. An outdoor ceiling fan for adding a bit of tropical flair to your space while providing you with that island breeze you so desperately seek in the warmer months.

    The brown fan hanging from a porch ceiling

    10. canopy swing that rocks and swings *and* provides you with shade on extra sunny days. It's zero gravity, so when you're all tucked in you'll feel weightless. 

    a reviewer sitting in a blue swing using a laptop
    the blue swing in a different reviewer's yard

    Promising review: "We love this lounge chair!!! The price was fabulous!! (And just a note... If you take care of your things — i.e. cover up the swing with a tarp and bring the cushions in when not using it — It will stay like new. Sun and rain can age anything! Easy-peasy!!) This lounge swing is so comfortable and made very well!! It only took my hubby and I 25–30 minutes to put together. Take my word for it... you are not going to find a nicer lounge swing at this price!!" —Marash

    Get it from Amazon for $179.98+ (available in nine colors).

    11. A set of metal hanging flower pots so you can have fresh flowers or herbs, regardless of whether you have a plot of dirt to grow them in. Each set includes 10 planters, so you can plant different types of flowers, herbs, and other greenery to really make a big visual impact. 

    Promising review: "Lovely colorful flower pots. Perfect size to hold a single flower, and they add such a nice pop of color to my yard. Very easy to hang up, no hardware required! I’m getting a lot of compliments on them. I bought several sets and planted bright flowers in them. I have them lining the inside of my yard and on the front of the house. They add a lot of cheer and homeyness for a simple and cheap project." —Maegan

    Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in multicolor, black, or white). 

    12. A bottle of grass seed specifically designed to repair damages to your lawn caused by pets and sun. Using a combination of mulch, seed, and soil, you simply sprinkle this over your problem areas and let it do its thing. Within weeks, those bald spots will be gone.

    Before and after photos of a lawn in recovery; the top image shows patchy grass while the bottom shows improvement

    13. A compact three-piece sectional and table set if you want to create a beautiful, spacious place to lounge around on while enjoying the weather. The chaise is reversible, so you can have it on the right or left side.

    A sofa chase sectional and small table are shown on a balcony

    14. A pack of four plant supporters, because some plants just need a little extra help staying upright. Bonus points because the metal is powder coated green, aka it'll camouflage really well. 

    Promising review: "These plant supports each consist of two semi circles that fit together to encircle the plant. I have two snake plants that are getting taller and needed support. These plant stakes are working perfectly. They can easily be inserted into the soil to the desired height, and the green color obscures their appearance. My plants look prettier and stronger now that they are standing tall." —A.Consumer

    Get a 2-pack from Amazon for $16.99.

    15. A pack of waterproof playing cards to keep yourself occupied during those lazy warm days. No need to worry about drink spills or sudden spring showers. Just wipe down, and voila! They're like new.

    transparent playing cards made of a plastic material so they won't get ruined if they get wet

    16. A simple outdoor plant stand that's not just a stand, but an opportunity to declare your undying love for all things leafy. This stand holds up to 60 pounds and will keep your planter off the ground, which is necessary if you use a planter that has drainage holes.

    Potted plant on metal stand in garden

    17. Or a pack of five outdoor plant stands of various heights so each one of your plant children has an opportunity to shine. Plant stylists say putting plants into groups of three, five, or seven is the visual sweet spot, so this is a win-win.

    Assorted potted plants on stands of varying heights on a porch

    18. An outdoor wooden double chaise lounge specifically designed for tiny tots, though folks have figured out they work great for dogs too. 

    Person lounging in a cabana-style poolside chair with drink holders
    two dogs on the lounge

    We've been seeing people's pets enjoying these all over TikTok! It is designed for kids ages 3–8.

    Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this item and the matching picnic table and chairs. However the cabana is much more difficult to assemble then the picnic table set. There was a step in which two people were absolutely required and you need a cordless screwdriver and hammer. My granddaughter loves them and I absolutely would recommend this purchase to anyone." —Terri

    Get it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in three colors).

    19. A pack of garden lights to beautifully light up your outdoor space when nighttime hits. Use these for practical purposes like illuminating a walkway or just spread them throughout the garden to create a whimsical environment that looks like something out of a Tolkien novel.

    an array of light up flowers glowing

    20. customized outdoor pillow so guests feel welcome when they come over to enjoy your beautiful backyard. It's made from a burlap-like material, so it has major farmhouse vibes. 

    White rectangular pillow inside brown wicker basket that reads
    Gift A Pillow/Etsy

    It comes with the insert! 

    Gift A Pillow is a family-owned small business in Ohio that makes personalized pillows for every occasion. 

    Promising review: "Great quality and they look great with our deck lounge chairs. Can't wait for warm weather!" —Jennie

    Get it from Gift A Pillow on Etsy for $38.95.

    21. storage shed to keep garbage cans and other essentials accessible but hidden when not in use.  There's also a lockable latch in case you live in an area where night critters try to break into garbage cans.

    open shed to reveal a trash can and recycling bin
    Outdoor storage box with a diamond pattern and double doors, suitable for garden tool organization

    Promising review: "Good quality. Easy to assemble. Parts are individually bagged and labeled. Holds two 32-gallon round barrels — which is what I wanted it for. Very compact, which was a factor for where i had to put it." —Joe in Brooklyn

    Get it from Amazon for $368.78+ (available in six styles)

    22. A pair of stainless-steel gardening shears for clipping cuttings and deadheading your outdoor foliage. Folks say they're lightweight and easy to use, and despite their size, can cut through really thick, tough stems. 

    Promising review: "I needed something sharp and small enough for deadheading smaller blooms but that would also do well with any size of bloom. These are my new favorite pair. They're sharp and easy to use. The small push lock that keeps the blades locked closed is very easy to unlock and relock. I would highly recommend these to any gardener professional or hobbyist like me." —JoJo

    Get it from Amazon for $5.03+ (available in orange or blue).

    23. retro-esque umbrella to add some old Hollywood energy to your outdoor space. Most patio umbrellas are a simple design of a solid color, but it doesn't have to be that way! Use this instead to really up the glam. 

    Beach State is a small business specializing in premium, high-quality beach umbrellas. 

    Check out a TikTok of the umbrella in action. 

    Promising review: "This umbrella is exactly what my family was looking for as our everyday beach umbrella — large diameter, high quality, and cute retro design. It is a higher end umbrella but still slightly less expensive than the other big name designer beach gear company that we were considering. It is easy to pop up and stays standing, and we’ve had many compliments from other people at the beach asking where we got it. The customer service from the company was excellent. Would definitely recommend these umbrellas!" —Taryn

    Get it from Amazon for $170 (available in seven colors). 

    24. And a clip-on light for your patio's umbrella, because sometimes a great day in your backyard turns into a great night, and you want to make sure you have the proper illumination. 

    Note: It has three different brightness settings and requires AA batteries.

    Promising review: "This light is great!!! It has three settings, to adjust the amount of brightness you need. Lowest level is great for just sitting around your patio table and having a couple of drinks with friends. Brightest setting is PERFECT for playing cards! We play cards a few times a month. We decided to try and play outside. There are two 70+-year-olds who did not complain that they couldn’t see. So, works great in my book! 😁" —Mandie Jordan

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

    25. A hanging hammock chair, because sometimes you just need a main character moment and this is the chair that'll give it to you. 

    a reviewer photo of the off-white hammock chair hanging from a treet
    A hanging chair with comfortable cushions, outdoors next to a lounging dog

    This swinging hammock chair comes with two cushions and installation hardware.

    Promising review: "Back to basics — simple, chic, and comfortable. Perfect addition for the backyard, porch, or anywhere you'd like to lounge. There were no installation directions, but they do provide a number of options to work with based on your needs." —afytasuki

    Get it from Amazon for $47.99+ (available in three colors).

    26. A fully insulated, aesthetically-pleasing cooler that can hold a lot of your favorite bevvies, thanks to its 45 quart capacity. There's a drainage spout and built-in bottle opener, and you can prop the lid open for easy access, or keep it closed if you want your ice to last as long as possible. 

    Portable wooden outdoor bar station with storage shelf and metal towel holder
    Amazon

    Backyard Expressions is a family-owned small business in Huntington Beach, California that sells outdoor furniture and decor. 

    Promising review: "This was easy to use. The wood is rustic and what I would call a carpenter's cut (rough cut) Easy to assemble. Great conversation starter." —Paul H.

    Get it from Amazon for $95.32.

    27. A sleek three-piece rocking chair set so you can spend lazy days rocking it out on your porch. Soon, you'll be spending more time outdoors than in, so it's essential to have a nice place to sit back and relax.

    Reviewer's three piece set is shown outside

    28. portable 100-inch movie screen for hosting an outdoor movie night. Now that a lot of movies are premiering on streaming services instead of exclusively in theaters, you can have your own red carpet opening night (ball gowns and tuxedos optional). 

    Promising review: "I love the size and the fact that it takes five minutes to set up and five minutes to take down. Very portable and lightweight to carry. Very sturdy. I would highly recommend." —Kathi

    Get it from Amazon for $88.95+ (also available in 120-inch size).

    29. A pressure washer to make grimy surfaces like new again. From stained decks and concrete to outdoor furniture and cooking equipment, this will help tackle difficult cleaning tasks that you thought couldn't be remedied.

    30. A quilted hammock with a detachable pillow so you can take a long nap outside. Each hammock can hold up to 450 pounds, so grab a loved one and get to snuggling.

    31. A pair of supportive, waterproof clogs if you're always tracking mud into the house after spending time in the garden. When you're done outside you can just wipe 'em down or hose 'em off.

    Reviewer's black clogs with green leaves and red flowers are shown on a deck
    Reviewer's yellow clogs with orange flowers

    Promising review: "The insoles are removable so you can use your own insoles in these — added bonus. Also the heel area underneath the 'factory' insole is built up some to provide extra cushion in that area.

    "I bought these to use outside in the garden when it is a little too wet so I don't mess up my better shoes. They are a smooth design that should keep my feet clean for quick times outside, yet are a solid design so as to not allow my feet to get dirty and need a foot bath before coming in the house. As well, these shoes will spray off easily when dirty."jamieLeigh

    Get them from Amazon for $33.97+ (available in women's sizes 6–11 and 39 different colors/patterns).

    32. A cedar backyard play set with all the bells and whistles so your kids and their friends are entertained for years to come. This thing has everything! Swings, climbing wall, picnic table, slide, sandbox, and more.

    Wooden playset with slide, swings, and climbing wall in an outdoor setting. Suitable for children's backyard play

    33. A triangular sail to block harmful UV rays while providing you with necessary shade. A simple way to create a cool, relaxing area during those hot spring and summer days.

    34. A gas firepit table so you can keep warm on chilly nights. It comes with a glass lid, so when the fire's not in use it can be used as a table.

    reviewer's fire pit lit up on their patio

    35. A set of eight solar-powered jar lanterns filled with string lights to create a whimsical outdoor experience every time the sun goes down. The battery life can be maintained for more than 500 cycles of charging, so these will be the star of the show for at least a few summers. 

    a close-up of the jar lanterns
    a reviewer photo of the lanterns hanging from hooks on stakes in a backyard

    Promising review: "Very fun for garden decor. Have held up nicely through summer rain storms and continue to shine bright. Worked really well for a garden party." —Melissa 

    Get a nine-pack from Amazon for $29.99.

    36. retro-style cornhole set for keeping guests entertained. This will be the VIP when everyone's waiting around for their burgers to come off the grill before lunchtime.  

    Two identical retro wooden painted cornhole sets on grass
    Shop Cornhole / Etsy

    Shop Cornhole is a small business specializing in unique and personalized cornhole sets. 

    Promising review: "We love our new cornhole set! We used it for the first time yesterday and were pleased with the quality and appearance of the boards. They're beautiful and I love the natural colors. We look forward to using it at my sister's wedding in a couple of weeks. Thank you!!!" —Vanessa Weseman

    Get it from Shop Cornhole on Etsy for $229.99 (available in 20 bag colors).

    37. small wicker couch and matching ottoman with storage to provide you and your bestie with a place to comfortably sit when it comes to enjoying a cocktail at sunset. 

    Promising review: "I am pleased with this product so far. The cushions are comfy and it's a good height for sitting. Assembly was easy and didn't take long. I can't wait to enjoy more days on my porch with this set." —Kathrin Kimmons

    Get it from Amazon for $179.99+ (available in four cushion colors).

    38. croquet set the whole fam can enjoy. Even better: it's a portable kit (with bag), so if you need more space to play you can pack it up and take it elsewhere. 

    This set includes six 28" Burlywood hardwood handles, six 8" hardwood mallets with caps for added protection, two 18" hardwood ending stakes, six 2.8" weather-resistant molded balls, nine steel wickets with vinyl coating, and a nice bag to carry it all in.

    Promising review: "This croquet set is artfully made and really such a steal for the money you will pay! The sticks and mallets are all made out of durable hard wood and the mallets have a rubber sleeve that goes on each end to help protect the mallet from damage overtime. The balls are on the heavier side, as they should be. They are resistant to weather, so no need to pick them up if you didn't finish your game, same with the wickets. All of this comes in a nice carrying case that can actually handle the weight of the set itself! The colors are vibrant so there will be no question which ball is yours and genuinely I do not feel like they will fade or lose their quality. I would absolutely buy this again!" —Dido

    Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two colors).

    39. An 8-foot wooden pathway to create a cute way to get around your outdoor space. No more stomping around your backyard barefoot, only to realize you have to walk across a patch of bark or stones. (Ouch!)

    a reviewer photo of the wooden pathway laid down in a garden surrounded by wood chips
    Reviewer's wood path leads to an outdoor shed

    There is also a matching curved walkway, if you need one! 

    Promising review: "I went back and forth deciding whether I wanted to buy this. I was going to build my own walkway, but the labor involved and the price were more than I wanted to pay. So, this option looked appealing and some of the reviews were not positive. But, I absolutely love this walkway, and I’ve had it for well over a month now. It still looks like I just purchased it. I live in Florida so the weather is very harsh with heavy rains and extreme heat. This walkway has held up fine." —Jntqnn

    Get it from Amazon for $89.99

    40. A wildlife ring firepit if loving the great outdoors is part of your personality. Soooo many firepit designs are an afterthought, so try this one if you want to add a little oomph.

    a black metal ring fire pit with a forest and wildlife design cut into the sides

    41. Some interlocking teak tiles for sectioning off a special area of your backyard. No tools or glue are required, the tiles just snap together. Teak is also a preferred wood for all outdoor stuff because of its ability to survive through all types of weather. It is one of the few woods around that contains a natural oil which repels water.

    42. A giant 4 Connect game to have on hand because A) it looks cool, and B) to keep your family and friends (and frankly, yourself) entertained for hours.

    Models play with a giant 4 Connect game in their backyard

    43. A can of outdoor fabric spray paint for breathing new life into your outdoor cushions and furniture that have seen better days. It couldn't be easier to use, either. No priming needed, and once you spray it'll be dry in five minutes. It works on outdoor rugs, too!

    half of pillow spray painted
    The Home Depot

    Get it from The Home Depot for $14.98 (available in eight colors).

    44. A waterproof outdoor curtain to either partition off space in your outdoor space or provide you with some privacy, like if your balcony looks directly onto someone else's balcony or something unsightly. 

    a reviewer photo of the curtain installed on a back patio, blocking the sun
    a reviewer photo of two of the curtains tied back on a balcony

    Pick up a sturdy rust-resistant curtain rod while you're at it! 

    Promising review: "These curtains are AMAZING! Beautiful and elegant. Hangs beautiful, very light blocking, keeps rain out of our Tiki bar, we can sit out there in the rain, and keeps the heat in on a cool fall evening when we have the fireplace on!" —Sara Bushendorf

    Get it from Amazon for $11.95+ (available in eight sizes and 15 colors). 

    45. A pair of breathable bamboo gloves that keep hands cool in the hot weather and warm in cold weather, thanks to the unique fibers of bamboo. 

    Person wearing green gardening gloves while using pruning shears on a plant
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Snug fit and they preserve my dexterity. I feel very protected from wet soil and yard debris (probably not thorns — haven't pushed it). I really love these gloves for gardening and even for light construction, like sanding wood. Grip's really good and helps me get my hands dirty when I don't really feel like it. No need for a nail brush after gardening with these gloves." —Delayed Gratification

    Get it on Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five sizes). 

    46. And some color-changing inflatable pool balls so your pool is always the place to party. They're solar-powered and will last about eight hours on a single charge.

    Four different-colored balls floating in the pool
    Amazon

    Each light cycles through red, blue, white, and green.

    Promising review: "My pool is so old school and boring that I bought these to liven it up, and what a difference!! My pool went from 'meh' to WOW! The balls are easily inflated by mouth like a beach ball. Once inflated, a few hours in the sun, they are charged and ready to go. They light up after dusk ( it has to be rather dark). There is no manual way to power them on or off; they glow all night long. The changing colors are vibrant and very beautiful. They have a loop at the top if you would like to hang them. They would be magical, hanging in a tree or from a pergola. I really liked how easy these were to fill and charge, and I like the solar power and the amazing color display. They make my inner child happy." —J. Matheson

    Get a set of four from Amazon for $69.99.

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.