Hot Deals That Will Make Your Backyard Sizzle

Garden center stores warn not to plant until after Mother’s Day, so now that we’re past that date you may just be getting started with freshening up the outside of your house. 

On these warm days, we all trudge out to the shed with high hopes and emerge with last year's hose replete with holes, an empty space in the garden set where the trowel once was, tiki torches that have seen their last light, and the list goes on. ... There are some things that even frugal folk resign themselves to buying with some regularity.

Here are 11 local deals that are hard to beat this week:

1. A new hose, with no drips or kinks in it: $13—A 50-foot Apex medium duty house from Target (632 Route 46E, Fairfield), through May 14
2. A hose nozzle without that end-of-season leak: $9.99—A two-pack from Anchor Hardware (320 Route 46, Denville), plus $5 off $25 with coupon printable from its website, if you have other things on your shopping list.
3. Bright-colored flowers that immediately say summer: $1.89—Annuals (6 plants/pack) at Kmart (808 Route 46W), through May 14
4. Last year’s trowel lost in the shed? You’ll need one: 89 cents—Each trowel, cultivator, gloves at Kmart (808 Route 46W) valid through May 14
5. A kiddie pool that keeps them entertained: $25—Inflatable animal pool with slide and sprinkler from Target (632 Route 46E, Fairfield), through May 14
6. Seating that inspires relaxation: $39.99—Cedar folding Adirondack chair from the Christmas Tree Shop (outside Rockaway Mall)
7. Keep the party going after dark: 2 for $5—Bamboo Garden Tiki Torches from Walgreens (1470 Route 46W), valid through May 14.
8. Fuel for the fire: $5.99—Tiki Citronella Oil Torch Fuel, 50-ounce from Walgreens (1470 Route 46W) valid through May 14.
9. An extra chair for...somewhere: $5.99—Cayman Resin Lowback Chair, after single check rebate, using Wellness card at Rite Aid (480 N. Beverwyck Rd, Lake Hiawatha), valid through May 14.
10. If your pet name for your grill is "The Flamethrower:" $99—Char Broil 2-burner gas grill at Kmart (808 Route 46W). Valid through May 14. or...$249—Kenmore 3-burner gas grill in copper (same location).  We just bought this grill and it looks and works great!  Valid through May 14.
11. A lackluster patio’s best friend: $59.99—5.3-feet-by-7.6-feet Tropez indoor/outdoor rugs at Bed, Bath & Beyond, 790 Route 46W (while supplies last).

Since this is a frugal column and the best way to save money is not to spend it, here are five free and easy things you can do to make your yard sparkle:

1. Pressure washer—If you don’t have one, you can undoubtedly find a friend who does. Pressure washing your house and patio gets rid of mold, dirt and all manner of “crud” that collects over the winter. It doesn’t take too much time and if you’ve never tried it before, you’ll be amazed.
2. A fresh coat of paint works wonders and you probably already have some in your garage. We touch up our painted front porch, the railings on our deck, as well as our white benches in the backyard. Older wood furniture looks new again with a coat of crisp, white paint.
3. Divide thick plants at the roots. Not only does it make your plants healthier, it gives you more to work with. Plants like hostas, daffodils and daylilies can be divided and re-planted throughout your yard and they’re forgiving, so don’t be afraid to move them around.
4. Clean outdoor furniture—If it has been stored in the shed, it most likely just needs a vigorous shaking out.  If there are stains that need work, try some hot soapy dishwater, a damp rag for scrubbing and a clean cloth for blotting.
5. Make an inviting space—Add a few fresh citronella candles, put out the sparkly, hanging outdoor lights and fill a ceramic pot with some leftover annuals to create a centerpiece for your table.