Join the cosy club

From an article by Tim Sykes written in the So Magazine, November 2022

OK so it's time to get the marshmallows out, tuck yourself under a nice outdoor throw, get the Sonos Music system working and get cosy around a lovely warm fire pit. Personally, I can't think of anything nicer, save for some sausages to toast on the fire!

We've been enjoying late summer and autumn nights for years around our fire pits and chimeneas when we've had them. So don't decamp inside just because it's dark and chilly outside.

As temperatures drop, what could be more fun than huddling around a crackling fire and sharing memories with family and friends as the sun goes down and listening to Adele, Coldplay - or even Fleetwood Mac if you are as old as me?

If vou don't have a firepit already then now's the time to think about it...

The good news is there are a huge range of different styles, from wood-burning fire bowls to chimeneas and gas burners.

If you are really committed you might even think of investing in an outdoor fireplace, or chimney complete with its own outdoor lounge. Interestingly, we are increasingly being asked to build such features like these into new garden designs.

There is a huge amount of information online, so do Google it. But in the meantime here are a few thoughts on the different types of fire pits you might consider:

KADAI

They make and sell in the UK the archetypal fire bowl. We are on our second one! Ours is roughly a metre diameter and it's amazing as vou can pile it up with wood

and get really warm (sit at least Im away). But Kadai also sell a whole host of accessories and I have to say some of the best barbecues we have ever had have been cooked on a Kadai! Check the fire bowls and cooking accessories out at www. kadai.com, or if you are in Marks Cross pop into the Marks Cross Nursery where they sell the range.

CHESNEYS

You probably know them for their incredibly nice indoor fire surrounds. But Chesneys have also launched a range of outdoor wood burners.

Top of the range is their XL oblong Clean Burn Outdoor Wood burner which retails at about £1900, but also look at their smaller version of the same design at £1600. They are very nice and efficient fireplaces, as you'd expect. Locally, check out Chesneys' main distributor www.thekentstovecompany.co.uk in Paddock Wood.

FEUERHAND

The Feuerhand Byron fire barrel is a new concept in outdoor heating.

It's about efficiency and maximum heat derived from an effective flow of air to the fire source. This is a concept that other manufacturers such as Solo also promote. But the Feuerhand fire barrel is second to none. It's a fantastic heater for your garden or terrace. A double-walled fire barrel made of brushed stainless steel. Thanks to the design, the wood fuel sits In just the right place and burns clean and efficiently to create optimum heat. See more about Feurhand at www.feurhand.com or buy it locally at Le Petit Jardin in Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells.

SOLUS DECOR

I saw this fire pit at Chelsea flower show this year. It’s rather pretty. You can buy it in three different sizes. Solus make a range of concrete fire pits in contemporary designs, ideal for a modern garden setting. The finish is superb and comes in various colour schemes. It typically runs on a gas burner principle.

Check out their website at www.solusdecor.co.uk

The version I really like is called the Hemi Fire Bowl and this either comes in a 48'“ diameter, 36” or 26”. So make sure you think carefully about the size that might suit your garden before buying.

These are just a few options readily available on the marketplace. But you can always go bespoke. One of our clients lat year asked me to design a square fire pit for a special area we were creating in their garden. This we designed using a double skinned ‘sandwich’ fashioned out of Corten Steel to fit the scheme perfectly. To give the fire pit extended life we also created a Corten Steel table top. The whole thing was built for us by a very talented blacksmith based in the Peak District who did this all for an incredibly reasonable price.

Please do let me know if you want a bespoke design and I will happily help you.

“What could be more fun than huddling round a crackling fire with friends?”

THINGS TO DO IN THE GARDEN

This November

Clear up fallen leaves this month. You may have to have three or so goes at this, but it’s worth it! Alternatively if it’s not too bad mulch it with your mower.

Plant out your winter bedding plants.

Plant your Tulip bulbs for your spring display next year.

Put out winter bird food to encourage birds in your garden.

Clear up any other debris around the garden.

Use a seasonal bonfire, when allowed, to dispose of excess garden debris.

Clear out your greenhouse and prepare it for new season.