Outdoor Fireplaces and Landscaping
The Reagans have been in the news a lot since the recent passing of former First Lady Nancy. But did you know that former President Ronald Reagan signed an April 1986 proclamation founding a national garden week? It was a victory for the National Garden Bureau. But the National Gardening Association wanted to take it further. In 2003, they managed to get the week extended to a full month.
To celebrate National Garden Month, we at Old World Stoneworks thought about what would get us out to the garden more. Why, an outdoor fireplace, of course! Here are a few ideas about how you can work a fireplace into your outdoor landscape.
Portable vs. Permanent Outdoor Fireplace
If you are adding a fireplace to a small space, or are on a small budget, a portable fireplace could be the answer. These come in several forms, including lightweight metal fire pits that stand on legs; chimineas, like the traditional Mexican clay style featured below; or even tiny tabletop fire pits for warming your hands. Portable fireplaces allow you to rearrange your outdoor space as easily as you move furniture around indoors.
A permanent outdoor fireplace stays where it’s built, but is a very impressive feature for your garden and can provide much more heat than some of the portable options above. If you have a large house and yard, you need a large, statement-making fireplace. We especially love tall, two-sided designs that simultaneously warm two seating areas like this Old World Stoneworks custom built Cambridge fireplace:
Location
Your new outdoor fireplace will quickly become the focal point of your outdoor space. So choose the location wisely. Where do you want to hang out? Where do you want the eyes of your guests to focus? If you’re looking to create a space that feels like an extension of your home, you may want to opt for adding a fireplace that also serves as a border for the backyard room. But if wide open spaces are more your style, a grand fire pit with comfy seating under the open stars maybe just what you’re looking for!
Plants and Fireplaces
Planting taller trees behind your fireplace will make it look more established. But beware — leave plenty of space between your outdoor fireplace and any flammable trees and shrubs. Add flowering potted plants on and around your fireplace. Make sure they bloom in different seasons, so you always have something pretty to admire. You can use the colors of the flowers to tie the furniture, landscaping and other patio design elements together. Move potted plants away from the fireplace if you’re lighting a fire during a dry time of year.
Safety and Rules
A flame-resistant fire mat and a spark guard are must-haves to complete your outdoor fire ensemble. Check with local fire officials before building your permanent outdoor fireplace. There could be outdoor fire codes that will influence your choices.
Delightful Ambiance
Not only is an outdoor fireplace pretty to look at and warm to your skin, but the fire smells so woodsy and good. Outdoor fireplaces add so much to a yard and help families and couples create experiences they’ll never forget. Whether it’s a romantic glass of cider shared before the fire, or the whole family roasting marshmallows and wienies, this is the stuff memories are made of. We’re sure you’ll love the ambiance an outdoor fireplace adds to your garden, so give us a call to get started on your custom outdoor fireplace today!