Chim-chimminy-chim-chim!

Having had at least 5 nice weather days on the trot, we've certainly seen more people enjoying their gardens in the evenings. But, as September approaches the temperature at night is dipping. Whilst patio heaters recently received some bad press, chimineas, fire baskets and fire bowls are a good alternative that look stunning too.

Chimineas originated over a thousand years ago in Mexico, where they were used as ovens for heating and cooking.
The nomadic tribes that inhabited the mountains in Mexico shaped clay into simple chiminea shapes and then fired them in wood fuelled kilns. The word "chiminea" comes from the Spanish word for chimney.

Chimineas can still be used as an oven to cook food outdoors but many simple use them as an outdoor heater.

Chimineas in all shapes and sizes plus fire bowls, baskets and burning logs can be purchased at both St Bridget Nurseries' Garden Centres in Exeter.