Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2005
PDFfile available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/misc.html

Extend The Season
November/December 2005
Pat Handley, Johnson's Ridge Rd. Store Manager, 
       Kansas Certified Nursery Professional
       
    Instead of retreating to the house as outdoor temperatures begin to
drop this year, how about extending the season in the yard and garden
with the warmth and wonderful scent of a chimenea from Johnson's? The
crisp fall days make time spent in the yard a pleasure, and the
fragrance and gentle heat of a chimenea only enhance that wonderful
experience. This year at Johnson's we are featuring a new line of Hand
Made Mexican Terracotta Chimeneas (pronounced chim-in-ay-as) in various
sizes and styles from PR Imports, Inc.

What is a Chimenea?
    Well, simply put, it is a traditional Mexican clay fireplace.
Chimeneas (literally chimneys) first made their appearance in Mexico in
the 17th century, and were used to bake bread. Nowadays, few of us
actually bake in them, but rather, build pi–on wood fires in them. We
treasure them for their aesthetic appeal, the focal point they become
for gatherings on a porch or patio, and most especially for the way they
fill the autumn air with fragrant smoke, evocative of our American
Southwest.

Light My Fire!
    Chimeneas are best used with a hard wood, such as the bagged pi–on
wood we carry here at the garden center. Hard woods produce the least
sparks but, even so, the chimenea should be situated on a hard,
non-flammable surface, such as a concrete slab or brick patio. A word of
caution here--chimeneas are designed for outdoor use only. Please do not
attempt to burn one indoors, or on a covered porch or patio.

    The typical chimenea's two-piece construction of a base or belly,
and the chimney or neck, makes lighting a fire in them a very easy task.
It is desirable to put gravel or, better still, lava rock in the bottom
of the chimenea to build the fire on. Start with small fires, which will
season the clay of the chimenea and enable it to accommodate larger
burns in the future, without damaging the clay. Don't use the chimenea
when it is wet or raining, or damage may occur. Never use water to douse
the fire in a chimenea, but do let it burn down naturally. If it is
necessary to put the fire out immediately, smother it with soil or sand.
If possible, your chimenea may be covered when not in use, and brought
into a shed or garage for storage as winter freezes set in. This will
prolong the life of your chimenea for many seasons.

    Please stop by one of our three convenient locations soon to get
yourself set up with a fall-tastic chimenea from Johnson's.