Warming to patio heaters

Sunday Mirror, Oct 3, 2004 by ADRIENNE WILD

DESIGN IT

THE nights are drawing in, but if you're still determined to enjoy the garden invest in a patio heater.

Most stainless steel heaters are of a similar umbrella design and run on propane gas.

Economy models (from pounds 89 at B&Q) will heat up to a 16ft radius and provide heat up to 30 hours on one gas cylinder.

But check the specifications before you buy - for example, you might want to make sure that the heater will fit snugly through any outdoor garden table with a hole for a sun parasol, or if space is limited you may need a design that can be wall mounted. For a choice of heaters visitwww.caloralfresco.co.uk

Chimineas are a popular alternative, especially for those who prefer the rustic look. They are usually made from ceramic but there are also cast-iron versions available that won't look out of place in the garden of a Victorian- style house. A wood-burning chiminea costs from pounds 49.97, a small cast iron model is pounds 59.98.

Again, consider your requirements before buying.

There are models for example that include a grill for cooking, and then there's the all-singing, all-dancing Coalite Bushman Burner (01905 621636), which throws out loads of heat and is specially designed to use smokeless coal as well as logs and charcoal.

Above all, don't forget safety ...some models become very hot and may even damage your beautiful timber deck.

A fire pit is probably the trendiest solution that garden designers have come up with for outdoor heating, but note - it's not the best choice if you have young children.

To make one, simply excavate a pit up to 2ft deep and line with fireproof bricks. Put a couple of concrete blocks in the base to rest a grill, and that's where you can set the coals or logs.

DIY IT

GIVE your garden a new look by planting borders "prairie style" with loose drifts of ornamental grasses between patches of tough cottage garden perennials

As long as one-third of the plants are evergreen grasses the entire border won't disappear in winter. Start with a framework of grasses such as switch grass or Panicum virigatum, molinia, tufted hair grass, miscanthus and carex then fill the gaps with plants with large leaves such as Aster x frikartii Monch, Iris sibirica, yarrow, day lilies and echinacea.