The broad, open mouth and tall chimney of a chiminea may add a distinctive Old-World look to your garden. It’s versatile enough to be used on a tiny patio, as a portion of a larger focal point in your lawn or even indoors near a window or in a sun room. Chimineas are usually made from terra cotta or ceramic, like the materials used in planters.
Remove the chimney, or throat, of this chiminea if it comes apart. Set the neck apart.
Turn the chiminea on its side carefully, having a buddy help you steady it. Make an “X” with masking tape in three or four places on the bottom of the chiminea.
Drill 1/2-inch holes in the middle of each “X” with a carbide masonry piece with bare terra cotta or a ceramic tile or glass-cutting piece with glazed ceramic finishes. The masking tape gives the drill piece something to dig to instantly so it will not bounce off the surface. Clean the piece with water between each hole to decrease the clay accumulation and make it much easier to drill the holes.
Turn the chiminea right-side upwards and transfer it to its final spot. Reattach the neck.
Remove any sand from inside the chiminea that may be left from once the chiminea was utilized as a fireplace. Fill the base of this chiminea with gravel or tiny rocks. This will assist with drainage, plus it reduces the amount of soil you will need to fill the basin to the mouth opening. Leave about 12 inches of space over the rocks.
Pour potting soil over the stones, stopping about 1 inch from the mouth opening. Water the soil thoroughly, ensuring excess water is draining from the holes in the underside. Add more soil if necessary after the water compresses the present soil.
Plant tall plants in the middle of the grass, such as sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) or gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.) . These may grow up and through the chimney, coming out the top. Plant permeable crops, such as petunias (Petunia x hybrida) or clematis (Clematis spp.) , in the soil near the front of the chiminea mouth. Allow them to tumble out the front of the chiminea or train climbing vines to wrap up around the chimney.