Whilst landscapers will always prefer that the weather is fine when they are installing a landscaped garden for a client, another weather-based consideration that they and their client might consider when originally planning and designing the garden is how to provide heat there when the temperature plummets.
Given the hours of sunshine and warmth in which most Australian gardens are usually bathed, you might think it unnecessary to think about having to heat them using other means. However, despite highs of over 30 degrees centigrade in cities like Melbourne and Perth in the summer, at night it occasionally dips into single figure temperatures. As for winter, both cities can see night temperatures fall close to freezing.
Admittedly, Perth, Melbourne, or indeed most cities and towns in Australia, are unlikely to see long periods of freezing temperatures or have to deal with snow. Nevertheless, it can become cold enough to want to have some means of heating a landscaped garden so it can be enjoyed all year round and in the evenings once the sun has gone down. Read on, you will discover several ideas on how to create that heat.
Outdoor Gas Heaters: One of the biggest appeals of gas outdoor heaters is that they can be portable and can thus be used to heat different areas of a garden as required. There is no cleaning up after their use, and it is easy to adjust the heat output based on how cold it is. Options include a gas bottle for portable heaters or connecting fixed heaters to your domestic gas supply.
Outdoor Electric Heaters: How you set this up will depend on whether you want a fixed or portable heater. If fixed, an electrician will need to instal a power socket in the area where the heather will be positioned. Alternatively, you can run an extension cable from your home into the garden each time you wish to use a portable electric heater.
Wood Heaters
For the ultimate in traditional heating, a wood heater is an option, and there are many wonderful looking wood heaters on the market. However, bear in mind you do not flick a switch to start them, but instead, have to light them to get started. There will also be some cleaning up, plus attention must be paid to their safe use too. The smoke produced also needs to be considered and whether your neighbours will disapprove or not.
Overhead Bar Heaters
For landscape designs that include one or more features where there is a covering above, such as a pagoda, an overhead bar heater makes a great choice. They are easy to use, leave no mess that needs cleaning, and they are out of the way, unlike some other heaters that sit on the ground.
Fire Pit
For creating an ambience that is akin to sitting around a campfire, a fire pit is a brilliant choice. Often no more than what looks like a giant wok, the safest option is to have them fixed. Once again, you have the chores of lighting them and cleaning them. Also, the smoke produced might be a problem for some.
Other Options
Whether any of these will be suitable will come down to several matters. These include your budget, garden size, and your personal preferences. Options you might consider include a pizza oven, a traditional fireplace, a chiminea, and electric lamps designed to produce heat safely.