Now this wasn't this weekend, this actually all happened over the last couple of month and I realized I needed to put up a post about it before it got too late.
A couple of years ago, I blogged about our first burn pile. Well, we've been cleaning up other areas bit by bit and we ended up with another huge pile. We're not doing doing this anymore. It gets out of control too quickly and looks horrible in the front yard. Not to mention there's no telling what is living there!
We're all about "curb appeal" now (for lack of a better description) so the house and yard look nice (albeit empty, LOL) when we pull up every time. It's much less stressful when you don't see a giant pile in the front yard.
Thankfully, "R" from 2nd Family came to the rescue and said he would burn it for us while we weren't there and then clear off whatever didn't burn. He did this over a few days and "J" took a picture for me.
FYI it looks close to the barn and shed but that's just the camera angle.
After burning most of a day, this is what was left.
He burned the last few bits when I was out there to work on the garden last month and then he hauled off a big branch/stump for us that just wouldn't burn. I was anxious to get mowing, as you can tell, ha.
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| Future fire pit area |
After it was all gone, I got on the mower and cleaned it off nice and smooth. Here is the end result. Now all the grass is starting to grow back but we think we'll keep this same area. It seems positioned just right to be far enough from the house and the barn/shed so we could have a nice fire going (but still within water hose reach just in case).
Not sure what the exact diameter will be but we can make it big enough for a fire pit in the center, and then an area around around it for chairs, benches, or whatever we decide to put in. Several of you have mentioned in comments over the years when I posted images on an Inspiration Thursday that fully in ground fire pits have their own unique challenges and above ground generally were the best option. We'll most likely do something that is a combination of both, sort of set into the ground but having sides that extend up above the ground using a steel ring. Stay tuned for some picture ideas as we decide.
This is all part of the project planning list and gets it one step closer to fruition. 2nd Man said "let's get it done this Summer and then it will be ready for next Fall/Winter..." We'll see, I've got some other projects to finish first but so far so good on those! This let us scratch off the first part of the project, clearing the spot so that it's ready for the rest of the work to be done.
This is all part of the project planning list and gets it one step closer to fruition. 2nd Man said "let's get it done this Summer and then it will be ready for next Fall/Winter..." We'll see, I've got some other projects to finish first but so far so good on those! This let us scratch off the first part of the project, clearing the spot so that it's ready for the rest of the work to be done.
sounds and looks like a wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteDiy project: http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/structures/building-a-backyard-fire-pit
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/164311086376636360/
http://gardenclub.homedepot.com/how-to-build-an-above-ground-fire-pit/
Awesome links, thank you! I was all over Pinterest last night, ha. So many ideas.
DeleteA fire pit is not only a great idea but it almost required for night time entertainment (Even if you are just entertaining 2nd man and yourself!)
ReplyDeleteYep, it's almost like fire and nighttime and country/rural go together huh? And I agree, I could just sit there all by myself and watch it. 2nd Man and I will enjoy it for sure.
DeleteI've never had a fire pit. But I went to a pig pckin' once where a whole hog was cooked in one.
ReplyDeleteI've seen those whole hog roasts. I have never eaten at one but I understand it's incredible. Of course I love pork in all forms, ha.
DeleteWe have one of those 'burn piles' on our land too. We will be able to burn it in May and, as it is our first one, I can't wait! Mind you it will be much nicer when it is gone as it does spoil the look of the place. Kirk
ReplyDeleteThis was our second and most like last. Or IF we have another, it will be somewhere else away from sight. They just seem to get so overwhelming and like you said, spoil the look of things. No matter how clean and neat and tidy your yard is, the burn pile distracts. And then there are the creatures living in there, ha.
DeleteThis will be a great addition to the Farm - there's just something special about sitting around a crackling fire. Stock up on the marshmallows!
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of odd to be thinking of doing it in the heat of Spring and Summer but my thinking is to get it done before Fall so that all we have to do on the first cool evening is sit our butts down and light it, ha. Oh yeah and marshmallows! ;-)
DeleteHi 1st Man :)) Having a fire pit is such a treat. We don't have one here because of lack of space, plus we're renting so we don't want to alter the yard too much. But our last place, my boyfriend built a nice simple fire pit of stones we found by the river. We sat out there a lot looking at stars and satellites and roasting marshmallows! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of sitting under the stars and watching them. Yep, we have wide open spaces, fingers crossed!
DeleteIt doesn't have to be anything fancy at first. You can make one fairly cheap and simple then improve later. Some sand, gravel, rocks and a galvanized culvert ring ($39.99 for a 36 inch ring at Rural King). A couple of logs/ benches/ or chairs and you are all set.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.ruralking.com/culvert-36-fire-ring-55160.html
You can sit around it and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. You can get a tripod and hang an iron pot to cook your dinner!
Yep, we've been looking at ideas and hmm, we may have already bought something....now to carve out the time to do it, ha. Thank you much, stay tuned!
Deletei finally got a chipper to not burn but reuse the chips for mulch and my paths.
ReplyDeleteOOH I want a chipper really bad. I'll have to tell 2nd Man "see, someone else uses it for that too!!"
Delete1st Man,
ReplyDeleteA fire pit on the farm is a must.
Glad to hear you were able to burn with no problems.
Yep, it's almost a requirement and we're a couple years late, ha. Thanks!!!
DeleteJust bought 12 acres with a big 2 acre pond. A few burn piles are on the place, but I have a pavilion close to the pond and a few wooden docks. Looking forward to plopping a big firepit down next to the pavilion under the trees!
ReplyDeleteHI! Thanks for stopping by!!! 2 acre pond, I'm jealous! We actually have a natural pond site on the property, it will require professionals to help clear and dig and turn it into an actual pond. That's on our someday list, ha. Congrats on your place, it sounds like heaven. Come back and visit!!!
DeleteOnce you get that fire pit going you'll be able to enjoy the sizzle of sausages under the open stars and there is nothing like a warm blaze on a cool fall evening. Keep on it 1st man!
ReplyDeleteLOL I like the way you think, food! We'll be working oh this soon(ish) and hopefully have it all in place for Fall. Can't wait! Stay tuned! Thanks for stopping by too, come back!
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