The Firewood Poem - Full of Helpful Hints for Winter Warmth

The Firewood Poem

As far as my research shows, this poem was written by Celia Congreve and believed to have been first published in THE TIMES newspaper on March 2nd, 1930. It is as relevant to many of us now as is it was to readers then.

 

Beechwood fires are bright and clear,
If the logs are kept a year,
Chestnut's only good they say,
If for logs 'tis laid away.
Make a fire of Elder tree,
Death within your house will be;
But ash new or ash old,
Is fit for a queen with crown of gold

Birch and fir logs burn too fast,
Blaze up bright and do not last,
It is by the Irish said,
Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread.
Elm wood burns like churchyard mould,
E'en the very flames are cold,
But ash green or ash brown,
Is fit for a queen with golden crown.

Poplar gives a bitter smoke,
Fills your eyes and makes you choke,
Apple wood will scent your room,
Pear wood smells like flowers in bloom.
Oaken logs, if dry and old,
Keep away the winter's cold,
But ash wet or ash dry,
A king shall warm his slippers by.

 

What you should know about purchasing firewood

A Guest blog

As the winter season sets in, it’s time to start thinking about getting warm. Many people are now turning towards woodheaters to heat their homes as energy prices increase, but those new to wood burning may not know what timber is best for their stove.

 

You can easily buy firewood from yards, like Firewood, but if you want to save some money and seek out your firewood yourself, you are going to need to know what you are looking for. Here is a very brief selection of your best choices, for an easy burn and low smoke fireplace.  

 

Apple trees are somewhat easy to split and have a beautiful smell when they burn so they are a good option, however not many people go out to burn apple trees. One of the more popular options is green and white Ash, as well as Alder trees. These trees are easy to split, don’t smoke or spark very much and have only a slight fragrance, so they are the perfect option for seasonal firewood. A variety of Oak trees are also perfect for firewood as they have many of the same properties as the Ash and Alder trees. Look out for these species of trees when seeking out private sales of firewood, although when looking for kindling, most wood types will suit because they are only used to get a fire going and keep enough heat to get a log burning. With a little bit of know how, you can have your homely and romantic fireplace or wood heater burning in no time, and without having to spend a bundle.