My biggest, most ambitious project this year is to finally build my dream greenhouse. Nothing too big, just an 8' x 12' with a peaked roof. No heat source except for passive collecting to retain heat overnight in the spring and fall. A rain barrel will be hooked up to a laundry tub for my water source. Wait until you see that contraption! I've already purchased the hardware to make the connections. I like starting my seeds early indoors and would love to have somewhere to put them until it's safe to land outside. Then I want to use it during summer to start new and expand my plant inventory and finally in the fall rescue tender plants from frosts. I love the solitude and focused mindset when potting up and setting seeds. Such awesome therapy and I believe, a form of meditation!
About 7 years ago, I did manage to build the popular and easy hoop style garden shed. For those interested, here's the link . After battling weeds and fighting heavy snow loads, I donated it to a friend who would install the reinforcements prior to setting it up. Since then, the gravel base has been screaming for a replacement while weeds threatened to take over. More black plastic went over it to halt growth. October was spent clearing and pushing back weeds again so we could start a base for this new and improved greenhouse.
For the last 10 years (gosh it's been too long) I've been coveting some glass double doors, patio doors and windows for the purpose of one day making this dream come true. I found a few more in my travels: a picture window, more smaller mismatched windows. Last fall, I sought out window installers and found a generous company who leaves the old windows outside for people to help themselves. I managed to cram 8 large wooden windows plus two larger ones into my 2006 Vibe. Followed by groceries on top. I was so excited! Eight all the same! Just look at my finished goal image above! Those windows plus whatever else i can get by spring will help me to recreate something resembling this cutesy! No idea what colour mine will be yet. I 'll leave that for now.
About 7 years ago, I did manage to build the popular and easy hoop style garden shed. For those interested, here's the link . After battling weeds and fighting heavy snow loads, I donated it to a friend who would install the reinforcements prior to setting it up. Since then, the gravel base has been screaming for a replacement while weeds threatened to take over. More black plastic went over it to halt growth. October was spent clearing and pushing back weeds again so we could start a base for this new and improved greenhouse.
For the last 10 years (gosh it's been too long) I've been coveting some glass double doors, patio doors and windows for the purpose of one day making this dream come true. I found a few more in my travels: a picture window, more smaller mismatched windows. Last fall, I sought out window installers and found a generous company who leaves the old windows outside for people to help themselves. I managed to cram 8 large wooden windows plus two larger ones into my 2006 Vibe. Followed by groceries on top. I was so excited! Eight all the same! Just look at my finished goal image above! Those windows plus whatever else i can get by spring will help me to recreate something resembling this cutesy! No idea what colour mine will be yet. I 'll leave that for now.
Hubby was quite keen to help with ensuring the foundation be good. He's more of an analytical guy; very methodical and likes to play by the rules. I'm more of a fly by the seat of your pants wing it and hopefully get away with it type LOL! My original plan was to start with a frame around the base and go up from there. But it's not the same as with a hoop design. Glass is heavy and breakable. Ground heaves in winter. I needed footings sigh! Now my little project became a big pain in the you know what. This was not what I'd imagined but my passion is stronger than my laziness. I was lucky that a neighbour had a post hole digger and am so thankful for youtube videos. I got those holes dug as straight and deep as I could until I hit bedrock for which I'm also grateful. It was a tangle of twine, batter sticks (calling them batter boards would be lying) , measuring tapes and levels until I reached an acceptable squareness and level before even attaching 4x4 beams to the footings. Hubby helped with the cutting of the beams and rechecking for level. Everything was bang on! I was thrilled! Now we could relax until early spring when the weather will be more favourable for working outdoors. Everything is above ground ready for walls next. Stay tunes for part 2 later this spring!
With Love
Rolande
With Love
Rolande
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