Greenhouse Update: Mission Completed?

Even though we have been using the greenhouse for a few months now, I still get excited everytime I enter it.  It feels like a secret, underground oasis.

I’m just so incredibly proud of Patrick for researching, designing, and building it – especially since he doesn’t have a background in construction or design. The former inground pool (AKA raccoon vortex of death) feels redeemed as it has been repurposed. I think Mr. Torkel Korling and the Bartholomews would be proud of our evolution of this space. 

It has been a wonderful family, pandemic project, and while it isn’t quite completed (we are so nearly there), it certainly feels like we’ve emerged on the other side of it as we’ve transitioned from making to growing 

On that note, many people have asked how we intend to use the greenhouse.

Patrick plans on growing food in Spring and Fall as a means to extend the growing season. For instance, this past Spring, he grew some salad greens. Currently, we are testing how plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil handle the steamy, Summer temperatures. 

We have a thermometer in the greenhouse which can be read in the main house. Patrick checks it regularly. He maintains the temperature by opening or closing doors and windows and by running a fan when necessary.

Also, Patrick has cleverly rigged a rain barrel to release its water through a former pipe used to fill or pump the pool (not sure its exact former use). This makes it fairly convenient to water the plants. 

While it is not heated (yet), we may be able to overwinter some plants in the greenhouse because the internal temperature will be warmer than the outside. The greenhouse is a welcome place to be on a sunny Winter day. It warms up nicely. Also, Pat has filled many large rubbermaid containers with water. Since the temperature of water fluctuates much more slowly than air, it acts as an insulator to keep temperatures more stable in the greenhouse. 

Outside of the greenhouse, we have begun filling the former decking area that surrounds the perimeter with wood chips. We still have to construct stairs to get down from the path to the decking area. Right now, we are using good old cinder blocks.  

Finally, there is landscaping to be done on two sides of the greenhouse. 

So, please visit the next time you are at Spring Bird! If you have a group, feel free to meet inside – or use it as a personal place for meditation or journaling. We are happy to get out of your way or give you a tour.

PS I really enjoyed painting murals in the greenhouse. I tried using leftover and mistinted exterior paints. We’ll see how they handle humidity, condensation, and sun exposure. I looked at Etruscan tomb paintings as inspiration for painting them. While I have been calling the greenhouse a temple to the light, it feels tomblike because you enter by walking down into the earth. The Etruscans painted the most glorious and lively tomb paintings featuring dancers, olive trees, giant cats, and music. I wanted my murals to reflect that feeling of life and vibrant fun.