PROJECTS

From The Project File~ From Neglect To Respect

Wow! I'm about to reveal something special, but it feels really humiliating to show you the 'befores'. It's as if you've dropped by unexpectedly on a seriously bad house day. That's how embarrassed I am. But here you are. A barebones Harbor Freight greenhouse, made from a kit, sitting forlornly in the backyard.

Please don't misunderstand. This was something Larry wanted and thought he would use. He did a great job preparing the site and constructing the project. Yet we didn't use it for any of the ideas we had when we bought it, such as getting a jump on seed starting or growing award winning tomatoes. Sadly, except as a repository for stuff (stuff that was cluttering another project space and needed to be moved) the little greenhouse that could sat unused.

As it became increasingly unsightly, I became increasingly agitated and finally put together a plan for a redo. Greenhouse beautification is just part of my overall blueprint for the backyard. Digressing for a moment, I need to tell you that it is well known within our network that Larry likes salvage and surplus. From time to time this has been a serious issue, as acquaintances have come to think of Larry instead of say, The Habistore, when they want to donate unwanteds. Seriously my friends, I have arrived home to find all sorts of stuff on the driveway, ranging from scoop to nuts. It is so not cool. This is part of the reason I am having to redesign the back.

Anyway, having finally reached a saturation point, again, I began by hiring a young and healthy high schooler to move this pile of bricks that is just one of many unexpected gifts. I'm sure you get the idea.

I will say, these bricks are well used and loaded with character, so I decided they could serve as an amazing floor in the greenhouse. This was truly one of those light bulb moments in which I could accurately picture ugly duckling to swan. Even though Larry wasn't sold out at first to my idea, he kindly helped me lay the floor. It took a bit of nagging, yes, but we got the job done.

 Of course we did the job right! It is very level. And we took the time to sweep sand in between the cracks in an effort to discourage weeds from finding their way inside.

I love this floor. It looked so very pretty when complete, I just wanted to sit inside the greenhouse on the new floor and feel happy. I know, you are dying to ask about the plastic bottles. They are all filled with water and capped. The reason we have them is that Larry planned to use them to generate heat inside the greenhouse in the winter; an idea that really works. The sun warms the water and they emit heat. Because you see, we don't yet have electricity here. Maybe someday.

You know I like to decorate interior spaces and this little space was not exempt. I carefully chose pieces from our inventory and began outfitting the greenhouse as a little pocket of repose. Although since it is after all intended for agricultural use, I guess I could call it a pocket full of posies.

Well here she is~ no longer a shameful little shack.

I created a front porch with a pallet. 

An antique French washstand as a tiny potting bench.

Well loved and much used gardening tools.

Comfy chairs for relaxing with tea.

Potted plants at the entrance.

Here is a miscellaneous gallery of my feel good photos. Indulge me with a browse~

Vintage flower pots from England.

Please tell me you love her as much as I do. Our little greenhouse has turned out even better than I envisioned. This winter I know she will be perfect for over-wintering annuals in pots (such as the begonias I baby along from year to year). In the meantime, because the room heats up so nicely during the day, it is a perfect spot to sit and read gardening books or simply escape for a time.

Last week we had much needed rain. It was so lovely to sit inside the greenhouse and listen to the drops hitting the roof. It was a sort of cleansing experience. I hope the decor isn't so feminine that it scares Larry. I would love to take our morning coffee in the greenhouse and lounge in the morning sun.

Stop by anytime!

~Dana

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