This January we decided that we would – at last – invest in a greenhouse to replace the plastic plant storage affair we had used for many years. [Short of time? Smart suggestion – jump to the end.]
Especially after the wind did this.
We thought we’d finally use the old marble (see post https://greenwritingroom.com/2013/04/19/happy-ending/)
However there were one or two things to clear first.
Then the fence blew down.
We started clearing the site and preparing the ground.
Then there was the archaeology.
The re-siting of the big slabs that had supported an old oil tank.
A heck of a lot of digging.
And levelling.
Laying of porous, breathable membrane.
And the shovelling of vast quantities of sand.
At last some of the marble can go down – using an intricate plan.
We exchange the big water butt for a smaller one and the base makes an appearance.
More brickwork required.
The day dawns and help (daughter Amy) has arrived.
On Day One we get this far.
And on Day Two we finish the task.
On Day Three I planned to sleep, but found myself starting on the excavation of the narrow passageway linking the greenhouse to the back of the house. I must be mad.
Green Writing Room 
On Day Three I planned to sleep, but found myself starting onbro the excavation of the narrow passageway linking the greenhouse to the back of the house. I must be mad.
No you’re not…
It just grows on you when you do this kind of work.
It’s the dopamine effect.
The pleasure you have when you see the end product leads you to go on, and start something new.
It’s just like writing blogs.
Here in Quebec we see signs of spring.
So pleased for you that spring is on its way. You could be right about the dopamine effect, but there are so many other urgent (and more pleasurable) labour tasks in the garden that I suspect it a defence against the temptation to leave the rest of the task undone, because the main object has been achieved.
I love doing that. I hope to die leaving a long list of unfinished tasks.
Well, that’s going to happen to me anyway, I guess I just want to reduce the number. I get my highs from completed projects.
This looks incredibly well planned and organised. Congratulations on your success. It does seem to lack something though. Plants. I can count 4 and a watering can. 😊 It looks wonderful. Question: what is the difference between a glasshouse and a greenhouse? Is there one? Can people in greenhouses throw stones? I’d love to see another photo when the plant count has gone up. Well done, Hilary.
Plants? In a greenhouse? I was aiming to sit in contemplation of the marble while slinging stones at the toughened glass. It has survived a rake head and a heavy spanner already.
Yes, that’s what I would do. Bask in the sun and read a good book. It looks tempting to even put a couch in and reflect on all things and nothing.
It’s a bit long and thin for a couch, but a beanbag maybe…
I wonder who worked out that formula of putting the marble tiles down? An impressive and perfect mathematical work of art. I would frame the paper on which each tile is numbered and given a position. We had similar marble tiles put down in the backyard but were advised to get them all the same size by the paver. We took the easy option!
There is nothing I enjoy more than making scale plans or models and cutting little bits of paper and rearranging them (tweezers and blue tack). I have several versions and did move a couple around as I was laying them.
Wow, you have been busy!
I’ve been having a great time – but, alas, no writing gets done when I am in construction mode.
The best documented building of a greenhouse in history. 🙂 –Curt
Hmm, I tell myself that I am interested in the process, but it’s a bit weird to record every move.
Hilary, you are not mad… but you must be awfully exhausted! Down to mapping out the marble even. Wow. Congratulations on your drive, stamina and love for things green!
I’m not sure it isn’t my husband who is most exhausted. He is trying to complete a writing project while I am buzzing around with my very active projects.
It looks like a poetic secret garden… Truly beautiful… You have a remarkable blog too…
Best Regards, Aquileana 😉
Thank you, I am very lucky to have a garden with so many corners to develop. I have visited your blog, which is not only interesting, but quite a test for my classical education.
I want one of those! I love gardening.
I spent many years wanting, but only recently queried the cool reception my idea seemed to receive. I found that all I need to do was make one compromise on my vision and it is only three months since that moment. I’d better grow some veg now!
My cucumbers and tomatoes and green beans are screaming to hit my garden soil, but I tell them, “Now you have to wait until the threat of frost is past.” It is for their own welfare. I still have to deal with the flowers, esp. the impatiens.
We have had a few frosts recently, so I am feeling cautious too, but at least I can start the tomatoes and beans now.
Oh wow that is a fabulous structure! I think I would be sat in there eating strawberries and cream watching my tomatoes grow! 🙂
Thanks, I am dreaming of the smell of tomatoes growing. I only have wild strawberries at the moment, but maybe I can start some big ones going now.
That sounds like a delicious plan 🙂
I’m going to show my grandad this when I see him, my mum keeps trying to persuade him to let her buy him one of these in place of his two green ones like your original photo. Looking at all the work though that’s possibly what’s putting him off 🙂
You don’t have to go in for all the labour. If your grandad has a flat area for his green greenhouses, then he could buy one that is the same size and it would sit on the same base or bases. Maybe have someone put it up unless you have DIY family willing to do it. I wish I’d done it years ago.