The Greenhouse

When we moved here in 2018 we knew that we wanted a greenhouse. The main intention was to extend the growing season – our last frost was May 22nd this year and the first frost in autumn can often be mid to late September. Overwintering a few less hardy plants or at least offering shelter from wind and rain would be a major advantage too. We also soon found that our exposed position on the top of a hill meant that a place to sit, sheltered from the wind, would be an asset. But we had other priorities, i.e. making a garden, getting our trees and hedges established, and then there was Covid, and then our doggie Anouk came to spend her final years with us. But this year it finally happened!

Here it is, still empty on day one

I shared a photo of the foundation a few weeks ago. There is a deep layer of frost-proof material under the paving, and concrete strips where the greenhouse is anchored. We needed planning permission for it since only certain designated areas can be built on here in Germany. The foundations are set into the slope – there is hardly a flat spot in our garden! – and they were completed in early September. So we had time to quickly sow grass all around the ‘building site’.

Then the greenhouse company came last week and within two days it was up. I was, I admit, a little overwhelmed seeing it standing there! After waiting so long, and hardly daring to get excited unless the builders’ schedule changed or something, there it was, ready and waiting. And I wasn’t quite sure what to do first! LOL!

A wide strip all around the outside of the greenhouse will mean easy access for cleaning windows etc, as well as sheltered spots for pots.

I snapped loads of photos of it before starting to ‘settle in’ and we are so pleased with how it ‘fits’ into the garden.

(Click on any image for a slideshow)

Well, I finally put in my newly repotted and trimmed Lemon Verbena plants. They should overwinter well in there. I also put in a couple of scented Pelargoniums and a Coleus. And some Echinacea seedlings and the last pot of Basil. And a trip to a garden centre yesterday (with new eyes now that my possibilities have broadened!) meant a tiny cactus, a tender Salvia, a Hebe (not reliably hardy here but I love Hebes) and a Cyclamen have now found a new home.

 I hope to do some proper ‘pottering’ soon and pot up the seedlings to overwinter in there as they are still too small to be planted out. And I would also like to grow some kind of salad in containers over winter too.

But for now, we have been sitting in there for an afternoon cuppa or a coffee after dinner, and one night we sat and looked at the stars. We have two comfortable sun chairs in there, and I am enjoying the view across the garden even on a grey and blustery day. It will be more than just a working greenhouse, as demonstrated perfectly yesterday; a real gale was blowing, but I was warm and comfortable in there… Here is a short video (turn the sound up!) and you will understand just what a haven this will be…

 

We have a gas camping heater with a thermostat, so it can be kept frost free. This is yet to be tested out though. I also have a rechargeable camping lamp on order. Electricity and water may be installed at some stage, as we had a pipe laid under the foundation which would allow us to trench in an underground connection from the house in the future.

Apparently the special glass should stop plants getting sunburn, and the roof windows are all automatic. There are four additional air vents near ground level too. The shelving/tables are not fitted correctly yet, as there was a bit of a mix up with the order, but the changes and odds and ends should be sorted out in a couple of weeks. In the meantime my Man of Many Talents will make sure the drains are fitted properly as we have a soak away system under the foundations too.

Various Echinacea seedlings

I have been dreaming of all the cuttings and seeds that will be grown in there. It may be a little late for much this year, but that is probably just as well for a start. Not having had any kind of greenhouse before means I am a complete novice! What would you do first? And more importantly, what can still be done in late September? I wonder if it is too late to sow any perennials. All your suggestions and tips will be welcome!

I’ll share photos of the shelving once it is finished. And by then I may have a few more plants in there….