People warned me about the addictive nature of greenhouses. Only now, am I beginning to understand. It is so pleasant in there... and warm. Mmmm!
Melbourne is doing its 'Spring thing', with lots of fluctuating temperatures and sudden changes. One day it may be warm and sunny with a top temperature in the high 20s or the low 30s (Celcius). Or it can be like Wednesday, cool, damp and drizzly with a top temperature of 17 degrees.
However, the Fat Fruit Greenhouse is able to iron out the bumps in the weather. I have a thermometer in there and the temperature, during the days, has been steady in the mid to high 20s...lovely for growing. The soil in the pots is noticeably warm to the touch.
When it begins to heat up I can open the vent which runs the full length of the house roof. This can easily be lifted by pulling a chain. See, in the picture below, it is open?
If it is an even hotter day, there are a series of vents along the top of the walls, under the eaves. I can flip these open by hand, and they are held up with a magnetized catch. The double door can be slid completely open or just cracked a fraction.
By operating the vents and the door, the temperature in the greenhouse can be adjusted quite quickly.
And that's not all, folks...no there aren't any steak knives...
but there are two cord operated, shade-cloth, blinds.
On sunny days, to cut back on the radiant heat,
one or both of these can be pulled all the way
or part of the way across the roof.
As it was cool yesterday,
the blinds stayed open, and the vents stayed shut.
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I checked the temperature in there several times,
and it was a balmy 23 to 26 degrees each time.
Just perfect for the gardener to have a little rest,
with a cup of tea and a gardening magazine.
It is a hard life,
but someone has to do it.
I'd love a greenhouse...don't think I have enough space though. Maybe I could ditch the pool or the kid' cubby house. Not sure the kid's would appreciate it though.
ReplyDeleteI would buy a greenhouse of you
ReplyDeleteI ment off and also how lovely is you dog so similar to mine
ReplyDeleteHazel, are you sure that that thing is a greenhouse, and not a sun-lounge? There will be a kettle and teapot and coffee-maker in there before long...
ReplyDeleteOh I do like the convenience of just pulling chains and cords and the vents open and close, and the shading goes up and down. Wish we had those in our greenhouse too :)
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to feel more sheltered when inside the greenhouse, in here I appreciate the calmness inside when it's windy outside.
Happy fruit growing in your greenhouse!
Oh I do like the convenience of just pulling chains and cords and the vents open and close, and the shading goes up and down. Wish we had those in our greenhouse too :)
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to feel more sheltered when inside the greenhouse, in here I appreciate the calmness inside when it's windy outside.
Happy fruit growing in your greenhouse!
I'm of the same idea as Mark -- how close is this to the outdoor kitchen? You'll be able to dispense with the house at this rate. :)
ReplyDeletePerfect. I know which room I'm staying in when I come for a sleep over!
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous! Look at those beautiful blinds! How fabulous
ReplyDeleteThat is one very awesome greenhouse!
ReplyDeleteQuite envious of your snug greenhouse. I am interested in how it does in winter. Can't wait to follow along.
ReplyDeleteYou rock Hazel. Maybe you should think about blocking off a little area for a very comfy chair...a place to sit and have a nice beverage. Coffee, tea....
ReplyDeleteWe are experiencing much the same weather here, unfortunately I don't have a greenhouse/sun lounge to escape to!
ReplyDeleteA super greenhouse! A cuppa is always welcomed after some work in the garden!
ReplyDeleteI'm
ReplyDeleteSooooooo envious!!!! Green with greenhouse envy!!