I was pretty delighted when the huge truck, working on the power lines, blocked the access on our narrow street this morning. It meant that despite a long list of errands that needed to be done, I was stuck at home. We had no power all day, but the weather was sunny and still and Hugo and I got stuck into the new greenhouse. After a series of stops and starts due to bad weather, Pete our handyman finally finished it on Friday.
My lovely louvre windows, essential for good ventilation, were scored from the tip, a door was bought from the off cut pile for $1 and the frames made from timber we had lying around. The only new stuff we needed was the polypipe and the plastic.
My job today was simply dig out the 30 odd raspberry canes, that we built the greenhouse around, build a new raised bed, put down a sawdust path in the middle and move in some furniture. I'm thrilled that I finished and even had time to paint it too, blackboard paint on the inside of the door, a kid blackboard under the louvre windows, and a dusty blue on the outside of the door.
I want to plant tomatoes in the long bed, and have laid cardboard, sawdust, compost, manure and straw down to brew until we're ready to plant in late spring. Never have my tomato beds had such a lovely long preparation. The "benches" on the other side, again made from stuff lying around, will be for seedling trays. I can get started on sowing cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli for late winter planting outdoors.
I love being in the greenhouse. It's my new favourite hangout. It's so warm and bright. I have to stop myself from putting some bunting up and a cane chair inside. Or do I?
