Last years Christmas card included a image of our little greenhouse.
When it made it’s way to our friends Jason and Tamara, the idea started.
They are now building their very own greenhouse!
My husband has been doing phone carpentry coaching, and Jason has kept us updated with progress photos.
I thought is was time to dig back and uncover the making of the greenhouse.
A collection of old windows purchased at a farm auction served as the start of the greenhouse layout. I think they call this “farm fresh”
Walls are anchored by corner posts. Set on a bed of sand and gravel, then concrete paver blocks. Each window was trimmed and fit into the openings. Priming, chalking and painting was an ongoing job.
Rafters in place, it’s really taking shape now!
I know what your thinking–are those her garden beds? Ignore that part.
Closing up all the walls, painting in progress! Cedar trim for the front, back and dormers of the greenhouse.
Painting completed! and it’s place in the garden all ready! A perfect spot to sit on a bright Fall day, and anticipate Spring plantings.The greenhouse benches were added to hold all the trays of seedlings come Spring.
Leftover patio blocks made a nice porch for the the greenhouse.
We are proud to say that nearly all of the greenhouse was built from recycled material.
Roofing materials, screws and paint were purchased.
I hope this inspires others!
If you have wished for a greenhouse, I wish one for you!
country living, tending my kids, gardens, and critters
all photos are my own, please ask permission to use
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42 thoughts on “How we built our little greenhouse!”
That is too beautiful! I admire how you found the windows and made it from scratch. That is talent. If I had more property that would be the “perfect” greenhouse. I look forward to reading your blog. Robbie:-)
That is truly amazing, Stacey! That took a vision…and all the work of the beds after that, so inspiring. Magazine worthy! I can’t wait to read the story.
I was “bumped” from the issue of Country Gardens that is now on the stands–but was told it will be the Early Spring issue that will come out January 1st. 🙂
Gardening and magazine publication sure does teach you patience!
I had no illusion that I was, your greenhouse has become quite the envy of me and my readers. 🙂
You are very kind! Hugs garden friend!
I love your greenhouse, it has so much character. I am lucky to be able to use greenhouses at the farm and the Cooperative Extension, no way could I have one in the city.
Thank you so much! Spending time in ANY greenhouse–is a good thing! Therapy at it’s best!
When I worked at a floral shop/greenhouse–I spent my lunches in the greenhouse.
Thank you so much, a place to grow plants is such a treasure–no matter what it looks like!
Before we built this greenhouse, I used a little hobby hoop house–It worked so great! Not the prettiest thing, but the results were beautiful! 🙂 Happy gardening, friend.
Wonderful to have the ability to create this and I imagine so much more. Though I do have some talents, they are not in the building dept – I’m about to even hire out my compost bin project!
He has used his carpenter skills for lots of homes and projects! It still amazes me that his head holds all the math when cutting and putting together the projects! I don’t have that ability to “picture” it. 🙂 so glad you enjoyed the pictures.
Oh thank you for telling us when to expect it in the magazine! I remember when you told us the mag was coming out to photograph and interview you and often wondered when we’d get to read the article and say proudly, “I know this lady!”
ps. I love your recycling of the old windows! Brilliant!
Gorgeous! Oh thank you for sharing! I know I am a little late to the party, but I was so excited to see this post! I’m going to show my husband tonight – maybe he’ll get excited enough to try and make our own version of this? (A girl can dream can’t she? 🙂 )
I will definitely be on the lookout for your greenhouse in Country Gardens Magazine! Please share as soon as you know which issue it will be in!
Hi…. I have been reading my Country Gardens magazine for early spring and noticed the beautiful pictures from your home. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your green house! It makes me think of spring right now looking out at all of our snow! Thank you so much for sharing.
Sue
The roofing material is a standard corrugated greenhouse roofing purchased at a local home improvement center. We used pressure treated lumber from an old deck for the framing and cedar for the finishes. It requires a good quality outdoor paint every few years to keep it protected. Please feel free to ask any other questions! Stacey
The roofing material is a standard corrugated type of greenhouse roofing material. We ordered ours from a local home improvement center. It was really the only new material we used!
Hmmmm, not sure a picture would really give you any better look. The walls are attached to each corner post. We live in a cold climate so the corner posts go down 3 feet. Also then a base plate is attached in a square (10 X 10) and the walls are screwed into that base plate. Hope that is clear, but feel free to ask any other questions.
down to earth digs 
That is too beautiful! I admire how you found the windows and made it from scratch. That is talent. If I had more property that would be the “perfect” greenhouse. I look forward to reading your blog. Robbie:-)
My husband does amaze me when he can take a pile of lumber and build something!
Thank you for your kind comment and stopping by the garden!
It’s even more lovely now that it has a story!
Thank you so much! It was a great family project!
That is truly amazing, Stacey! That took a vision…and all the work of the beds after that, so inspiring. Magazine worthy! I can’t wait to read the story.
Isn’t it something how a garden changes with each passing season!
Wow, so nice!
Thank you so much!
This is fabulous and inspirational. To recycle windows, etc., in to something this beautiful…
When does the magazine story publish? You will share, right?
I was “bumped” from the issue of Country Gardens that is now on the stands–but was told it will be the Early Spring issue that will come out January 1st. 🙂
Gardening and magazine publication sure does teach you patience!
Oh, that has to be disappointing…but having worked for a magazine, I get it.
So beautiful! It is inspiring, for sure! I’ve got 3 large wood framed windows that my husband just brought home from a job…Better save them. 🙂
Your project is started! I forgot to mention the trip to another town on garbage day, and grabbing a few windows leaning against a trash can! 🙂
🙂
Stacy, you made that look so easy could you send your husband over to build me one just like yours? 🙂
You would not be the first one to say that! 🙂
I had no illusion that I was, your greenhouse has become quite the envy of me and my readers. 🙂
You are very kind! Hugs garden friend!
I love your greenhouse, it has so much character. I am lucky to be able to use greenhouses at the farm and the Cooperative Extension, no way could I have one in the city.
Thank you so much! Spending time in ANY greenhouse–is a good thing! Therapy at it’s best!
When I worked at a floral shop/greenhouse–I spent my lunches in the greenhouse.
I love this!! We did something similar but it certainly isn’t as lovely as yours, well done!!
Thank you so much, a place to grow plants is such a treasure–no matter what it looks like!
Before we built this greenhouse, I used a little hobby hoop house–It worked so great! Not the prettiest thing, but the results were beautiful! 🙂 Happy gardening, friend.
Wonderful to have the ability to create this and I imagine so much more. Though I do have some talents, they are not in the building dept – I’m about to even hire out my compost bin project!
He has used his carpenter skills for lots of homes and projects! It still amazes me that his head holds all the math when cutting and putting together the projects! I don’t have that ability to “picture” it. 🙂 so glad you enjoyed the pictures.
That is one nice looking greenhouse! I need to build one!
Yes you should! Keep me posted. Stacey
Well built with wonderful character . . . I love the down to earth sign!
Thank you! ahhh, you spied the sign! I made it upon completion with a piece of salvaged old door.
Stacey
Really impressed and not at all jealous ! 😉
Thank you so much! Pssst, look for it next year in an issue of Country Gardens magazine!
It was photographed last Summer!
Stacey
Oh thank you for telling us when to expect it in the magazine! I remember when you told us the mag was coming out to photograph and interview you and often wondered when we’d get to read the article and say proudly, “I know this lady!”
ps. I love your recycling of the old windows! Brilliant!
Reblogged this on atbankofdam.
Gorgeous! Oh thank you for sharing! I know I am a little late to the party, but I was so excited to see this post! I’m going to show my husband tonight – maybe he’ll get excited enough to try and make our own version of this? (A girl can dream can’t she? 🙂 )
I will definitely be on the lookout for your greenhouse in Country Gardens Magazine! Please share as soon as you know which issue it will be in!
Warmly,
Kelly
Hi…. I have been reading my Country Gardens magazine for early spring and noticed the beautiful pictures from your home. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your green house! It makes me think of spring right now looking out at all of our snow! Thank you so much for sharing.
Sue
Can you tell me the material you used for the roof? So very beautiful and made of recycled materials too!
The roofing material is a standard corrugated greenhouse roofing purchased at a local home improvement center. We used pressure treated lumber from an old deck for the framing and cedar for the finishes. It requires a good quality outdoor paint every few years to keep it protected. Please feel free to ask any other questions! Stacey
The roofing material is a standard corrugated type of greenhouse roofing material. We ordered ours from a local home improvement center. It was really the only new material we used!
Thank you for sharing our little greenhouse!
This is lovely! Are the corner posts anchored in the ground? Could you show a little closer detail how the walls are attached at the corners?
Hmmmm, not sure a picture would really give you any better look. The walls are attached to each corner post. We live in a cold climate so the corner posts go down 3 feet. Also then a base plate is attached in a square (10 X 10) and the walls are screwed into that base plate. Hope that is clear, but feel free to ask any other questions.