A mini-greenhouse, a folly, a garden ornament? THREE in ONE!

You've seen these before... old windows used to build a greenhouse of any size. It just seems the best use for these panes of glass that can easily be acquired. I've had some old windows for years and we finally put them to use for the final touch on my "project". ( My garden renovation "project" was mentioned in the post below, and it has taken me about 2 weeks to complete. I'll post the video soon, but I want the new planting to fill in a bit, before I film.) So, in the meantime, I will show you the mini greenhouse we built to place at the end of my new garden path.

 I sanded and painted the original white windows using hunters green Rust-o-lian spray paint. I then sanded them again for a vintage look.

        We used 5 windows to make a "saltbox" shape. If you prefer a traditional peaked roof, use 6 panes of glass. Obviously, you will need windows that are of equal size along at least one width or length.

Using nails, screws, or L-brackets  connect the windows into a box shape.

You will need to use hinges on  the window to be used as your door.

 We used antique hinges .

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and a very interesting doorknob.

Use support boards on the inside of the box for extra stability. We used old stairway spindles, which provide a lip on which to connect our shelves.

You don't need a floor, I just set this on the stones... great for drainage.

 I had 2 cast iron garden ornaments I put to use as: 1.) a shelf

 

  and 2.) a ventilation piece in the back of greenhouse.
The center shelf is clear plexiglass, about 1/4 inch thick.

This roof is attached with hinges as well, so that I can open it from the top.  

 For the time being I am putting succulents, such as pots of sedum  and cacti

 and a few lavender babies, inside.

 But I can also start little seedlings in here at any time of the year.

Because I do not need a full size greenhouse, this little mini-greenhouse is just perfect for me and my renovated side garden.

Even if you don't start your plants from scratch, these are charming garden bones, nice follies and attractive storage areas for garden goods and small tools.

You can find old windows on Craig's list, at flea markets and  architectural salvage yards.

This project took James and I about 2 hours from start to finish.

So, what do you think... would you like a tiny greenhouse in your garden wonderland?

Building a Cedar Grape Arbor, for next to nothing...

  

     The Lord of the Manor was on a mission. He donned his baseball cap and leather gloves. Armed only with  his sharpened  saw...  into the woods he went. A few hours later he began to drag them out of the hollow..one by one, long cedars  27 of them!!! What a man!

This is the little courtyard we build outside the Potting shed last autumn, using old, old bricks, brickbats and stone. It really needed a Pergola  overhead.

So now you know what those cedars are for. 

The grapes were sitting in their pots simply bursting at the seams and longing for a place to climb.

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              A few days later, they had it..  A wonderful rustic cedar arbor/ pergola.

Oh JOY!

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It has the Peabody boys stamp of approval.

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That's important, because, after all, the Peabody boys will undoubtedly perch atop the rafters to taste test all those divine grapes which will be POURING over the sides this summer! ( I planted 8 vines, yummy!)

 I think it will be quite beautiful once the greens start clambering up the poles and across the top.

It's very simple, but stout and rustic. Just what I like!

Of course, the Lord of the Manor did require my assistance, you know, holding hammers, measuring poles, filling his cup with ice, etc. etc.

I am indispensable. 

 

 Total cost: Under $20

(Nails and gas for the chain saw)

This project took 3 days, that includes the acquisition of all those logs.

AND he also built a raspberry trellis long enough to contain 12 raspberry canes!!!

 I had drawn this arbor months ago for my new book, it is on the copyright page..( I will be painting this soon)

It really belongs to Mamsey Bear.

 And she makes wonderful grape jam...