So it pays to think about...
...what? We think we know what design features, options and
conveniences we have seen that we might want for our own greenhouse
-- if we could have one! Yet there are so many we probably haven't
thought about.
Also, we haven't done the shopping. Two good friends who did,
have had their greenhouse and conservatory long enough that their
suupliers, and their route to find them, aren't really helpful. So
we've asked at the Forum for help. If you have thoughts in answer
to these or other questions for greenhouse shoppers, would you
go post them at the Forum? Some reports are coming in already.
We'll compile and report back here when we have a comprehensive
list.
If you own a greenhouse or conservatory we would love to
know:
Did you begin by reading catalogs, or architecture guides, or
what?
What features and accessories are you most glad you have, and
which have been disappointing or not worth the cost?
We have heard that heat mats and sodium lights
are good to have...
We notice and add to our list: The grillwork benches (let
debris fall through!), and the wide, hard floored aisles (good to
have elbow room, especially for that day when we may be navigating
them with a walking support or chair). This is looking into one of
the greenhouses at Oldfields Estate at the Indianapolis Museum of
Art. What about the shade cloth bunched up in the center of the
"ceiling" -- perhaps set up to roll out automatically when the
temperature rises. Worth the cost? What alternatives are
there?
Down the side of this greenhouse are cold frames, to protect
those things that need just a bit of protection in winter. We can
make one with four bales of straw and an old glass window, but
wouldn't it be heaven to have such a set-up as this?
Simpler is probably better for most of
us!