Say the word "greenhouse", and we picture an all glass or plastic structure, fully
equipped with heating and misting systems, fans and pipes and rows of green and
bright colored growing things.
Perhaps the words "sunroom" or "sunporch" would more adequately describe 10 x 30 addition that the Shepherd's Corner pioneers had, with great foresight, attached to the barn-garage near the main house. Large windows
are on 3 sides, a solid wall and roof complete the picture--but not quite. Over
the years, the gradual addition of a small heater, fans, fluorescent lights and some
creative use of vertical space have made this tiny spot an amazing producer of
hundreds of plants for the gardens each year.
The space has provided challenges each season. Tiny plants can't be too cold, too hot, too wet, too dry. Insect pests have invaded at times. Fortunately, the invasive Asian lady beetle, whom households detest, has also moved in and taken care of all bug problems. God bless nature!!
A hoop-house, a more traditional greenhouse has been added to the property. So far, it is a wonderful halfway house for plants as they outgrow the nursery space. It is hoped that gradually it too will become a 6 or 9 month facility to serve the growing agricultural needs of Shepherd's Corner.