Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Preparing For A New Greenhouse

Many of you know that we are preparing to build an energy efficient four bay greenhouse in our back lot. Many of our greenhouses are old and inefficient. We will keep the retail greenhouses that have been around since 1892 but we will be upgrading our production facility, thanks in part to a state and federal grant. This will make us more competitive in the market place. Plus, we will reduce our carbon footprint by reducing our fuel consumption.

The shear task of moving greenhouses, while keeping plants alive is logistically a challenge.



We call this temporary structure “The Dog House.”


Here our large Dragon Fruit Tree “Hylocereus species” is sitting outside of the “Holding House” waiting for a new growing place.



Inside the “Holding House” are many of our succulents. Here a Euphorbia is in a lunch crate waiting to get moved.

Our crop of Pelargonium “Mrs. Cox” is another group that will be moved in the upcoming week.


With good weather, we hope to grow many of these plants outside. Plywood boards are placed outside with temporary water lines.


Bags of soil had to be moved to achieve this space.


In the midst of everything happening down back Tiffany is still smiling, selling plants in Retail. She just finished labeling Kalanchoe 'Mirabella' (right) and Echeveria 'Black Prince' (left).


Amy, our retail supervisor, is talking to Sham our business manager, sorting out details. A sweet smelling plumeria is blooming in the forefront of the picture.

4 comments:

  1. Great Job on building this new greenhouse. It looks excellent. Good luck in the future.

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  2. Thanks for the encouraging words. We hope to break ground next week.

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  3. how is it going? I'm very happy you're
    keeping the original buildings. They must
    be historical landmarks. C.A.

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  4. Our structures are very old. The original greenhouses date back to 1892. We're not officially a historical landmark but it sure feels like we ought to be!!! We'll keep you posted on our progress.

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