A GREENHOUSE EXTRA
by Carole Schwalm

We’ve talked a lot about greenhouse gardening. However, I think this is awesome when I heard it—that is using the greenhouse as a solarium. It is a place “to sit and have coffee and watch the birds.”

Today it is rather nippy at 9:21 AM, but with the sun’s heat and light coming in, inside the greenhouse it is 60 degrees. It gets warmer when the sun is overhead. The heat carries through into the evening hours. While this may not work as the weather gets colder and colder this winter, (and this is especially true if you are in what tends to be a cloudy climate) -- think spring and late fall? A 6’ x 9’ greenhouse has room for people, chairs, side tables and even a heater if you need it.

Of course, as the temperature drops any greenhouse flowers need to come in where it is warm, and they need light to continue flowering. You may also have containers that may have to be stored elsewhere, temporarily. If anything, doesn’t this stir your imagination!