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Although this could very well be a picture of me finding a new treasure at a favorite nursery, it's actually an illustration by David Catrow for a children's book called Plantzilla.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Oh The Weather Outside is Frightful!

But the greenhouse is so delightful...

And since there's no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

The forecasters are predicting snow to arrive in our area at about 4:00 p.m. today.  Bummer, because that means no late start or snow day at work but it will make for an interesting commute from my day job  to my night teaching gig.  What's worse, temperatures will warm during Thursday night, snow will turn to rain and probably everything will be clear enough that there won't be a late start on Friday.  Don't get me wrong, I love my jobs but hanging out at home for an extra hour or two is pretty swell.

After picking the persimmons on Saturday,  I threw the last of the plants inside.  Cordylines for the greenhouse and the last of the begonias were cut off, their pots stored in the basement.  Now there's just a path in the greenhouse as the plants take up a lot of space. (They grow you know.)   Currently (Wednesday evening) it's 31 degrees outside and the predicted low is 25.  Brr.  Just ran out to the greenhouse to make sure that the heat is working and it's 45 out there.  Here's what it looked like on Saturday.  While it's pretty full out there, there's still shelf space for small plants.


The two vertical stalks just right of center are the bottom parts of the tallest papyrus I've ever had or seen. (I don't get out much so it may be normal)

The tops of this go up through the rafters of what used to be the ceiling/floor of the upper part and are now touching the peak of the roof which is about 20 feet high. 

Speaking of available shelving, one might think that a gardener would stow the  unsightly plastic containers in a shelf before taking a picture.

 Schlumbergeras add some floral zing.



The desert and jungle huddle together against the cold. 



Captive elves keep watch.

Just like the rest of the garden, this space gets less of my time during the cold months but it's sure a treat to be able to have so many plants that push the hardiness envelope!

I'm ready for spring, how about you? 

12 comments:

  1. I'm glad to see the reality of this unusual weather event. Please keep us posted.

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  2. I have just enough space on my shelves for a couple of tiny pots of something. Just need to decide what. Maybe a few new Begonias. Your greenhouse looks fantastic! I'm so not looking forward to the snow this afternoon. Please drive safely from job to job.

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  3. It's a jungle in there. Looks great and cozy too. Captive elves are hilarious. So you cut off the begonias and store them. I'll check out that option and maybe give it a try since keeping them going doesn't work that well.

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  4. The greenhouse looks lush as always. That papyrus is something else. I mean, where will it go (grow) from here? I'm sure it's not what you had in mind when you bought it. Maybe you can research ancient Egyptian paper making technic in your spare time :-D
    I hope the snow will be negligible and that you have a new plant mobile to handle whatever comes your way.

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  5. It's just lovely in there, so toasty warm. You be safe out on the roads!

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  6. How lovely...I bet you are really enjoying it! The plants look much bigger this time. Is it warm enough to sit out there for a bit? I would love to sit in a room of plants : )

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  7. Been watching the snow swirl about...this was a nice break.

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  8. It looks so wonderful. I just want to climb through my computer screen to that wonderful jungle. That orange and pink Schlumbergera is beautiful. What's that? You still have space for some small plants? Want some of mine? I'm still trying to downsize, though I'm at a point where I look around and can't find anything I'm prepared to part with. I bet the papyrus grew so tall because it's inside. No wind and less intense light made it grow taller than normal.

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  9. Good thing you keep your Gnome caged--probably why the papyrus was able to grow that tall. They are h*ll on papyrus.

    Wonderful greenhouse--I always enjoy seeing your photos of it.

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  10. I always enjoy seeing your jungle...er, greenhouse.
    No, I'm not ready for spring. I enjoy my winter off from crawling around in the dirt. Sure could use a bit more warmth though. Brrrr.

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  11. Maybe you need a second greenhouse, one to use to teach your night classes from. I'd pay just to get a tour, forget the extra benefit of a class.

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  12. Still amazes me to see your setup, Peter. Plants (and plant people like you!) are so clever and adaptive!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I love to hear your thoughts.