Shade house

[Townsville]

Hi everyone

Am thinking of constructing a small shade house. A recent patch of very hot weather has left some of my plants gasping. The only space I have is next to a six foot paling fence on the west of the garden. This is pretty shady in the morning but gets the full afternoon sun. I realise that this is not the best - but no other space! The climate is pretty hot in summer with (usually) very pleasant winters. We don't really have more than two seasons. The rain happens in the summer. I have seen overnight temperatures go down as far as 10 degrees - but very rarely. Oh - and I have very little money!

Would greatly appreciate any advice you can offer.

Townsville

[Anton]

Have a look at the "Building an Orchid House" postings by Fred and me, and you'll see I have a small aviary 2.8m X 1.8 X 1.8 which I am converting into a GH.

You can pick these up relatively cheap through Bunnings, Stratco and some tin shed suppliers. I went to a shed builder's factory and bought a factory seconds unit, but I don't think you would have one in Townsville, but I could be wrong.

[Townsville]

Thanks Anton. Found this and also Cynthia's piece on building a temporary greenhouse. Most helpful

[kmarch]

Dear Townsville,

A friend of mine has about 1/3 of his backyard as one big shade house. Some of it is up against a fence too (this is where he hangs many of his mounted orchids. He uses 70% shadecloth overhead (I think it is 70%). He grows alot of Cymbidiums and Australian natives under this.

So for you it could be as simple as constructing a frame and topping it with 70% shade cloth.

Cheers

[Anton]

Kevin Western has done that, but his is around 1/4 acre !!!!!

Maybe a bit more........... I am not good at judging area, but I DO know that it is nearly as big as my whole property !

In Townsville, it would also make for a good entertaining area.

[fred]

Hi I hope that you have had the chance to see the thread from Anton and myself.
Anton has a good set up that could suit you.
With my set up that is for all my small growing plants.
Made from timber and Laser Light with a few fiberglass sheets as well.
The cost factor was also concidered also plus I had to think of winter here in Tassie as a lot of people would know Tasmania can be very cold in winter.
As for just a shade cloth house here is fine for summer but out for winter.
Haveing said that my orchid house is fully enclosed with an air vent with an eletric fan that runs 24/7.
I also think that your thoughts of a shade house is a good idea.
Thank you for shareing you idea with us.
I hope this helps you

[Townsville]

Thanks everyone. Yes, Fred, I did look at these postings. Unfortunately Bunnings (the only one of these firms up here) has stopped stocking aviaries. Kmarch - won't be trying cymbidiums. I have just one - and it really is too hot for it. The dens and the cats seem to like quite a lot of light. Bundaberg Orchid Society puts out a little booklet recommending 50-70% cloth - not much help there! When they get down to details they mostly recommend 70% - but they are a long way south of here. My instinct is to go 60-70% and have a removable rain cover.