My Growing Space #2

[chefatplay]

I agree, a mini GH would be great. I am beginning to sneak in suggestions to the hubby already. Since he already has a Hewes flats boat and an airboat (we love to fish) there is no reason why I can't have a simple little GH, right?

[fred]

nothing wrong with a GH

I will rub it in a little I have 2 orchid houses and a third one on the go as well.

[sandra]

RIGHT!!!! Instead of 'simple little GH', I'd go for 'simply big' Ellen!

Originally Posted by chefatplay

there is no reason why I can't have a simple little GH, right?

[Vivienne]

I'm with sandra - simply big GH!! Go for it Ellen.

[pikevi]

I am gradually moving all my orchids outdoors. I just finished constructing a swing-platform for the Phals. I have hung it on a trellis. The souther sun is pretty intense between the hours of 11 am and 7pm in the summer, even with the shift.

In order to protect them from direct rays of the sun I added some shades on top of the trellis. If I am home , I can always re-position the platform to deflect some direct rays of the sun.

I hope the shading is adequate. This is the first for them to be outside. Naturally I am a bit nervous

Trade-off: I used to plant some pepper plants under the 'open-trellis' but now I have to forego the peppers. I think Sharyn understands what I am going to miss

It is now just shy of 10am(when the photos were taken). I will try to get a photo when the sun is shining on the plant later.

Also ,are there signs I should be looking for stress caused by too much light (short of burns)?

Thanks.

[fred]

my word pikevi that looks awesome

very nice setup.

more room for orchids as well

I love it

[Sharyn]

pikevi: Looks like you have some nice shade cloth to protect. My condo assoc. doesn't allow anything hanging from the balcony and I couldn't figure out a way to drape some cloth in the corner, so I put mine out in a shaded corner. Surprising, but WAY too much light right away. Some leaves on the catts. turned purple. So, I played hop-scotch with them for awhile and they now seem content. Mike warned me about this drastic change of light, and I thought it was ok until I noticed the leaf color change. Looks like you have a nice set-up.

p.s. yes, I'm sad that you had to give up that area formerly for peppers. I'll send you pics of mine later in the season. Viva la pizza vit pepperonchini!

[BillC]

Hi pike, looks ideal to me, I wish I had the space you have. It is a very smooth layout.

Bill

[pikevi]

Thanks, fred, Sharyn and BillC.

I have to thank RONA's ( like home depot). They were the ones who suggested using the metal wire mesh(used for reinforcement of walls) and plastic screen door mesh to block off the intense rays. The hanging platform was my brainchild

Just posting some photos to show the intensity of the sun at 12 noon and 3pm. I can put more shade if it is required

The total cost was less than $75 cdn.(and my free labour )

N.B: the last shot into the sun was taken with a camera that has a flip out viewing screen. I am sure everyone knows not to look directly at the sun

[prisana]

Whoa ! look at all the phals you have.. It's nice to be able to have your orchids outside for a change..your orchids will love you for it....nice set up Pikevi .

[kmarch]

pikevi

This is good stuff and somethign I believe others could find helpful in their situations, especially the bits about the shade cloth and the swing shelf. May I merge this thread into the "Growing Spaces" thread?

-K

[pikevi]

Thanks, kmarch.

Sure you can.

Swing concept was the result of apprehension. Summer sun can be pretty intense here. We have a swing of -35C(Feb) to +35C(August)[-31F to 95F].

After getting them to survive the winter I did not want to lose them.

I have planted a grapevine,cantelopes and honeydews. Hope they will give some protection as they grow ,as well.

[sandra]

What a nice, organized setup you put together pikevi. Love how it's all filled up and everybody's (orchids) ready to take advantage of the outdoor summer weather. They'll reward you for this.

[arleneg]

pikevi,

That's wonderful set-up you have. I wish my hubby was crafty as you. Right now, we're considering a pergola out in the backyard where I could hang a few of my vandas and put my light loving 'chids there.

Thanks for sharing pics of your growing space.

[pikevi]

Thanks sandra, arleneg.

It was a pleasure sharing the setup with you all.

I hope they will handle the outdoor heat and light.

[fred]

I have just finished building my new Cymbidium House today

[flowerchild]

Very nice Fred, I am sure your cymbidiums are going to be very happy there!!!! Now I think you should come to Canada and build me a nice orchid house k? Cindy aka flowerchild

[fred]

that sounds fair enough Cindy

I will just put on my roller blades and i am on my way hehe

[pikevi]

Very nice , fred.

All your orchids appear to be very green and healthy.

How do you call the metal grid (wide ones) that you have for the base?
And what is it used for? I have not seen that in Canada but ,of course, I am not a builder

Thanks.

[fred]

the wide metal grids came from the store K Mart they had remodeled and i was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

[sandra]

On your way over to Cindy's place, would you mind making a stop here in Fla. first DUFFERED? I'll have a couple of Foster's waiting for you and I'll even get some.....Vegemite...ech!

You're a man of many talents Fred. You grow orchids and build their homes too. Good going!

[prisana]

Fred...the little birdie told me he did "ALL" the work..nice try getting all the credits..

[Vivienne]

LOL prisana

Nice job Fred! I wish I had a place to build a greenhouse. I don't think I'm permitted to put up a structure on my roof. Pooh!

[fred]

Vivienne
I just make room lol

prisana a little birdie told you all that little birdie did was keep an eye on me to make sure i done the right jub


sandra
Fosters I dont drink

Coffee and Vegemite on Toast will do

Looks like this will be a working holiday lol

quote]You're a man of many talents Fred

you should see me on a good day hehe

[prisana]

Good birdie...

[fred]

he going cheep lol

[prisana]

Cheep..cheep.."cheap labor"

[fred]

good thing i had steel caped boots on that bird tryed to use the hammer and droped it on my toes lol

[prisana]

Oops , he missed the head !!...better luck next time.

[pikevi]

I hope you abide by all the labour laws of Tz. He/she looks very intent on what is happening around him/her. I hope you are a good and kind employer, fred

[Anton]

I just wonder what Fred is going to do when he runs out of backyard space to put up another GH.

I am glad I'm NOT his wife, he would be intolerable to live with because he wont be able to go to the doctor no more.

[fred]

Anton

hehe my back yard is big enough for another orchid house lol
then there is the spare bedroom hehehe
I even have my warm growers in the lounge room


pikevi
that bird is the union rep as well.

prisana
the bird done something else on my head hehe

[Vivienne]

LOL Fred

Anton - I've been telling my kids that once they move out I'm converting their bedrooms to orchid rooms! One for cool growers and one for warm growers!

[fred]

thats the way Vivienne great minds think alike as I dont have any kids I am one step ahead of you hehe

[prisana]

Anton, I'm " glad " you're not Fred's wife also..I can picture you guys being all territorial over who's taking care of which orchids not a very good picture, actually. mine..no mine !! ..mine..no mine..!!

Fred, I thought I smelled something.. here, you'll need one of these next time you try to work birdie to death

[fred]

an umbrella hehe that little bird could fly under that and still do his best lol

I dont mind if Anton was my wife lol
what i would say prisana is 2 for me and one for my sweet wife lol

thats fair hehehe

[prisana]

He heard that !!! here comes Anton with his apron on.. He's carrying a cleaver !!

Ok, back to growing spaces...I know, build a second story to the GH, there's plenty of room going upward... ( and third and forth... )

[fred]

Quote=prisana]He heard that !!! here comes Anton with his apron on.. He's carrying a cleaver !!

hehe if i saw that I would be running away laughing my head off

build another story now that is a good idea

[Sharyn]

My humble growing spaces - which is just about everywhere and anywhere.
My condo has a Southern exposure and limited outdoor area on the patio. I use corner stands and go UP! The mini conservatory comes into the house for the winter and houses some babies.

Now on to part 2

[Sharyn]

Part 2: Phals out for fresh air, indoors at Southern window, and kitchen area. I'll grow them anywhere, if I have the room and some light.

Winter arrangements require a bit of hop-scotch and sometimes a little supplemental lighting.

[prisana]

Sharyn, If I may invite myself for a coffee on your porch ?..it's absolutely lovely...way to go !!

[Anton]

Very well set out Sharyn.

Maybe a 2 or 3 level wrought iron bench, or similar, running along the fence would fit in with the aesthetics and give you some more space ?

No wonder you keep hitting your sore toe with all those pots around.

[arleneg]

Vivienne,

I'm waaaay ahead of you! When my oldest moved out a few months ago, within a few weeks, I turned her bedroom into my orchid room.


Sharyn,

I see you got the shelving units. Where did you finally buy it from? You really have a very nice set up outdoors and indoors. Thanks for sharing.

[Sharyn]

prisana: You're welcome anytime! I love to sit out there in the morning with my dog & my coffee.

Anton: I might have to buy the condo upstairs for more room. I need the rest of my patio for my lounge chairs and my martini table.

Arlene: I found these 3-sheft units at Target for $15 each. Since they're stackable, I can reconfigure, take out a shelf or two and make room for a light or two. Oh, well, that's a winter project. By winter time, I may have a whole new bright idea. In that case, these two shelving units will make nice closet organizers!

[fred]

you have a very nice display Sharyn

congrantulations

thank you for sharing the pics with us

[Vivienne]

prisana - the lady that took my orchid to judging has a 2 story greenhouse!! I can't wait to visit it one day and play in her 300 sq ft potting room. Just sounds like complete heaven to me!!!!

Sharyn - LOVE you patio... it's own little slice of heaven. Morning coffee, noon nap, afternoon tea, evening cocktail. I'm there!

Arleneg - my oldest is leaving in a month (sniff sniff sob sob)... but my youngest has claimed her bedroom. He's sick of sharing with his brother. 4 years and they'll all be off to college (fingers crossed).

[pikevi]

What a beautiful arrangement, sharyn!

I have to get some lessons from you on neatness and tidiness.

I may do a little better than prisana. I will bring you the coffee and tea for myself

I think this winter my indooor arrangement will be more well-groomed and uncluttered. Thanks for the inspiration

[kmarch]

Sharyn, How did you make your humidity trays?

-K

[Sharyn]

Kevin: I got this tip from Ellen.
I used inexpensive nursery trays $1.50 each, and a piece of 2' x 4' light diffuser grate $15.00 from Home Depot, snipped to size (Don't laugh, pruning sheers work great for cutting to size). I need to clean the trays in my kitchen sink, so I do not use any gravel in them - just water. Sure beats the expense of those fancy store-bought humidity trays.

[prisana]

Sharyn---Yes ! gotta have room for the martini table..

Vivienne---If I had one of those 2 story GH, I'd never leave the house..actually, I wouldn't bother having a house !

Pikevi--no room for coffee or tea...I'll be bringing orchids !!---we'll see who gets invited in first --he he

[cupcake]

I only have windowsils at the moment, but I have a cunning plan!








The problem is it will take money! Judi

[cupcake]

I'm very new at this!

[prisana]

Judi, I like your window sill set up..the colorful flowers make nice contrast with your bright green yard..perfect spot for sitting. Very very nice...Thanks for sharing

[fred]

cupcake

that is a fine looking display.

hehe I like the sound of this cunning plan shhhh

would that be a shade house in your big back yard shhh lol

as you double posted I have deleted one of them

thanks for sharing the pics with us

[pikevi]

Inside and outside look great, cupcake

Beautiful flowers.

[Sharyn]

Wow Judi - nice deep windowsills. Lovely display and looks like you have nice light. I'd grow all of mine on the windowsills if I could! Thanks for sharing your pics.

[Vivienne]

Judi - your windowsills look wonderful as does that backyard. Tons of room for multiple greenhouses! Now let's hear the cunning plan.

[Vivienne]

oh WOW oh COOL - my sig changed to Most Popular Member. I am very humbly honored.

[fred]

Vivienne
you won the award for the Paph Susan Low judged and awarded as i am updating the awards as we speak i will also enter you in the hall of fame asap

congrats with the awards

[pikevi]

Congratulations, Vivienne.

I ,myself, just noticed it .

Keep it up

[Vivienne]

How exciting!! Now if only that AOS award bill would arrive. I'm very eager to see the picture they took at the judging!

Thanks Fred for all you do. And thanks pikevi for the congrats!

[cupcake]

I only have 2 windowsills!


but I have a cunning plan to acquire more! Judi

[prisana]

Judi, You go girl !! the more the merrier..

[arleneg]

Judi,

You have wonderful windowsill arrangements there. I love your deep windowsills. Thanks for sharing your pics.

Vivienne,

Congrats for getting the "Most Popular Member" award.

[sandra]

What a pretty arrangement you have Judi. Beautiful orchids, sensational view beyond. They say English gardens are breathtaking as yours lives up to.

P.S. I also love that candleholder!

[Sea_Sun88]

I always enjoy reading where people grow their Orchids and other plants.
I grow mine in my bedroom.
I am only 19 years old and I been hit with the green thumb lol since I was 17.
My first orchid which was( note the was) a phalaenopsis. Sadly it died due to overwatering( Hey it was my first).

But here is where I keep all of my plants. I live with my parents, 1 sister, 2 brothers, 6 dogs, 2 fishes, 2 turtles and pretty soon 2 budgies. Its a big family and we all love plants and animals.


My prized orchid. Phalaenopsis.



Cattleya (Cant put it outside because the ants love getting into the pot)
and Schefflera actinophylla (Need to clean my mirror)



Alocasia


Burr Nelly Isler 'swiss beauty'


Other plants outside. Only two that are mine. Plumeria and a amirrylis( I think I spelled wrong)


Peace lily and a Aloe Vera Pup( From my mothers plant, it has tons of pups)


My Beautiful indoor gardern (Joking)




If I buy anymore plants my parents would kill me. Anyways I am a student and a dog groomer assistant. Studying what else BOTANY

[Tobi]

Very nice Sea Sun. Thanks for sharing your plants and pics with us. Sounds
like you have a wonderful family (including your pets). Continued best of luck
with all your plants and any additions you get in the future. It looks like you're
taking good care of them.

[Sea_Sun88]

Originally Posted by Tobi

Very nice Sea Sun. Thanks for sharing your plants and pics with us. Sounds
like you have a wonderful family (including your pets). Continued best of luck
with all your plants and any additions you get in the future. It looks like you're
taking good care of them.

Thanks.

My family goes crazy over our pets.

[charleyismydog]

Looks like you're off to a great start to me!

[Michael_Exler]

Its was a home made orchid case before moving here.

[Michael_Exler]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1200/...5c4759c393.jpg

[Sea_Sun88]

Originally Posted by cupcake

I only have 2 windowsills!


but I have a cunning plan to acquire more! Judi

You have an amazing collection. (ENVY)

[Sea_Sun88]

Originally Posted by Michael_Exler

Its was a home made orchid case before moving here.

Looks like they get alot of humidity.

[IrishCreamCoffee]

my goodness. a good lot of you have a bunch of orchid plants. That must have involved quite a bit of work, no?

[chefatplay]

I recently put up this shelf above the sofa to accomodate more orchids. The skylight provides some light and there is a ceiling fan to keep the air moving. So far, so good.