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The Making of a Greenhouse
When we last updated you in November, we had just enclosed the greenhouse. Pictures can tell the story more quickly, but a quick glance will prove to you the tremendous amount of work and energy that has gone into this project.
This picture is as you would've seen it last fall, after the old roof and rubble were removed. Note all the cement paths and weeds.
Bill Soper removing cement. When done, only 4
paths remained. Note the remaining vents at the
back.
Here we see the entry to the greenhouse with walls
partially rebuilt.
Far end with vents removed, walls begun.
Walt Harris and Bill Soper on a blustery day just
before the snow came beginning to put up the new
roof.
Pulling the plastic tight and securing it.
Vents reinstalled, all cement removed and ready
to begin composting to enrich the soil.
Several groups of volunteers have helped to
cover over 3,000 square feet of area.
In the meantime while work was progressing in the greenhouse, a program of composting was begun with students in Frankfort/Elberta schools where volunteers daily collect table scraps at the middle/high schools while explaining to the children the value of composting. The scraps are then transported to Grow Benzie to be worked into the soil. Horse manure from Sparrow's Hope farm was also donated and the Benzie Central Honor Society students, Bob Kirby, and other volunteers provided many hours of service to get the manure to Grow Benzie and into the soil. We are partnering with the local schools under Food Director Renee DeWindt's leadership to be able to supply them with produce.
The next stop is to implement collections at the
elementary level. Along with that we hope to
have field trips so the children can actually see
where there food comes from.
What we've learned:
Getting the snow off the roof of the greenhouse raised the temperature inside 20'- a must do to keep warmth high without heat.
Getting the snow off the roof is hard work.
Many hands make light work.
Horse manure is valuable in a greenhouse.
What we need:
More volunteers
Kudos to:
Bill Soper for his tireless work. There are not
enough words to thank him for his efforts.
Craig Schaaf for inspiring us.
Benzie Central Honor Society for their many hands.
Bob Kirby for showing up at the right time.
Be sure to check our website www.growbenzie.org often as we continually add information.
You may also reach us at:
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