Installing a Greenhouse at Oglesby Gardens

Big News: We installed a Yoderbilt greenhouse at Oglesby Gardens.

This is one more way we are transforming the one acre of land to be as edible as possible.

It’s been here about a month, but every time I look out my back window at my garden, I’m still in a little bit of shock! The greenhouse is absolutely gorgeous and I can’t wait to get started on projects, but it’s also a big undertaking (and a big investment!).

Over the past decade, I’ve been fortunate to work with a mentor and custom grower: Sherry from Tiny Tempest Farm. Sherry started all my seedlings in her greenhouse and saved space for me to experiment with growing different plant varieties that I couldn’t find at other local nurseries. Her guidance was invaluable and eventually led me to outgrow her space, which we always knew would happen.

So about a year ago I started researching greenhouses. And it was so overwhelming. Not only the wide variety of style options, but the cost, the layout of our little one-acre property, the logistics of delivering or building a greenhouse down our little residential road. . .

But then I stumbled across Yoderbilt. It didn’t click immediately for me, but every time I was researching greenhouses, I found myself back on Yoderbilt’s website. And ultimately, that’s what we ended up with! 

Three reasons why I chose Yoderbilt

Aesthetics

I’m not gonna lie, I want my garden to be pretty. There is no reason that a functional, productive garden can’t also be beautiful. And given the size of my yard, I knew I was going to be looking at whatever greenhouse we added to the property 24/7. So I wanted a greenhouse that aesthetically fit with our existing garden and home details, while still providing enough space and efficiency that I can reach my garden goals. 

Size

Yoderbilt offers a variety of sizes. I chose the 33’x12’, which is the biggest greenhouse that is available to be delivered. I calculated how much I had been growing with Sherry at Tiny Tempest Farm and made sure I picked a greenhouse with enough space that we wouldn’t outgrow it too quickly. And on the flip side, I didn’t want a greenhouse so big that it took up my whole yard.

Available Upgrades

I added a few upgrades to my greenhouse because I knew I wanted it customized for my exact needs. I went with double windows to increase airflow for plants, but also because I know I want to host events inside the greenhouse and I want enough ventilation that my guests don’t get too toasty!

I also added double doors to the front and a single door out the back. I lost a bit of growing space by adding the extra doors. But my vision is that I can organize my seedlings so that I can walk straight through the greenhouse to the hardening off station instead of walking all the way around, improving efficiency.

Plus, Joe Gardener from Growing a Greener World just got a Yoderbilt. If it’s good enough for Joe Gardener, it’s good enough for me!

Kevin from Harvard Nursery helped us prep the area where the greenhouse would be located in our yard. Luckily the greenhouse did not have to be installed on concrete, so the set up was a little more economical and quick.

And then it was time for the greenhouse to arrive! It was delivered completely constructed, all in one piece. Our delivery driver Bobby was amazing, and the whole process was seamless. We’ve already added a few decorations and started planning our greenhouse growing layout, but there are still more details to finish like adding trim and figuring out lighting. But it’s all part of the process! And I’m excited to personalize this greenhouse and really make it my own. 

We already had one event at Oglesby Gardens since the greenhouse was installed, and it was the talk of the night. I served garden-to-table snacks and drinks in the greenhouse while guests toured my garden. Hopefully I’ll be able to host a few more classes in the greenhouse before the end of the year – stay tuned!

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