My greenhouse, inside and out, January 2011

[Dorsetman]

Pictures show the outside - bench level is more or less ground level - floor is almost 3 feet below ground level ( steps down, better heat insulation, better natural humidity since gravel floor is below probable water table of garden soil). Exterior permanently insulated with triple wall bubble plastic. One inside pic shows the growlux 400 watt lamps - currently run 4-5 hours per day October-March, Heating by gas boiler and hot water radiators seen on the left of one of the pictures ; there are two gangways - this view shows one of them. Note large pots high over the gangway - these are mostly 10 ich pots of Vandas, A total of eight lines of hanging plants, the centre 4 - two on each side, get some light from the grow-lux. The other four don't. Right hand bench on this side view, next to the path, is all S/H - nearest plant is a Miltoniopsis. Others here are the Oncids etc. Paphs to the left of the path. The pic showing the lamps shows the cattleyas - about 300 of them all between the paths. Sweep fans for air-movement.

[Halloamey]

Geoff that is simply amazing ! You have managed to fit in soooo many plants in your Greenhouse, exactly how many are there and what is the square footage of this greenhouse?? I have to show this to my mother. Each time I get orchids she says, now its full with capacity where will you put it LOL Now I know how hehe ! Thanks for sharing the pictures Geoff. I was really curious how you were growing these beautiful vandaeceous in cold UK. Really outstanding !

[Dorsetman]

It is 35 feet long, 15 feet wide, 9 feet high - the height is so important - more air space, less temperature fluctuationm as well as room for all those plants hanging up. I reckoned up the other day - 300 catts, 150 vandas, 3-400 paphs, 3-400 plants in S/H, perhaps 500 other plants hanging up - say 1500 all told...and I have a dew point cabinet elsewhere with the tinies, ex-flask in com pots. Most of the cost of growing plants in UK is heating ( or lighting - which comes to the same thing, because the lights also provide heat ) - so my hobby cost would be almost the same if I only had one plant in the middle of an otherwise empty greenhouse. But crowded like this seems to me to be natural - plants are not nicely spaced out in the wild !

[Daethen]

W O W What else is there to say?

[orchidsal]

I was hoping you would post photos of your greenhouse some day, and of course here they are. First, I think your absolutely right about the crowding. It gives a jungle like atmosphere to your greenhouse that is both aesthetically pleasing and yes it gives a healthy natural look also. Very well organized and thoughtfully laid out. Alas, I only wish I had the time and money for such a paradise. AL

[madphrag]

Geoff, I could only dream of ever having a greenhouse such as yours. Outstanding!

[rich63]

Geoff, I think just about everyone here would love to have such a nice place to enjoy and be able to call it their own. Very Nice Sir, Rich

[lanhua]

Geoff, my green house is just 8 x 2,6 m big and I know how much do I have to pay for heating. I agree with you, it's e very expensive hobby, especially here in Germany. Your plants are looking very well, congratulation.

[Halloamey]

Geoff, my green house is just 8 x 2,6 m big and I know how much do I have to pay for heating. I agree with you, it's e very expensive hobby, especially here in Germany. Your plants are looking very well, congratulation.

Hehe and I have to spend money to cool down my greenhouse in sumers when the temperatures in the greenhouse can reach 50 oC if not cooled. People in Thailand and Malaysia and many parts of South America must be having a best time since the environment is soo conducive for orchid growth.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Geoff, what a magnificent greenhouse. I suppose you get quite soaked when watering the pots hanging above the walk ways. Since I am so tall, I had to leave that space open to be able to walk through the greenhouse here. I still get soaked when watering the hanging plants in our space. hahah...

Your greenhouse and plants look wonderfully organized and healthy. And you garden area (around the greenhouse) looks like a paradise. Well done sir!

Cheers,
BD