With my husband back at work, I set out to finish the greenhouse alone. I had to get it done before the wind got too strong–and didn’t like the time pressure at all. The next day, with more time pressure, I put up the rain collection system.
We couldn’t quite finish the greenhouse as planned. So, my husband went back to work, and I finished the build alone.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125432/088_1.2.1_comp-1-1024x576.png)
It had been a stormy night but the greenhouse stood strong. Apparently, it looked pretty bad. Two neighbors considered calling me. Neither did. Luckily, it was all good.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125727/088_2.2.1_comp-1024x576.png)
I needed to get this thing closed and fixed before the winds got worse. I didn’t like the time pressure. The wind kept catching in the panels, and I was reminded of the time crunch to finish the roof last fall. At least then I knew the whole house wouldn’t fly away if caught by the wind.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125743/088_2.5.1_comp-1024x576.png)
Pepper found a spot a bit out of the wind and enjoyed the sunshine.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125732/088_2.4.1_comp-1024x576.png)
But one after the other, the roof panels went in, and the structure felt more resilient.
And I kind of have a greenhouse! It is the cheapest kind of plastic. It is loud in the wind. But I think it is going to work and hold up. So, I am going to finish this thing–hopefully before it falls apart–and then we’ll see how well it works.
With every screw I tightened, the greenhouse felt less flimsy. But I was scared by how easily I could move it.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125758/088_2.9.1_comp-1024x576.png)
The door and window were hardest to build because the manual was especially bad for those. Even after finishing the build, I still don’t know what the sketches are supposed to show.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125804/088_2.10.1_comp-1024x576.png)
This, by the way, is not the right way. I had to take one part off and turn it the next day. A neighbor used to build these things in his job. He helped me put in the window. Probably a good thing.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125808/088_2.11.1_comp-1024x576.png)
I am proud to report, however, that I did finish the door by myself–and I only had to take it apart a few times.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125831/088_2.12.2_comp-1024x576.png)
The manual certainly didn’t instruct me. Common sense, trial and error are what got this built. As I was building this, I dreamed about the greenhouse I’d build if I was staying here for longer.
I am in my greenhouse, and the only thing missing is a window.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125838/088_2.15.1_comp-1024x576.png)
I tightened all the bolts and nuts before going home that day. I was exhausted. No way would I get that window in before I went home. Later that day, I quickly walked Pepper, but otherwise called it a day.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125842/088_2.20.1_comp-1024x576.png)
I knew I only had hours until I’d be in pain. I would be getting my period that day, and knew I didn’t have long before I’d need to rest.
My neighbor had helped me put in the window and secure the greenhouse that morning. Later, I returned for a last-minute task–and found chickens in my garden.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125855/088_2.28.1_comp-1024x576.png)
It is starting to rain, so, yes, there are chickens in my garden. But, I need to get my rain collection system up and urgently. So, let’s get to that.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125846/088_2.23.1_comp-1024x576.png)
I had already gone home for the day but the storm was promising rain, so I decided to return. The greenhouse came with a simple rain collection system. We happened to have the perfect hose at home. It was a leftover piece from the aquariums. Somehow, it fit perfectly. It was even enough for both barrels.
Very carefully, I cut the hose into two halves. I am paranoid about these blades, so it takes a bit longer than it needs to.
Okay, first side is up, second side is coming now. The first raindrops were falling as I was finishing up the second side. Around me, those with animals arrived to close up–or sent the kids instead.
The rain is here, and the rain water collection is up. I mean, I still have to do the main garden house but this project: finished, just before the rain.
The fence is clearly not chicken-proof. Luckily, mine will be. But until I’d start planting, these could stay here. Animals make me happy.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125903/088_2.29.1_comp-1024x576.png)
The barrels will get lids, otherwise this is done.
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125918/088_2.32.1_comp-1024x576.png)
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125920/088_2.33.1_comp-1024x576.png)
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125935/088_1.7.1_comp-1024x576.png)
On my balcony, the blackberries were slowly recovering from their travels and enjoying the water the rain brought. And the chives were blooming. Yay! The volunteer green is happy. (Yes, I am totally getting wet for these.)
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125929/088_2.34.1_comp-1024x576.png)
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125932/088_2.35.1_comp-1024x576.png)
The dandelion buds I’d collected in the garden were dry, so I plucked them for tea. I got a jar each with dried purple dead nettle and dandelion buds.
So long, and thanks for being here.
And now, there’s hail…
![](https://cdn.katehildenbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/29125939/088_2.36.1_comp-1024x576.png)