Spring Sprouting

Spring Tulips, blown, sculpted and sandblasted glass

Deer frequenting the garden area in typical Spring weather

Last year's chickens free- range by the greenhouse

 You know how we can tell it's Spring up in High Country? No, it's not the burst of colorful tulips popping out of the ground like you would most likely enjoy at lower elevations. Quite contrary... it is the howling winds of March that screech through the Snake River plains all the way through April, May, and sometimes even June. Spring up here is such a tease. You have a beautiful sunny morning reaching into the 50's and 60's, and then Boom! Mother Nature drops a bomb and the winds sweep in a Spring storm all over the valley floor. 

Well, we have news for you Mother Nature, we've caught on to your conniving ways, and are one-upping you with our weather proofed greenhouse/chicken coop!

Our latest hobby really "sprouted" out of necessity when it came to growing a successful garden plot in these harsh Spring conditions.  

Greenhouse lit at dusk

 Russ wanted to build something sturdy and strong enough to stand up to all kinds of Idaho weather, and would also serve to shelter our egg laying hens from the elements. So he drew up his own plans for the most amazing greenhouse/chicken coop that I have ever seen, complete with a root cellar. First, a space was dug out and electrical wiring was run out to the building area. An extra deep hole was dug out under the chicken coop area that would store our potatoes and onions in the colder months.

Railroad ties are the foundation of the greenhouse and are an excellent support system. The poly-carbonate panels are framed with construction grade wood, and we even sided and roofed portions of the outer shell. It's just another step in self sufficiency that we feel is critical in this changing world we live in. There is no better feeling than knowing we can truly live off the land with hard work and dedication to clean living.

Veggies growing in gutters

 Now we can start planting crops in February in our rain gutter designed planting beds, and have a fresh salad by late March-early April. It's only the first week of April, and already we have Swiss chard, kale, spinach and a variety of lettuce coming on strong. This could never be possible without the clever design of our rock-solid greenhouse.

My favorite part is the hen house. Russ put a lot of thought into the laying area, where all we have to do is pull a latch and grab the eggs of the day. He even installed a pull-out floor box to where we can easily clean out their pine shavings off the floor, even in the dead of winter.

Egg Laying box door

Inside greenhouse area

The sun's light is reflected through the poly-carbonate panels. This creates enough warmth, even on cloudy days, to allow everything to flourish.

Inside view of the greenhouse/chicken coop

 Everything is coming up nicely. Even on a blustery Spring day, things are nice and toasty in the Greenhouse/chicken coop.

 It's funny how life keeps changing even for a couple of old timers. Interesting to note that what started out as a hobby 25 years ago, glassblowing, has now turned into a full-fledged business. So a new hobby has "hatched" in what little down-time we have. The greenhouse/chicken coop is a great addition to ensure  we get the most out of our new hobby, gardening. In spite of the harsh Idaho environment, we enjoy watching everything "Spring" to life!

New Spring Chick with blown glass eggs