gardenerwantabe - I agree with your point. We built it on the driveway so we would have a flat surface near tools and power. The debate is now on as to the permanent location to which we will move it, which have been thrown into flux due to gato's wind issues. She wants it over in the corner where it will get direct (and sometimes very hot) sun - I am proposing a location between some trees where it will have some shelter from the wind, and a bit less direct sun. I won't install either the corner bracing, or any other enhancements such as angle aluminum across the doorway or 1/2 EMT across the mid-sections until we have the GH sitting on footings at a permanent location. Then I will add all of that to stiffen and secure the unit. 2 questions: We are in Mount Shasta, CA which is snow country (3500' elevation) and the snow can tend to be fairly wet and heavy. We had as much as 3' accumulation in some areas of the property over the past winter during some storms. Obviously I should remove snow from the roof if it accumulates like that, but I'm thinking about establishing some structural support along the roofline - either directly beneath the ridge, or adjacent to the #30 braces that are installed in the roof. Those supports would be probably be 2x4 or 2x6 lumber, supported by wood posts down to the ground. Does this seem a good idea, or unnecessary? In an earlier post, I raised the idea of setting the GH on top of 2x12 PT fir, so that it would sit on a footing like this: I see that you set your's on 4x4 PT. My thought is to raise the GH in this manner so that when snow is on the ground, at least the first foot of snow accumulation would be against the wood foundation. I realize this means a step up and over the threshold. Any thoughts on this? Does anyone believe that this amount of wood foundation, or possibly more, would help in terms of withstanding snow accumulation? Would the additional height raise any other issues concerning the effectiveness of the GH? Thanks, Greg

Ah, my mother had some kind of saying about the cobbler's children going without shoes. I run into the same thing here. DH is always willing to help someone out, especially with computer problems, and between college, working full time serving on the local volunteer first aid squad, DS is lucky to find time for his girlfriend ... so I'm happy when he finds, or makes, time at home. Actually, I made the transformation sound quicker than it was - they got the tower moved, then it just sat for a while until I said, nicely but firmly, that I needed some sort of timeline on this, and if it was going to take too long, then we'd best just tear it down because it's an eyesore as it stands now. A little time outside pointing and discussing ... soon they were "getting started" and before the day was out their part was finished. Believe me, I was out there with brush and bucket of stain before the nails had even cooled in the boards! Financing these visions can be a problem here, too, that's why it's so very rewarding when we complete one that is really an excellent return on a small financial investment. Even with it's mere 48 square feet and 75-foot distance from the house (maybe because of it), that little HFGH was as rewarding last winter as any big addition we could have put on our home. Your husband sounds like a really nice guy, being eager to help others ... sometimes it's hard for them to say no and turn their focus on home matters. Wish I had some tips ... but then, if I did, I could write the book and get a really biiiig greenhouse ... contractor-built, lol! Best of luck with the greenhouse; I hope the assembly goes smoothly. I know you're going to enjoy it; it will be nice if your DH does, too; mine's not a gardener, but he went missing several times last winter and was finally found out in the greenhouse ... reading. I can't help but think that there's a pretty strong correlation between their enjoyment of the outcome of our vision and the degree of buy-in and cooperation for the next one. Straying slightly off-topic, I noticed your mention of a pond - we've had ours since August '04 and love it, though I don't think I have it ready to host such a gathering - good for you! Di

If my HF were to fail, that is probably exactly what I would do. I do not think that what we start with, does not really matter that much, It is what our final result is that really matters. I see people here talking about wrapping and inflating there greenhouse, I think that when it gets that far, it does not really matter where your original parts came from. I have seen some really amazing pics of what people have done with things that started as HFGH, that are really amazing. If anyone needs some examples, Just look what Conifer has done with his 8x6, or Oraylawson, or Gardenerwantabe with his ceiling fan. I can just imagine Nathan's greenhouse, it sounds better than my last apartment (Yeah I know nathan's is not a HF) With what everyone has done with their their greenhouses, it really humbles me, with my meager changes to my greenhouse

into 2nd snow here in NJ, right across Delaware from Philly. watched wind/snow blow until it got dark last night. township plow came thru my little circle around 6 last night. listened to wind howling and things thumping all night. can't really tell but looks like my CRAZY GOOD neighbor had been in and out of my/our driveway several times, so snow at the street looks pretty squished down. had PT scheduled for 3 this afternoon. car is in garage but will still need warming up... pt place is only about 5 minutes away, so teeth would still be chattering if car wasn't warmed up. just got call saying if i wanted to come in at 10:30 that time is open. only shoveling i plan to do is clear room to shuffle from front door to car door. dug out hat that will make me look sufficiently deranged when out in public. if i don't look crazy with it on, i will when static electricity takes hold when i pull the hat off. got robo call from water company!! they're experience more water main problems than usual?? that's scary! i think worst would be if power goes out... keeping fingers crossed and knocking on my wooden head!