Attention everyone: I want am going to start an new topic later this fall (don't know when). It is going to be very pic heavy. I am building a third high tunnel and I am going to document it very well. I twill be in the 18 by 45 range. I am going to lay out expenses, measurements, and add some new features to it. I am going to build it this fall, probably won't put the plastic on, but I will have it if I change my mind. This way the building will be up and when spring rolls around, I will pull the plastic over and we will start growing. The funny thing is I was scared to ask my wife if I could. I was expecting the "Hell No" answer and she said, I was kinda hoping you would? Hmmm, maybe 2 more, lets not push our luck! Bruce: Where at in Nebraska are you? Things that sell best are the old staples, red tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cucumbers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and green beans. Every location is different. Thanks for all the comments about my buildings, they have taken a beating this year. To be real honest, I am surprised they are still standing! 70 mph wind, enough to topple power poles, the discount store in town had a greenhouse to sell plants in. They are directly south of my house 3 miles, that greenhouse was destroyed by wind this spring. The metal frame was twisted and smashed. Mine were slightly damaged. Hail, rain, snow what ever it was they just bent with the wind, and popped right back! I wish I had the $$$ to build a big fancy metal frame one, by after this year, for $500, how could you go wrong with a building like this. I already have the posts purchased, we are getting the plastic next week. (Trip to Kansas City for my girls doctors appointment, saves alot on shipping!) If you are interested, stay tuned!

The Green House is very simple to build, if you have some simple construction knowledge and tools. I will give you some basic ideas on how I did it. First of all, I build two. One with PVC pipe and the other one with Wire Cattle Panels. The PVC Pipe one goes like this. It is 12 by 18. It can be larger, next year plans are in the work for a 12 by 40+. I experience alot of wind, so I made it stronger than needed. First I made a 12 x 18 box out of 1 x 6. Then I dug 4 holes in the corners for a 2.5 foot 4 x 4 post. Then screwed the box to the posts. Then cut 1.5 inch PVC pipe cut 6 inches long every 4 feet on each side. Next take a 1 inch pvc pipe that is 20 feet long and bend it into a hoop. I stress buying 20 foot lengths. I tried to glue 2 tens together and it was just a pain. Two people are nice, but one person can do it. Drill two holes through the pipe and 1.5 inch pipe and attach the hoops to the box with long screws. Optional part, I ran a 3/4 inch pipe down the middle and bolted it to the hoops. It made it very rigid. On the ends is the tricky part. They can be done many ways. I framed up a couple rectangles and mounted some old storm windows that I picked up for free. Then made the door out of a scrap piece of chipboard. Prior to attaching the doors and window, the plastic needs to go one. I used a 6 mil piece that was 20 by 25. It was not fancy greenhouse plastic, just the stuff in a hardware store. 6 mil is the best, I wouldn't go for 4 mil, waste of time. I attached one side of the plastic to the outside of the box with staples. Then sandwiched it on to the side of the box with a 1 by 4. The boards ran the whole length of the building. Pull the plastic over the hoops and pull it tight too, then sandwiched it. Then pull the ends around and wrap them through the window rectangles and sandwiched the windows on and put 1x4 sandwiched on the bottom. I attached two short ropes over the outside of the plastic and attached to the sides of the box, this stopped the "Balloon Affect". Watch the temps, it can get very hot in the sun. One day it was 45 outside and windy. It was 90 plus at 10:00 in the morning. If the plastic rips, fix it with clear duct tape or clear packing tape. Attach it to both sides, if you can. I had a rip in a 45 mile wind storm. I was able to tape it back togther and it held great! The smaller one is the same process. Made a box, set posts, bend cattle panels over, attach to the box (on the inside), put black pipe insulation over the ends of the panels to avoid ripping the plastic, cover with plastic, sandwich the sides, finish the ends and enjoy. A high tunnel can be made very easily. Google "High Tunnel" and you will find out some really good info. These two little building have survived alot. Two tornadoes, 4 hailstorms, 2 weeks fo 30+ mph wind, 5 inches of rain (in 1.5 hours), 50-65 mph winds. I think they are the greatest things ever!

Michelle....I have looked over your photos a couple of times already. Nice when I was tired and didn't have time to read or post. I think I remember saying at the beginning of the growing season that you looked like you were going to have a banner year in the garden and you have lived up to that and then some. I am wondering how much time you have been spending in the garden every day on average this summer? You have kept everything looking so well groomed and healthy looking. I love that white Hibiscus! Such great texture. Did you cut it back to keep it to a certain size as it was growing? The sifter is a riot and you have one of my favorite geraniums with that Rex Begonia. What are those two pots sitting on? Very attractive. Your sink looks great this year! Love the shot of the corn cobs! [g] Is that a gravel mulch I see in your hosta area? Love your water collection container. Do you have to worry about mosquitoes? Great leaf casting too. I think they make great gifts. Your fairy garden is so cute! Also meant to send best wishes to your Mom. If I understand it, she has already had her knee surgery? Best wishes for a speedy recovery. I think they have come a long way with these types of surgeries and the PT afterward makes a big difference. I agree....keep the photos coming and congratulations on your award!! :-)

Thanks all for your kind comments. Jan.ON, my garden is always open , especially for people from America. Sometimes I pull passers-by in . Some think it helps if they walk on the other side of the street! Yeona, I try to avoid to shape them, because I like them most with natural shape. But basicly yes, they can be trained to a certain degree, as long as you 'go with their nature'. I made one into a small tree, but it had already one strong stem to begin with. Some Azaleas are naturally smaller(Whitethroat- I think it could be trained easily). Evergreen azaleas are smaller too, but the colour range is much smaller. Some deciduous azaleas grow naturally 'all branches up' and some are more 'all branches sideway', and some in between. Or some grow up to begin with, but then spread into an umbrella-like shape. There are azaleas for each purpose. If possible, I plant the 'tall growers' centrally and surround them with 'spreaders'