We now have a greenhouse in our backyard!!

We are growing/starting some plants for the garden in it — but the main goal was to replace our patio with a really awesome backyard hangout space.

Why a greenhouse?

• Covered so we can enjoy during rain, shine or snow

• We had our first thunderstorm in it the other day, the pounding rain on the glass was incredible

• Greenhouses are warm! Great for cooler fall and spring days where even just a few extra degrees would make it more comfortable to be outside (and the greenhouse can consistently deliver about a 5º-10º improvement)

• They’re enclosed, so even on windy days it’s nice to be outside (helps keep it a bit warmer too when the wind has a bite)

• It’s almost like adding a new room onto the house

• Love the extra sunshine

• Includes windows and shades to help cool on hot summer days (we will see how effective this is!) I’m not sure how usable it will be at solar noon in the middle of August. But we have enough tall trees on the west side, that between those, the windows and shades — I’m hopeful it doesn’t diminish our summer evenings outside by being too hot. I’ll see and report back.

Repeatedly I’ve looked at Alissa while enjoying the greenhouse and said, “This is the best purchase we’ve made in years.”