Greenhouse Sharing - Anyone Tried It?

[jeffg]

As my collection and interest has expanded, I keep bumping up on the thoughts of a greenhouse. But I have heard such horrific stories about folks losing everything in power outages (they didn't have alarm systems, or they failed) coupled with the expense of start-up equipment and heating/cooling (the biggie). All this has me cautious and has kept me from going there.

So, I wondered if anyone has tried a "co-op" approach, where start-up and ongoing costs, chores, maintenance, etc. are shared among a group in return for bench space. Have any individuals or societies tried this? Any experience, wisdom, or cautions welcomed.

Thanks.

[Becca]

I haven't heard of anyone doing this in my area, but it is an interesting thought.

[Ingrid76]

I think this is a wonderful idea and I'm curious as to why more people are not doing this or discussing it. If you could work out all the details and have the right partners, this could be a win-win for everyone.

[Becca]

I think it is because everyone who has a greenhouse has it maxed out with their own orchids...lol.

[Ray]

Be prepared to share pests, too.

[BobInBonita]

Like many beautiful ideas that are wonderful in theory, this would scare the bejesus out of me.

How would you handle life in a commune? If you're a mellow sort who can "go with the flow" and not get bothered by someone else's style, it could work. Personally I would go nuts if everytime I thought humidity needed to go up someone else took it upon themselves to turn it down.

You would REALLY need to trust your partners - and be willing to accept whatever happened as a result.

[kavanaru]

ok, there is a risk of sharing pests too, as Ray mentionned, also the risk of not bein compatible with the style of the partners and many other risks too.. However, the idea is not that bad, and it is quite a good solution for those who cannot afford their own greenhouse (BTW, if you have a very very big and really valuable collection for which the risk of loosing plants by sharing pests is way too high, you will normally also be able to afford your own greenhouse!) This idea is also done, at least with other plants, e.g. Bonsai, Alpine Collections... and at least in Europe! Also, some nurseries offer this service over here!

Yes, the basis is to find the right partners and define very well responsibilities! Also, check the plants very well before bringing them in the GH, and exclude those with signs of pests (or have a quarantine area for them!). Give all plants a preventive treatment as soon as they arrive: systemic fungicide, bactericide, insecticide and so on... Keep the plants separated by owner, with some reasonable space between "owner"-batches... Pay an insurance policy!

the key is to define VERY WELL what comes in, Responsibilities, and how plants inside will be handled! Not a crazy idea...

[Cym Ladye]

There are several members of our local Cymbidium Orchid Society who are sharing large, commercial sized greenhouses. As they were all friends through the society before this venture, it has worked our quite well. Plants are not co-mingled, greenhouse space is allocated and may be partitioned off with plastic, if necessary. Heaters are not needed due to the California weather and cool growing genera grown.

As Ray said, be prepared to share pests and I will add weeds! One rule they have all adhered to is protection from virus cross-contamination and periodic testing.

CL

[Brotherly Monkey]

Originally Posted by BobInBonita

Like many beautiful ideas that are wonderful in theory, this would scare the bejesus out of me.

How would you handle life in a commune? If you're a mellow sort who can "go with the flow" and not get bothered by someone else's style, it could work. Personally I would go nuts if everytime I thought humidity needed to go up someone else took it upon themselves to turn it down.

You would REALLY need to trust your partners - and be willing to accept whatever happened as a result.

a bit OT, but a good read

Amazon.com: Sleeping Where I Fall: A Chronicle (9781582430119): Peter Coyote: Books

[jeffg]

Thanks for the input so far.

I, too, would have concerns and really like the idea of well-defined responsibilities. I guess I view orchid enthusiasts as a rather homogeneous group, in that we all seem smitten with attentiveness and passion.

I have seen this work locally with vegetable gardens and the only real complaint I've heard is one similar to roommates, where one has a different idea of order/hygiene than the other i.e. one persons "clean" is another persons "messy".

The real draw for me though, is the idea that costs and maintenance would be divided e.g. 1/4th or 1/6th of doing it as sole owner.

Please keep ideas coming, as OB members are such an awesome resource. Thanks!