The Ultimate Outdoor Orchid House

[Daethen]

I have spent a total of 16.00 on my shade house so far. I took the frame from a canopied motorcycle hut we bought years ago (metal with an arched top). Was given a piece of shade cloth 16x20. Had some thick white oak lumber that I milled down for my benches and had an old roll of wire that I am going to use for the bench tops so that they will drain through. Had to spend the cash on screws and drill bits. Gotta drill the white oak or the screws twist off. Couple of earth anchors per side and I should be good to go.

[Arenalbotanicalgarden]

Originally Posted by Daethen

I have spent a total of 16.00 on my shade house so far. I took the frame from a canopied motorcycle hut we bought years ago (metal with an arched top). Was given a piece of shade cloth 16x20. Had some thick white oak lumber that I milled down for my benches and had an old roll of wire that I am going to use for the bench tops so that they will drain through. Had to spend the cash on screws and drill bits. Gotta drill the white oak or the screws twist off. Couple of earth anchors per side and I should be good to go.

I had a friend when I was a kid in Virginny that found a VW beetle in the woods that had the entire drive train removed ( probably for a dune buggy) .He brought the carcass home by lifting it with a three point hitch on a Massey Ferguson tractor, put it on blocks , and used it as a doghouse.
Innovation is a wonderful thing.

[Daethen]

I agree! Just about have the frame of my benches assembled and am happy as a clam.

[Call_Me_Bob]

sounds like a great project Paul! please keep us updated!

i dont have much to offer, but id like to learn about what your doing! this past fall, we had a freak october snow storm and because the leaves were still on the trees, the two big (for a lilac at least) lilacs, that i used to keep my orchids under in the summer, both had to be cut down. so i dont have anyhting to put my 'chids under, so im going to see if i can ask/guilt my dad into building a shade house for my chids. so id like to learn!!

i kept my phals outside under the same lilacs for the past two summers. even through the rain and everything. i found that the natural breeze is enough to keep any crown rot or anything from happening.

[Paul Mc]

So what about staining? Which one or ones are not toxic?

[Paul Mc]

And do you think I need fans in there? I'm planning on using screening on the inside to keep squirrels out.

[Call_Me_Bob]

here we usually have a breeze almost 24/7, so here i wouldnt need a fan. i wouldnt know about your conditions, but im guessing you wouldnt need a fan. as long as the air can flow through

[Paul Mc]

And so it begins!!!! I'm emailing him pics and my/our thoughts now. Construction due to begin in a few weeks!!!!! YIPPEE!!!!

[sweetjblue]

WoooHooo!! Make sure you post pics of the progress for us totally jealous people!!

Judi

[Paul Mc]

Will do!

And I might have more questions for all you wonderful people as well! LOL...