Sunday, April 18, 2010

Return of the Greenhouse

I had a greenhouse at our previous house and left it behind when we moved; too difficult to dismantle and remove.

I've missed it since the day we moved, but no more; I've spent the weekend assembling my 60th birthday present to myself - a 6ft x 8ft greenhouse.

It hasn't been the easiest of jobs.

The instructions were clearly written by someone who was completely familiar with the task and all the various complex shaped and almost identical components, which is always a mistake.

I think instructions are best written by (and certainly for) a complete idiot who has never done the job before. I managed to keep the air relatively clean, even though some bits turned out to be assembled in mirror-image format and had to be dismantled & remantled. Some bits turned out to be upside down; not much use when you're trying to hang a door from them. Other bits, which were actually correct, had to be disconnected in order to fit later bits of the assembly. Did the instructions mention that at any point? Not a word.

I'm not usually cack-handed at this sort of thing; I have a Masters in IKEA assembling. And I couldn't have done it without Wilma Wilbury's assistance; just didn't have enough hands. Even with the two of us we didn't have quite enough hands and had to use masking tape to stop things wibbling into the wrong place.

But it went together eventually


and after a spot of heavy lifting it moved off the patio and into it's home in the garden.


Phew!

It's now about two-thirds glazed; need to get on with it because I've got plants queueing up to get into it. And a pigeon has already christened it!!

8 comments:

Gerry Snape said...

My mother always said that a thing wasn't ready to use unyil christened by a bird dropping! Happy greenhousing!

Susan said...

Hope the volcano ash doesn't ruin your new glass as a final insult.

Damo said...

Best of luck with the greenhouse.

Sue Garrett said...

People who write instructions are sadists!

The Mulch said...

Couldn't live without mine now. Its only small and cheap (6x4) but would struggle with space on windows in the house with the kids and dog.

Unknown said...

oh very nice ... you should have tipped me and Rob the nod, we'd have helped you put it up ... we're experts now ;)

Nutty Gnome said...

Ey-up Woody - cracking good greenhouse mate! We inherited one when we bought the house 8+ years ago and it's really on its last legs (frame?)and I've been considering getting a new one - might have to have you come over and decipher the instructions though!

Gordon Mason said...

My fee is very reasonable. I run on espresso in the morning & tea in the afternoon!