Home Improvements - Cactus & Succulent Style

GeneS · Post by **GeneS** » Wed Dec 21, 2011 8:59 pm

Harriet wrote one year ago

I also got the sense that the project was still on-going; if so, I would really love to see the progress, or the finished landscaping and how the the structures look all "filled up".

You were correct ... it has been an on-going project. I don't think it will ever be complete but at least I now have finished the initial master plan.

So, here is my 2011 Solstice update.

Mar 2011 - GH how has electricity, lights and fans

May - In ground bed frame constructed in GH.

Jun - Shade area finished with weed block and 3" of rock over the cardboard left over mostly from the GH parts shipment.

Jun-Sep - spent repotting almost entire collection.

Sep - Shade added to GH roof

Oct - Relocated and reworked cold frame. Built and planted additional beds at north entry and south approach.

Nov - filled and planted in-ground bed. Added additional plants to outside landscape beds

All year - observed, studied, moved, tended plants and house as I became aware of a full seasons change in light and microclimate changes.

Also took breaks in Feb and May to plant 11 assorted fruit and citrus trees that will look much better to my neighbors then the view of the big plastic box. Plus give us something to eat.

Current situation: lots of seeds to plant, seedlings to tend, more potting on, and now, some time to rest a bit while most the plants do the same!

A photo journal is here
To skip the initial build, move to page 4, row 3 where the new stuff begins.

Cheers for the Holidays to all

GeneS

Post by **daiv** » Thu Dec 22, 2011 12:54 am

Hey Gene! Very nice to get an update. I looked over all the pictures. Such a classy setup! I'm going to guess that it was hard to decide which plants got to go in the indoor bed, no?

Obviously some wouldn't go in for sure, but there must have been a decision making process there. How did you narrow it down?

Daiv

leftyman · Post by **leftyman** » Thu Dec 22, 2011 1:42 am

Just watched the entire slide show, aside from being totally jealous, I have to say it looks beautiful and and you did an excellent job!

majcka · Post by **majcka** » Thu Dec 22, 2011 12:06 pm

I remained completely speechless and this really does not happen often. Always have something to say.

*Barracuda_52* · Post by ***Barracuda_52*** » Thu Dec 22, 2011 3:42 pm

Absolutely stunning!!! I have to say i would be spending all my time out there and not in the house..

FANTASTIC job you did there lookin very BEAUTIFUL...

It takes alot of time to get things done like that it dont happen over night, i still havent completed all my landscaping and building as im way behind, lack of funds

and weather never co-operates.

cactushobbyman · Post by **cactushobbyman** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 2:23 am

Is Boone a long coat german shepherd. I have had several over the years and just think the world of them.

GeneS · Post by **GeneS** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 10:49 pm

Thanks everyone for your comments! Wish I could have you all over for a tour!

some special notes:

It takes alot of time to get things done like that it dont happen over night, i still havent completed all my landscaping and building as im way behind, lack of funds, and weather never co-operates.

I fully agree with every point of that statement except I can't ever really blame the weather here

Is Boone a long coat german shepherd. I have had several over the years and just think the world of them

No, but close. He is a Shiloh Shepherd. A rare breed that was developed from selected american and canadian shepherd GSDs selected for size and temprament. Most are coated. We found the breed while looking for a replacement for our prior, coated GSDs. While he is no longer with us, his spirit will never leave.

airCh Burks Boone of Ridgewood, ATTS

Cheers ... GeneS

cactushobbyman · Post by **cactushobbyman** » Sat Dec 24, 2011 12:32 am

Great picture and a great dog. My first GSD I got in 1977 could have been a sister to him. His face brought back a memory of her and I miss her very much too. She was a long coat and schutzhund trained and she had a great life of 13 years. Maybe I'll try to find a picture to share. Thanks again and happy holidays.

Cactus Charlie · Post by **Cactus Charlie** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 9:29 pm

Awesome work! What a beautiful GH and an amazing collection of cacti and succulents you have!
Congratulations! I am very jealous!

Harriet · Post by **Harriet** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 1:09 am

Don't know how I missed this back in December... but I sure am glad it got bumped or I would not be experiencing such delight!

Peterthecactusguy · Post by **Peterthecactusguy** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 11:25 am

some how I missed this. Gene S. your greenhouse is awesome. I am thinkign about building one, but I dont have much space in my yard. (I also live in AZ so it would be more like a shade house

Harriet · Post by **Harriet** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 1:53 pm

What is this plant?

majcka · Post by **majcka** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 1:56 pm

Is there any chance to get a closer pic?

GeneS · Post by **GeneS** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:00 pm

Harriet asked:

What is this plant?

It's E. horridus, this is the Port Elizabeth form.

majcka asked for a closer pic ... assuming that meant the Encephalartos, perhaps the link will suffice. If not, I can surely produce one.

Thanks for your comments everyone.

Cheers ... GeneS

Harriet · Post by **Harriet** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:21 pm

Thanks! Although we see many different zamia/cycads down here, I don't believe I have ever seen that particular one.

Very cool plant!