When the Trekells bought their suburban home, they made certain that the lot was large enough to accommodate a small greenhouse, which could be attached to the house. Then they planned and dreamed about it for 13 years.
Trekells Greenhouse
The greenhouse is aluminum framed in four sections, 11 x 14 meeting overall. Its arrangement indicates an immense amount of thought given to the final details by both the architect and the Trekells.
The door leading to the garden from the greenhouse is 3’ feet wide, permitting the easy handling of regulation-size flats and a wheelbarrow for handling soil and bringing in pots.
These are conveniently stored so guests cannot see them from the pine room. A 28” inches wide door provides easy access into the greenhouse from the pine room.
It is unnecessary to enter the greenhouse to enjoy the flowers that flourish there since a large plate glass window comprises most of the wall space connecting the two additions to the original house.
The center bench, which is 40 x 62 inches, carries the heaviest load in the production line. In June this year, it contained tomato vines in front of which Mrs. Trekell snipped many tomatoes for a quick salad.
The plants were placed at a point nearest the outside door and farthest away from the great picture window.
They were practically hidden by sweet pea vines in full bloom, while tall snapdragons concealed the too often naked lower stems.
To complete the colorful picture, geraniums in full bloom were placed at the inside edge of the bench.
Geranium Variety Planted
Geraniums seem to rate high in the affections of the Trekells. They have grown the variety Ahvays, a light pink hortorum-type bloom, with heads as much as four inches in diameter.
They have a diversified collection of these showy plants, which includes a variegated Prince Rupert of the scented section, the dainty, pink, rosebud ivy geranium known as Sybal Holmes, and the most unusual variegated-leaved ivy geranium of all, the variety formerly called Madame Margaret, but now known as Alliance in the trade.
Lady Washington’s (Pelargonium domesticum) and the zonal group (P. hortorum) aim to collect the best available varieties.
Geraniums, by no means, take over the greenhouse, for as the seasons progress, they have chrysanthemums, primroses, tuberous begonias, and other kinds of potted plants. Last winter and spring, they had a passion vine in full bloom over several weeks.
Although flowering plants predominate, there is always space for a seed flat and one for cuttings. In the corner next to the house, where it is well concealed from view, is a sink with a utility hose for watering.
Above this sink, still practically out of sight, is a handy shelf for sprays, sprayers, labels, and other materials. It is also placed to not cast too much shadow on the growing plants.
In addition to the center bench, there are two side benches, 34″ inches by 10′ feet. The placement of the two doors provides a main aisle, 24″ inches wide, while the one on the side of the center bench is 18″ inches wide.
The aisles may seem small, but there is adequate room to move about even when several people enter the greenhouse simultaneously.
The greenhouse floor is made of brick, with a bond pattern that is most pleasing to the eye. Soft brick readily absorbs any surplus water and is not as hard on the feet as concrete.
Steam Heating System
The heating was easily handled since it was connected to the steam heating system of the house.
Forced hot water circulation in the steam boiler passes through two-inch pipes placed under the benches.
Additional radiation was secured by square fins placed along the pipes. The heat is thermostatically controlled each night at 52° degrees Fahrenheit, and the additional cost during the winter averaged $7.00 per month over the previous cost before the greenhouse and pine room were added.
Secure Shade For Summer and Fall
Redwood 7/8-inch slats, spaced 5/16 of an inch apart, were used to secure shade in the summer and early fall months.
In this way, two-thirds of the overhead sunlight is eliminated. In addition, there were two ceiling ventilators. One opens automatically at 70° degrees Fahrenheit, and the other is manual.
All these carefully thought-out and engineered ideas enable the Trekells to have flowers all the year-round. Summer plants include tuberous begonias, gloxinias, geraniums, lantanas, cucumbers, and melons.
The cucumbers and melons are grown upward on strings and then across the upper reaches of the greenhouse.
This opportunity to garden throughout the year has given Mr. and Mrs. Trekell and their friends untold pleasure.
Fluorescent lights have been installed, and these provide additional pleasure at night. The result is a continually changing picture that holds new interest each day.
44659 by Thomas L. Hosmer