As the fall weather grew cool and wet I retreated inside to watch Gardeners World and plan for next year. One resource that all serious gardeners seem to have is a greenhouse and so I bought a book on the subject. That led to thinking about requirements and options, and to deciding to integrate a lean-to greenhouse into the front the shed, shown above.

It’s an old shed that was a squirrel hotel when I bought the house. Over the years I’ve made some improvements but it remains a dingy shed. I’m going to open up the front so that light will flow in through the greenhouse. So even though the weather is typically deary, I’ve decided to get this project done now.

2020-11-11: Above, the siding has been removed exposing the old framing and the greenhouse base is in place.

Fortunately the front wall is not load-bearing. Framing is always fun and that’s the next step.

2020-11-13: I’ve framed the wall to accommodate a full-size door and a large window on either side, for if the greenhouse is removed in the future.

2020-11-14: Sheathing and building paper installed. Ready for the greenhouse, which should arrive soon.

2020-11-21: The greenhouse kit is “in transit” with Canpar somewhere between Toronto and Vancouver. Canpar is having a difficult time coping with volumes and customer support. Just be patient I tell myself. I realised that I should finish the front wall first as doing so with the greenhouse in place would have been difficult.

2020-11-28: Still no news on the greenhouse so I’m working on the south side. The siding was applied directly to the studs, enabling water penetration, and the shed is very close to the ground. Over the years the rear corner rotted. In this photo you can see my corner and floor repair. I will next attach sheathing and building paper before residing.

2020-12-01: They sent me another greenhouse kit yesterday with the same carrier. I keep plugging away on the shed in the meantime. Finished putting sheathing and siding on the south wall and I have reached a natural pausing point. I will finish the staining when the weather is more spring-like, and I need to order more materials before I start on the back wall.

2020-12-14: https://www.canada-greenhouse-kits.ca/ issued a refund today. They have two greenhouse kits in the Canpar system. We hope one will arrive before end of year but I have my doubts.