Hi GPODers!
So far this winter we’ve enjoyed the many ways people continue to garden during the colder months. Some folks have gardens that fill with winter blooms (Margot’s Winter Garden Interest in Washington), others turn their attention to houseplant collections (Jen’s Indoor Plant Obsession and Leni’s Propagations and Inherited Houseplants). Today, Rebecca Combs (@greenhorselife) in Bellbrook, Ohio (Zone 6b), is sharing the greenhouse that allows her to enjoy plants and garden activities year-round as well as the raised beds that receive the fruits of her spring laboring.
All photos here are my own from my garden and greenhouse in Bellbrook, Ohio. It’s a Hartley Botanic Grand Victorian Manor that we’ve had for three years now. Only last year we added the trellises with espalier pear and apple trees. My father had a green thumb, and I’ve tried to follow in his footsteps over the last 30 years with my own backyard garden. I’m working toward my Master Gardener certification and have always enjoyed dahlias. I start seeds in the greenhouse every spring and will fill the raised beds. Every fall, I collect the tubers and store them for the next year. I compete in local flower shows, and my red and white dinner plate dahlia was a winner!
Happened to catch a hot air balloon over our greenhouse around Christmastime two years ago. The live pine was planted in the spring after the holidays.
Aerial view of raised beds
Interior showing shelving
The bright yellow blooms of Rebecca’s golden angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia aurea, Zones 9–11) match the golden spines on the tiny cactus on the windowsill in the background.
Rebecca has a fascinating collection of tropical plants, including this Cattleya orchid with the most vibrant flowers.
Rebecca’s award-winning ‘My Hero’ dahlia (Dahlia ‘My Hero’, Zones 8–11) bloom
Another lovely dahlia: It sounds like Rebecca grows a great assortment of cultivars with the help of her greenhouse.
While some varieties of ice plant are among the few cold-hardy succulents, there are other species that still require a warmer climate. Thankfully, Rebecca doesn’t need to choose and can enjoy these bright blossoms even when there is snow on the ground.
Lastly, an echeveria with a cluster of beautiful pink buds getting ready to bloom.
Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous gardens and greenhouse with us, Rebecca! I’m blown away by the diverse array of plants you’ve collected in your greenhouse as well as the stunning blooms you grow in your raised beds.
Do you utilize a greenhouse in your garden? Maybe you have a greenhouse like Rebecca’s, which is an investment in beauty as well as productivity. Maybe you have a rudimentary structure that isn’t glamorous but serves an important purpose, or maybe you have one of those temporary greenhouses (like I do) that can be put away when it’s not needed. We would love to see how you utilize your year-round garden structure. Let us know in the comments or consider sharing photos of your greenhouse with the blog. Follow the NEW directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!
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Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
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You can also send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
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