Our lottery-funded greenhouse was put up yesterday. It is a 20ft x 8ft Rhino.
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We will be fitting the staging in the next few days but the greenhouse itself was erected by a professional. He demonstrated how strong it was -
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It is for the use of plot holders but we have had so many negative comments that I'm beginning to wonder if we've done the right thing.
Anyone else with a communal greenhouse? Anything we should do/avoid?
First rule, no stone throwing ! ;D
What negative comments have you had? I cant understand what could be negative about this.
Steve...:)
I can't understand it either Steve. People are saying that plants/equipment will get stolen, people will 'take-over' the space, the cats will go inside, people will break in to the site and smash it up etc.
It is such a fantastic greenhouse, you'd think people would be thrilled to have it. I asked one bloke what he thought of it and he said "It's alright". :(
Well Betty all of the things that some of the people are saying are probabilities that would affect anyone wether at home or on the allotment
The same goes for those who have greenhouses on their plot. I don't hear of anything happening to them.
We think that it is a brilliant idea and I am sure that it will be put to good use.
Had it been there a month ago then I could have planted my toms and left them in there while I went on holiday instead of waiting until I came back. Of course I would have asked you to water them for me Betty. ;D
It will be great for raising the plants for our plant sale and that means more money in the allotment fund to spend for the benefit of the plotholders. When they see this happening then they might just think differently.
Unfortunately some people just are negative and especially about something new.
I would advise that you listen to some of the negative comments, -say the "take over" comment. Then use these to make some ground rules- such as "space allocation"/ plot holder.
Some ideas on pest control also might help.
Dealing with the negativity is difficult, try and use the comments that you feel are valid and try not to let the rest get to you.
It is always easier to criticise than be positive, I tend to find the "grumps" are always the same and never find the good in anything, and certainly never do anything to make life better for anyone else.
don't let them get to you!
I would be so thrilled Betty to have the use of something like this.
Remember all the Greenhouse rules apply opening and closing of doors,vents etc.
Will you need a rota of some kind ?
Lovely greenhouse, good luck with it.
Don't worry about the negative comments, I am sure there are lots of plot holders in silent anticipation, just wait to see how much demand there is.
In addition to the other posts, I would have a rule to keep it tidy, I would say you can only keep a certain amount of tools/feed ect, say one foldable crate, and it all has to go back in the crate when you have finished.
If you don't have such a rule, then people like me will soon clutter it up.
That's the same one we have, just a bit wider ,Betty ;D
No-one can grow in it until after the plant sales, they can start their contributions in there and they will be taken care of. If some of the plants are for their use, it's ok. After that, anyone who has no greenhouse either at the plot or at home gets a speck. There are some who don't clean their 'bit' which is a bit annoying but most people love it, we had the same sort of complaints and grumbles but it replaced the old one made of pallet wood and double glazed units which was unsafe for anyone to use. I'd reccommend Rhino to anyone ;D
It looks fabulous, I would love it if it was on our site.
But I would wonder about getting stuff nicked. We have a couple of thieving plotholders unfortunately.
I'd probably take the risk the first year and see how it went.
But I agree with wot others have said - you will need a few rules about space allocation and tidy-ness.
That looks fantastic!
I do not understand negative comments, but then some people will moan about anything! >:(
Lovely, I am just so jealous. Not really, good on you. ;D ;D ;D ;D
I think ti looks great. I do not understand the negative. I don't think you should allow any space for tools or storage with so many people wanting space. It is for plants. I am not clear how you allocate space.
But there is so much goodwill on your site I am sure you will work it out somehow.
Fantasic job Squash, what an asset for the site. Well done.
Thanks everyone for your replies and encouragement. Lots of ideas to think about.
We have formed a small management group and will have a meeting next week to set up the ground rules. Your remarks will be very helpful.
What a wonderful greenhouse, I'm jealous!! I wish we had one like that.
I can understand some of the negative comments you've had though. We used to be on a site with 2 massive communal polytunnels but sadly certain plot holders took much more than their fair share of the tunnels and it got to the stage where we couldn't grow anything in it as it had been taken over :'( However, when it came to cleaning the tunnel suddenly everyone had an equal share of it to clean :o So from our experience, if you could make sure that everyone who wanted to use the greenhouse got a designated section (there may be some who don't want to use it and then it'll give more space for those who do ;D) it should allow things to run smoothly.
I hope you all have loads of fun with your lovely new greenhouse :) x
Unfortunately there is always some people that are all 'doom and gloom' about anything new and different ..nothing should change ::) But such is life..
I'm sure you are able to prove them wrong..one doesn't know if one doesn't try.. ;)
Well done and it looks really good!
I can find only one thing that is wrong in those photos....you should have taken close up of that chap who put the GH up..can't quite see him properly..;)
I saw him close up and he was well fit ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: shirlton on April 15, 2012, 18:50:12
I saw him close up and he was well fit ;D ;D ;D
And you were well cheeky missus!
:o :D :o
;D
;D
;) ;D.
Well it was like this.I went to have a look at the greenhoouse and as I turned the corner I said to Betty. Blimey thats a big un and when we got round the corner the bloke was looking down to see if he was dressed properly. ;D ;D ;D
Its an achievement in itself to get recognition that allows funding for such a worthwhile project Betty,and all it can do is bring your Plotty community together so enjoy it.
Gazza
Think of the possible positives..
- someone to water your stuff if you're not there for a few days (might need watering guidelines so people don't stand by and let plants die)
- more opportunity for trying new varieties of things (more space)
- easier to be nosey at how other people do things.
Hi Betty , we have two communal polytunnels and we rent out six 6'x8' plots in each seems to work ok, although its usually down to one lady who opens up and shuts down each day.. pests and diseases have been a problem as the rapidly spread , we should have a manager for them but no volunteers.
Les...