In my end-of-the-year post, I mentioned two things:
- I needed to rescue my summer plants
- I needed to convince Ray to build us a greenhouse
Well… I’m happy to report that gentle pushing and prodding works.
We have a greenhouse.
And not just a greenhouse—a much fancier greenhouse than I ever anticipated. Once Ray got started, the project had a way of… growing. (Apparently, that applies to construction projects too.)
Part of what makes it even better is that he repurposed windows and a door from a friend who didn’t end up needing them after building his house. So not only do we have a greenhouse—we have a greenhouse with a story.
At the moment, I’m still in the process of organizing it, figuring out what to grow, and—minor detail—how we plan to heat it next winter. But for now… here it is.
And I love it.
🌱 The Brown Thumb Phase
Now, let’s set expectations.
I am not known for having a green thumb.
In fact, it has been said (by people who know me well) that I have a brown thumb—because most plants I touch tend to turn brown and die shortly after.
So naturally, I decided this would be the year I take up serious gardening.
It makes perfect sense if you don’t think about it too hard.
🌿 The “Let’s Just See What Happens” Strategy
Since this is clearly my experimental phase, I decided to start with what we already had—old seed packets we’ve collected over time.
We have a habit of buying seeds with the best of intentions… and then either never planting them or only using half the packet.
So this year, I went all in.
Let’s just say… results have been mixed.
Some of those seeds were clearly past their prime and had no interest in participating in my gardening journey. But I’m still experimenting and seeing what might surprise me.
So far, I’ve managed to get:
- Two types of tomatoes
- Some cucumbers
Which feels like a solid start for someone with a questionable track record.
I also splurged and bought two small strawberry plants because sometimes you need a guaranteed win.
🌳 The Unexpected Overachiever: Avocados
My biggest surprise success?
Avocado seeds.
I have several little avocado trees started, which feels both impressive and slightly suspicious.
Will they ever produce actual avocados?
I have absolutely no idea.
But for now, they’re alive… and in my world, that counts as a major achievement.
🌿 Trades, Trees, and New Questions
In what might be my most official gardening move yet, I even completed a plant trade.
A friend gave me two fig trees in exchange for one of my avocado starters—which makes me feel like I’ve entered a whole new level of adulthood.
The fig trees are still alive (another win), but now I’ve moved into the next phase of gardening uncertainty:
When do you plant these outside?
I’m assuming the fig trees can eventually go into the ground, while the avocados may need to stay in pots—but this is where my confidence starts to fade and the Googling begins.
✨ This Phase Feels Familiar
If I’m being honest, this greenhouse isn’t really about becoming an expert gardener.
It’s about trying something new.
Figuring things out as I go.
Letting something grow—even if it’s a little messy.
And maybe that’s the whole point of this phase.
Not perfection. Not expertise. Just curiosity… and a willingness to see what happens.
💬 Closing
If you have a green thumb, I am officially accepting tips, advice, and gentle encouragement.
And if you don’t?
You’re welcome to join me in this experimental gardening phase—where survival counts as success and every sprout feels like a small miracle.
With love & glitter,
Valerie ✨
Feathers and Phases 