We at Mirage absolutely know what it’s like at this time of the year. Spring seems to be just around the corner and we all want to start getting outside as much as possible. But, due to erratic weather still ahead, there remains a bit of a wait before we can start to nurture our green thumbs.
Getting our hands dirty tending to our perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees is what we live for. For those who love watching a plant grow from a mere seed to a beautiful addition to your garden, the benefits of a greenhouse are exponential.
Some may think Calgary is not ideal for a greenhouse, and we understand why. But, the misunderstanding usually is that you need to keep your greenhouse operational year-round. Lots of greenhouse owners don’t keep plants inside during the coldest months, instead using them mainly for starting seeds in the early spring and for plants such as vegetable and herbs that need some extra protection from the elements and critters. In the winter, a greenhouse can act as extra storage space.
Keeping your greenhouse operational throughout the winter is definitely an option, however. Modern greenhouses can withstand snow and heavy winds and are tightly sealed against the elements. In the winter, you can also add extra insulation, such as bubble wrap. A well-built greenhouse should stay about 15 degrees Celsius warmer than the outdoor temperature, plus specially built greenhouse heaters are available. We also get tons of sun in Calgary, which helps to keep the insides warm. Place your greenhouse facing the south maximize its exposure. Adding solar panels is a great idea to help offset power costs.
Greenhouses can also be installed with watering and misting kits that make it easy to keep your plants well watered, plus maintain a beneficial humidity level. A fan or vent to bring in outdoor air is essential to add carbon monoxide to your greenhouse’s atmosphere for the benefit of your plants.
Reasons to build a greenhouse
Gardening is great for well-being
Spending time working with dirt and nurturing green things has immense health benefits. Caring for a plant from mere seed to a maturity level strong enough to be transplanted to your garden carries with it a sense of responsibility and a long-term respect for the power of nature. Plants also provide a calming, therapeutic effect due to their ability to engage all of our senses. Digging in dirt is very good for immune systems because there is a lot of good bacteria to be found in soil. Plus, with a greenhouse, you will also be able to cultivate your landscaping to look exactly how you want it.
You will save time
Those of us obsessed with trying out the newest perennial or shrub in our gardens know the agony of going to the local garden centre only to find out they are unavailable or sold out. A cross-city – or sometimes even cross-province – hunt can ensue that takes up a lot of time and energy. With your own greenhouse, you know you will have the varieties you want, when you want them, for your garden. You will also be ready to plant as soon as the weather allows.
Less money spent on plants
Buying plants can be very expensive. As landscaping professionals, we are well aware of how prices and quality can vary greatly from season to season. Purchasing seeds is far less expensive than purchasing an established plant, and they can often be much more successful because they have been properly taken care of. A greenhouse protects your plants from pests, as well, which can easily be shared within garden centres.
An organized gardening location
One of the benefits of a greenhouse that may not come to mind immediately is that they provide the perfect place for all of your gardening materials. Growing things takes a lot of tools and supplies, and greenhouses can come with clever storage spaces that will keep everything neatly organized.
You will improve your skills as a gardener
Being able to plant and garden in a consistent environment kept at an ideal climate will give you a much better idea of what you are doing right and what you might be doing wrong as a gardener.
Greenhouses are beautiful
Greenhouses can be a visual benefit to your outdoor space. They represent life, growth, and hope, and can be custom-built to fit your needs and aesthetics. Wood and glass greenhouses are becoming more popular, as are those built with attractive dark metal accents for a more modern look. Let your greenhouse become your sanctuary in your yard.
Invite Mirage into your yard so you can spend more time with your plants
We at Mirage Landscaping are experts in landscape maintenance and landscaping construction services that allow you to take your mind off the day-to-day chores of yard maintenance and allow you to maximize the utility of your property. We operate where we live and love in Calgary, with a specialization in tending to our southeast neighbours’ properties. Browse our portfolio for an idea of what we can do, and contact us for a free, no-pressure quote.