I was interested to see that a lot of the prices were similar to Home Depot. The bacopa plants were I think the same price (should have made notes, I can never remember figures) but in fact were not as nice as the ones I got in HD. The 5" pot size plants were all mainly $5, which I thought was pretty ok. So I got a lovely fuchsia "ShadowDancer Violette" for that price, also a helychrysum and a sweet potato vine. Also a dozen of the trailing blue lobelia which I was searching for.

Mission accomplished! I enjoyed the ride too, Red Line to Harvard, No. 86 bus to the garden centre, then back the same way, in lovely sun too! Now I'd better get planting, it's supposed to rain later I believe!

Do you have one of those grocery trolleys -- the collapsible 2-wheel metal wire carts? You can get a lot of stuff into them, and take them on the "T." Paired with a backpack, you could carry an entire garden home! :)

I'm glad you got what you needed at Mahoney's. The garden bug makes us travel far to hunt for plants, and it appears that you had a successful "hunt."

And I have found some stuff on the pavement too, which has been really brilliant! One lovely big clump of chives, a pretty glazed bowl shaped pot, and some very nice teraccota pots too. I love the thought that I've rescued them from being crushed up in the rubbish lorry! Kerb shopping I've seen it called . . .

I introduced my builder in MA to the term when I asked if I could take some materials from his trash can.

Claire

I have a big stack of old-fashioned windows - the kind with the multiple ligths/panes - I got that way. People put in vinyl replacement windows and throw out treasures. I have enough windows to make a big cold frame or small greenhouse. :)

I wanted to make cold frames too, and there are some left over that are just right. Will get to it when we return!

Yes, your greenhouse Will be Worth it! And the social awkwardness, well let's all just shrug that off! Mind you, looking at your gardenweb page it doesn't seem like you are going to have much room for a greenhouse. Your lot sounds really crowded what with all the bamboos and stuff and then creatures too! Do you collect eggs from the poultry? It all sounds really good, I love the idea of keeping hens. A lot of work though, I know. How on earth do you find the time to post on here too?!

Yes, my small lot is jam-packed, but I seem to find ways to make more stuff fit. But as you well know, gardens never stay the same over time. We're always re-working them. I'm having my chicken coop rebuilt to a more efficient size and shape, and that will leave me room for a small greenhouse. It just takes scheming and planning.

Chickens are easy to care for and don't need too much space. It's mainly a matter of keeping their home clean, safe and draft-free, giving the chooks space to scratch for bugs and take dust baths, and making sure they have fresh, clean food and water daily. Then they make eggs! I have more than I can eat, even after giving many away to neighbors and family. If you would like free, fresh, organically "grown" eggs from happy free range chooks, give a shout and I'll meet you on the T with a batch! Bring a large basket. :)

You can’t beat fresh "home made" eggs, can you? My Dad kept chickens when I was a kid and eggs have never been the same, though I reckon yours would be! I seem to remember the chickens being able to perch quite high, so perhaps with your chicken coop you are going up more to give yourself more ground for the greenhouse – please post a picture or two when you have started on your project because I’d love to see how you get on!

All the best with it

Claire.