Building new outdoors orchid home

[JennS]

I am just hoping that someone might have to add to this topic. My b/f is (attempting) to build me a new home for my orchids after the previous stand rotted out and spilled the babies everywhere twice!

Does anyone have any suggestions or plans they can share? I've been looking through the member displays area and got some great ideas but am looking for some more details. I am the kind of figure it out as you go type of person, but my b/f wants to have plans and that kind of not-me stuff. I am guessing that is so that I can't complain that it isn't quite what I wanted after all is said and done.

Ok, so here is my situation. I will try to get a tonight with his camera as mine is nearly dead. I have a good area probably about 8feet long by 3-4 feet deep. This will be going against a wall that has a window on it, so my goal is to build the thing around the window area to still allow light into the window. I am thinking a rectagular structure would work. I do not need overhead shading currently because it will be over a north facing overhang. It may eventually be moved out back and will then have shade cloth installed, but that can come later. Anyway, any ideas, comments, etc? I was thinking pressure treated wood would hold up for a good ten years or so living outdoors in fl? I read that is says 20 years, but I don't really believe that as our weather can be extreme some years. Oh yeah, I also wanted to have 2 or three shelves so I can have supplies on the bottom and 'chids on the top two. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Will try to post pics of the area tomorrow for more ideas. Oh, and to show my currently very pathetic setup!

[Swamper]

Is it an apt or house? Can you drill holes into wall or is that a no-no? I'm working on a pergola right now but I have 8x8 space instead of 4x8 which you could do also just half the width. I am drilling into walls.

[JennS]

It is a duplex, so I have alot of room outside, yard area, etc. However, I am renting, so I cannot drill holes into the wall. I can get away with pretty much everything though, and my mom is a general contractor, so if the holes are minimal and repairable I could probably get away with it.

I would prefer to have a free standing unit though and for the time being am thinking I would probably use post hole diggers to make a good 6-8" or more hole to place the posts in. I found a few options that give me an idea of how to go about it, but nothing like what I really want. I am thinking that i want to go as high as I can and do about three shelves. I have some really tall 'chids so I dont think more then three shelves will fit. Maybe one more though? I will have to measure the 'chids this weekend and take some pics and post it all. I meant to do it last night, but with the birthday and work and all that i didn't get home till 10 and then hadn't eaten....sigh.

I would love to see/hear more about your pergola though. I think it is probably along the lines of what I am hoping for.... Thank you for the response by the way!

[Snowden]

Jenn... Just to give you an idea. I made my own benches for the plants I grow outdoors. They're basically 8 foot by 1 1/2 foot pressure treated frames with slats every 2 feet along its length. There are corner blocks in each corner for stability. On top, I used heavy duty hardware cloth (1/2 inch mesh) stapled (heavy staples) to the top. The legs are solid 3/4" round aluminum rod that's inserted into holes drilled into the corner blocks. The legs are firmly jammed into the ground about 3 inches.

At the end of the season, the legs pop out of their holes and everything packs flat for storage.

I'll try to take a picture later for clarification.

[Swamper]

Happy birthday by the way. I will try to get you some pics of my pergola. If you google the word pergola alone then click on images you will see many diff ones in all sizes. Some of them are free standing and the size you would need. They are very functional and look amazing.
Snowden do you have pics?

[Snowden]

Okay... here they are. Sorry about the pic quality.

My husband makes custom furniture for a living, has a huge shop, and has every tool known to mankind. These benches were made out of scrap - didn't spend a dime.

1. View of where I grow most of my plants outdoors. There are three benches, each one lower than the next to tier the plants. Upper right is where most of the lower light plants go. They get a couple of hours early morning light. The further left and lower get much more light during the day.

2. Close up of the corner block and top of bench.

3. Close up of the end of the benches to show the legs.

Hope this helps!

[Swamper]

Nice..Having all the tools is a big plus too. Makes things sooooo much easier.

[JennS]

Those benches look pretty nice. That is a good idea. I am hoping to come up with something that will have some space for hanging plants too though, so I need some overhead part. I like your idea though and may use it in the future.

[JennS]

Oh and thank you for the birthday wishes!

[cloudswinger]

I'd use pressure treated wood. It will probably last at least 10 years, the humidity and termites are very destructive to any wood, but we have a backyard deck and it's lasted at least that long. And I do agree with putting the posts into deep holes. You have to factor in the hurricane/tornado wind possibilities, and either get that thing well planted, or easily dismantled.