I suck at growing plants, keeping green things alive. It’s always been a joke, you know? I am the laughing-stock of a family filled with master gardeners. My sister is some sort of a green witch – she has “the gift” as they say. The amount of pictures she’s sent me of my nieces and nephews (all potted plants of wide variety) during their allotted bath time is, quite honestly, alarming. While I strangely love her for it, she’s put me on a “nope” list (I am specifically not allowed to take in any of her plants) in her last Will and Testament (yes, really).

So it came as a surprise when I announced we would be building a greenhouse (our greenhouse came from the Greenhouse Emporium) this past summer. Afterward, you would have thought I confessed to unspeakable crimes – my sister essentially staged an online intervention (okay, I’m exaggerating…but only slightly) and she wasn’t the only one with concerns for the welfare of the imaginary garden of my dreams.

“Okay, but why are you doing this?”

“Jess, be real.”

“But you literally kill everything.“

“I think you already have, you know, a lot on your plate.”

“The plants deserve to liiiiiiiiiiive!!” – from my 9-year-old

Am I offended?

Absolutely not (silently-sobs-self-to-sleep-for-months)! Admittedly, I am wildly impulsive. While I like to say this only bolsters my creativity and zest for ingenuity, I also know it comes with much consequence. When I’m excited about an idea, it’s difficult to reign-it-in. I will over-spend, over-commit, over-do until I’m left with a hell of a lot of guilt and a hefty load of remorse.

Now that our mini-therapy session has begun, let me tell you that if you’re greenhouse curious, you can craft magic with or without a green thumb. Despite my impulsivity, I do understand and see the potential in people, spaces, ideas, dreams.

You see, a greenhouse is physical space…

…plain and simple. Space with walls, a roof, and endless possibility. When I considered the reality of adding a greenhouse to our property, I saw opportunity to really try to grow a garden, yes. At the same time, I also saw potential to create a workspace for all of my creative ventures. As a writer, artist, dreamer, and witchy soul with a deep love for nature, a greenhouse fit the bill for the best office space.

So, how do you craft a bit of greenhouse magic?

Dare to dream a little. How would you imagine yourself inside your greenhouse? Would you be tending delicate vines, nurturing buds, or breathing in a cup of aromatic tea, curled up in a ratty old chair with a tattered book, its pages well worn and dog-eared? Both? Both is good.

Perhaps you would craft a cozy dining space, protected from the spring rain and winter snow, forever warmed by dappled, golden rays. Or, greet the mornings with a gentle yoga session atop a timeworn rug. Of course, you collected the rug from a cute old couple on Marketplace (been in the family for years, you know). Downward dog surrounded by tropical palms and trailing Pothos in January? Yes please.

Green thumb challenged?

Don’t fret. Start small. Once our greenhouse was ready, I added three established plants to cap off our summer (strawberries, tomato, and green pepper). Though it was late in the season, we harvested four tomatoes, five green peppers, and a fistful of itsy-bitsy strawberries. This is a win!

All the while, one of my kiddos experimented with a mushroom growing kit, I crafted sets for an upcoming ballet performance, the kids and I have enjoyed reading countless books, and we’ve painted (so much paint).

Guess what?

You do not need a green thumb to craft greenhouse magic (I am proof of this). Gardening can be quite intimidating, yes. But, with a little ingenuity, patience, and an open mind, it is more than possible to triumph! Take it slow, be ready to learn, make mistakes, and see all of the opportunities of a greenhouse space.

Realize that greenhouse space is multi-purpose – there are no rules. Take it from the Queen of Black Thumbs, the Empress of Wilt, the Countess of Rot…you can do it.

**Be on the lookout for more greenhouse life details (including tips for new growers, ideas for multi-function spaces, how to involve kids in gardening, and more!)**