Green roof part 2 and lots more visible signs of progress

What a VSOP (visible sings of progress) weekend it turned out to be.

We finished the breezeway roof and planted our first plants. 

We made and planted several self-watering planters

We fixed the broken seats on the boat

We ate great food

We took down the scaffolding off the south wall

We finished the breezeway roof and planted our first plants. 

Maddy and Kevin working on the decking for the roof.

The decking is made in two parts so the underside can be accessed if needed.

Self watering planters from old totes

We got these totes for free from a local organic produce delivery service. Some had broken sides and a few had broken bottoms, so between the two it worked out nicely. These are an earth box/sub irrigated planter design. The bottom tote holds water, and the top tote has a well cut into it. I used a plastic yogurt container and plastic flower pots to create the inserts. This dips down into the water in the first bucket, with the moisture being sucked up as needed. In theory it should water the whole planter. The pipe on the side is to fill the water reservoir.

Landscape fabric keeps dirt from clogging the holes in the well bottoms. These are the half-height bins so even with dirt in them they were manageable to move.

We had the plastic tubing on hand but if I'd had to buy something for this I would have tried bamboo. I think a nice thick stalk would look beautiful!

I've been saving up bits of rope in anticipation of some craft project. I like that it's all different but all yellow.

 I did buy the coffee bags for $1.50 each and the plants which were about $3 each. I planted mint, basil, oregano, thyme and chives. I have a few more totes so I think I will try some greens too. 

7L's and a little luck

I was thinking today about the role of chance, luck and craigslist in the building of our cabin,  I like the fact that we've been guided not only by the 7L ideas but also by chance and opportunity.  Although there are days when I wish we could make a decision without thinking about budgets, there are many more days when I happily search Craigslist and elsewhere for good deals and pleasant surprises. I thought I'd list some of them here:


Craigslist:

• Toilet+ sink currently in 'toilet shack' (free)
• Marmoleum for guest cabin
• stainless steel sink + counter combo
• counter for kitchen tent (free)
• French doors
• BBQ
• Stove
• Low-flow toilet for cabin (free b/c no tank lid)
• Chainsaw Mill

ReStore in Bellingham

• Fir windows
• Power tower metal doors (only $6!)

Free from neighbours and friends

• Posts and beams from trees off a neighbours lot
• Power tower roof
• Power tower doors and windows
• Tool shed
• Flooring for kitchen shack
• Corplast for top power tower windows

Others

• 8 foot high sliding glass doors for guest cabin (Jacks Used Building Supply)
• Sink for kitchen tent (St Pauls thrift store)