Making a positive out of a negative

[fossil finder]

OK so I have been working on a raised coldframe (unfinished but in service due to strong winds lately) to germinate my growing list of plants in using clear corrugated sheeting (lid not on) attached to a gal frame. I realise growing from seed can make it a long journey to a presentable bonsai but I enjoy this aspect of the craft. At present it contains Banksia serrata, Forest Oak, Red-flowering Paperbark, Weeping Tea-tree, Mugga, Sticky Wattle, Colorado Spruce, Swamp Cypress, Port Jackson Pine (Callitris) Pygmy Cypress (Callitris), Black Tupelo, Orange Thorn (Citriobatus pauciflorus), American Larch, Peppercorn Tree, Japanese Maple.....I think thats all ..?.... I'd be interested to know if anyone has any particular views (good or bad) on my choice of species.

Anyway I was leaning over checking the seedlings out on Monday morning when I heard a loud crash just a metre or two away. A male Satin Bowerbird travelling at Mach 1 and pursued by another male ended its life killed itself instantly as it crashed into the window above my head. The butterfly stickers strategically placed on the outside of window specifically to prevent bird kills failed miserably this time. Seeking to retrieve some positive out of this sad incident I grabbed my camera and took these two shots of this birds beautiful opal coloured eyes. No digital enhancement of the bird was made....just natural colour

[Jarad]

Nice grow boxes!

Look at the colours on that bird!

[Rory]

That's what you call - a birds eye view.

Also slightly creepy.

[Jarad]

That's what you call - a birds eye view.

You're a terrible person...

Also, Mr Finder where do we place our orders for these grow boxes?

[fossil finder]

I got the idea when I started making some raised garden beds (in pics) out of colourbond leftovers from building. The thing with using the poly sheeting is that you need a solid frame as it is inherently very flexible. I used c-channel and gal right angle brackets plus colourbond ends to make it rigid. We are currently renting so this was really the motivation for a mini greenhouse. It is light enough to move inside kitchen during winter. Cost about $300 in materials. As far as placing orders...fat chance now Spring is here! Maybe next winter. Coincidently Orange Thorn (I'm growing) is a favourite food for both Satin and Regent Bowerbirds

[mjhc]

I really like the idea. Do you have a top for it? How have you found the 'greenhouse' affect on the grow boxes with the lid off? Cheers

[Elmar]

I think we need a sub forum!
"Construction" or "DIY"!
This simple idea is so worth banking!
Love the idea and the colours, despite the mortal side-effect, are fantastic!


Cheers
Elmar

[fossil finder]

The lid is a very important part of the plan. I made the box the same size as the sheet size length and width to avoid needing to cut the sheet. I got mini orb for the top (corrugated but smaller corrugations than normal corrugated sheets as it is thinner overall than standard sheeting. The top is removed only to check plants. I'll finish the lid in next few days hopefully and post the results. I have toyed with hinges but I will probably go with a light framed lid I can drop into those right angle pieces along the top sides. Aeration seems adequate as there is a small gap along bottom sides that seems to provide enough fresh air but reduce the need for constant checking of plant happiness factor. I haven't filled it yet but it will take about 18 brocolli cases cut down in height to 180mm (6inches deep) giving adequate protection but also protecting seedlings from cold and winds that may disturb them. I make no claims yet as to the success of design but thats what I do. ...experiment. Anyway it turns out its better than exposure to the high winds experienced in the tablelands of NSW lately. For me it was a priority to get my plants in a stable environment requiring less hands on attention.

[tgward]

so triple the number of stickers

[fossil finder]

We thought 10 stickers on three windows would suffice! When we inspected the house the house prior to renting there was a dead bird (Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike) under that window so we added the stickers. Our own place has fully screened windows because we are bird lovers and are proactive when it comes to minimising our impact on wildlife.

[peterb]

Hey F/F, that is a ripper grow box. The colours on that bird are amazing , as you say sad the bird killed itself but thanks for sharing those photos with us to appreciate the beauty in nature.
regards
peterb