A Treespite from Planting

I think many a tree planter is delighting in staying indoors and catching a respite from digging. That wouldn’t be me, however. I found myself out there planting some of my tiny Redbud saplings and moving some potted nursery trees into safer spots. Little breaks in the weather allow us to take care of some last minute details. One thing this above-freezing window allowed us to do is pour the footings for our nursery shelter. Our fine carpenter, tree lover, neighbor and friend Kevin Hood motivated all aspects of this shelter that will be a permanent fixture in the nursery. This week Kevin poured the footings for the beefy 6x6 posts that will raise the asymmetrical roof of his design. Getting these posts in now will allow us to build through the winter. We hope to have a metal roof up there with gutters that catch rain into 2 separate 300 gallon totes by spring. This is all in the name of watering our babies in the hot summer months. This structure will also be a place to sit and learn about trees, swap perennials, trade seeds, pot saplings, write poetry, get out of the rain, and many other yet to be discovered activities. This drawing just shows the basics, but it will actually be a convertible; we’re building in benches and a table that can get out of the way quick when Paul is coming through with the tractor or bobcat. That’s also why the roof will be close to 10 feet tall. Keep your eye on the progress and get in touch if you want to help build. We’re so excited to be creating new spaces out of mostly unnoticed occasionally mowed lots. Thanks, Detroit.