Dome of the Month
This Is Not Your Average Joe’s Backyard Greenhouse
March 5, 2023
Nestled in a canyon just south of Pagosa Springs along the Blanco River sits the quaint little cabin of Joe and Nancy Drake. Not far from their cabin, right in their backyard, a 22’ Growing Dome stands full of life. A welcome contrast amid the stark white blanket of snow.
Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership: Thriving Community Greenhouses with Sustainable Energy
January 7, 2023
Today the community venture known as The Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership, Inc, consists of three 42’ Growing Dome greenhouses run on geothermal power, a native plants garden, a rotary club garden, and an amphitheater along the San Juan Riverwalk. The greenhouses use geothermal energy from nearby natural hot springs. This renewable energy source helps to maintain a consistent temperature within the greenhouse, allowing for the growth of a variety of plants year-round in USDA hardiness zone 5a.
Hugelkultur Garden in a Greenhouse
October 13, 2022
Deborah Rich and Mark Oppegard built their 26' Growing Dome in southwest Colorado to keep the critters and deer out of their garden and protect them from fluctuating weather conditions. In just a few short months, they have built raised beds, created a thriving pond environment, and implemented an age-old gardening practice called hugelkultur in the greenhouse.
Climate Battery Greenhouse Design
August 11, 2022
Every Growing Dome greenhouse kit comes with a mini climate battery of sorts that we refer to as the Undersoil Ventilation System, previously known as the central air system or undersoil heating & cooling system. A climate battery is a ground-to-air heating system made up of a series of underground tubing that circulates air several feet below the soil's surface. The circulating air helps regulate temperature and moisture.
Cooke City School’s Closed Loop Food System
July 5, 2022
Cooke City might be a town of only 140 residents, but there is nothing small about it. Located between Yellowstone National Park and the Beartooth Mountains in hardiness zone 4a, this quaint school is no stranger to big mountain weather. In fact, Cooke City has been referred to as the snowiest town in Montana, averaging 207 inches of snow per year. So you can imagine the disbelief had by many when Lara Belice, Cooke City schools only teacher, poised the idea of year-round gardening.
Green Iglu: Formerly Growing North
June 6, 2022
Imagine yourself in Canada's cold, harsh winter, where fresh food is scarce during many months of the year. Now imagine yourself walking out of the cold into a lush Growing Dome oasis where the air is warm and the fresh food is flourishing. It almost seems impossible, right? Well, it’s not! The not-for-profit Green Iglu, formerly known as Growing North, is making the impossible possible by bringing fresh food sources to communities across Canada.
Growing Dome Greenhouse in Southern Illinois
May 7, 2022
Alycia worked with her husband Lou at Belle Valley School District #119 for over 20 years as the elementary school’s science teacher and dome manager. At Belle Valley, Alycia fell for more than just Lou. She also fell in love with the school's 33’ Growing Dome Greenhouse, where she shared her love of gardening and passion for science with hundreds of students over the years.
Eliada Homes Helping Children Succeed
March 8, 2022
In 2017, they took their first step towards bringing farming back to their community by building a 42' Growing Dome Greenhouse. The Dome provides food for the cafeteria, attracts many new people, and acts as classroom space for the campus farm program. Since then, the Growing Dome has been referred to as the beacon on the hillside.
Dome Greenhouse in North Carolina
January 14, 2022
The last time we caught up with Jeff and his puppy Theo was in December of 2020, not long after he planted his first round of crops. We are excited to jump back in one year later and tell you a little about the changes and improvements Jeff has made since then.
Jeff Forristall’s Small Outdoor Greenhouse
December 8, 2021
The last time we caught up with Jeff and his puppy Theo was in December of 2020, not long after he planted his first round of crops. We are excited to jump back in one year later and tell you a little about the changes and improvements Jeff has made since then.
Colorado School of Mines Dome Greenhouse
November 8, 2021
Every year the seniors at the Colorado School of Mines participate in a Capstone Design Project. In the fall of 2020, Marla, Christine, Hannah, Juliana, Andrea, Micah, and Zoe took on the Mines Greenhouse Capstone project. They were met with the challenge to establish a “campus greenhouse that will supply local organic produce to Mines students and Mines Market. The team rose to the challenge raising over $7,000 for the project and splitting the solution into two parts. The first part is raised outdoor garden beds that serve as a community garden space where students can rent plots and grow food. The second part is a 22’ Growing Dome better known by students as “Mines Tiny Greenhouse.”
The Garwood’s Double Dome Story
October 8, 2021
You might ask yourself how someone who was "never really was a gardener" found herself with not one but two greenhouses. Well, according to Kate, the answer was simple, "peas." They didn't have enough room to grow all of the peas they wanted (10 pea plants) and other varieties of fruits and vegetables to eat.
From Novice to Green Thumb: The McKibbens’ Colorado Greenhouse Success
September 7, 2021
Being a gardener in Colorado is tricky. Especially at high altitude (7,600 ft) in Bayfield, where amateur gardeners Bob and Radel Mckibben have made their home. If it is not wind or hail destroying their outside garden, it's critters and cold weather. That is until 2020, when they fell in love with a Growing Dome greenhouse after hearing of it from a friend and taking a tour in person—deciding to purchase a 26' greenhouse kit as a 50th-anniversary gift for each other.
Off-Grid Gardening in the Mountains of Coaldale, Colorado
August 5, 2021
Like many in our Growing Dome community, Laurel and Will Biedermann’s Growing Dome adventure started with a dream. A dream for a more sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle. In 2016 Laurel and Will retired from city life in Colorado Springs and relocated to the small mountain town of Coaldale, Colorado, to begin their self-sufficient journey.
Growing Vegetables in Alaska Hardiness Zone 6A
July 6, 2021
Mardell Gunn and her partner, Mark Kistler, aka Diz, had been gardening in Haines, Alaska, using standard hoop houses for several years. In 2016, they searched for a polycarbonate structure that could withstand heavy snow loads and humid summers while providing a protected environment to grow fresh heat-loving vegetables that can't be grown successfully outside. Specifically, tomatoes. That's when the internet led them to a 26' Growing Dome.
Greenhouse Sanctuary in Southern Colorado
June 2, 2021
Retirement, and the past year at home, has allowed Udgar and Puja to slow down and experience the joy of their Growing Dome® as a place of sanctuary from a Growing Dome® owner’s perspective as opposed to that of busy business owners.
School Garden Program In Connecticut
May 3, 2021
Along the border of New York and Connecticut in the Northwest Hills, there is an “intentionally small” school. The Marvelwood School in Kent, Connecticut, is a school for grades 9-12 who are inspired to find their passions through hands-on experiences and where gardening is considered an “essential skill that enriches lives.”
Homestead Greenhouse in the Pacific Northwest
April 3, 2021
Homesteading is a dream for so many of the Growing Spaces community. A step back in time when life was simpler. Riding your horse and carriage into new territories, staking your claim to a piece of fertile land, and planting seeds that will root down into your new lifestyle. It is about self-sufficiency, living off the land, healthy livestock, and sustainable agriculture.
Heirloom Tomatoes in a Growing Dome Greenhouse
March 1, 2021
Robyn & Martin Schulze purchased their property in Chromo, Colorado, many years ago, with a dream to move away from Longmont, Colorado, upon retirement. This is where they first heard of Growing Spaces on one of their many weekend trips to the property. At the time, Robyn was doing her best to tend an outdoor garden in Longmont where the weather was wild, and the winds were strong. She knew that someday she would have her very own Growing Dome.
Beautiful Greenhouse in New Hampshire
February 2, 2021
Terry believes that the Growing Dome is more than just a backyard greenhouse and encourages "others to look at it as a piece of art. It's just so cool!" Terry spends many nights 'glamping' in her Growing Dome, and has added many other artistic touches like a fireplace, colorful LED lights, and even spray painted her pond with a beautiful sunset scene.
Automated Greenhouse in Suburban Denver
January 1, 2021
In addition to gas, electricity, and water, Richard ran an Ethernet cable underground through the conduit to a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch in the dome. This allowed him to plug a WiFi node and a SmartThings hub into the switch. He then installed three PoE cams in the Dome: one on the north end, one on the south, and one underwater. "I can watch the dome interior on my phone or computer anywhere. I put in a set of three 6 watt LED lights on the bottom of the pool, so now I can see the fish more easily. For backup, there is a SmartThings temp/humidity sensor in the dome and a door sensor that can warn me if I’ve left the door open.
Unlocking Paradise: Tropical Greenhouse in a Cold Climate
December 2, 2020
When most people think of a tropical getaway, they imagine it on a beach in the Bahamas or a bungalow in the Caribbean. You would never imagine such a lush tropical place to exist in a greenhouse in New York unless you are the students of Homestead School, that is.
Custom Greenhouse Garden in Colorado
November 3, 2020
Richard went the extra mile to ensure the greenhouse is a place to be admired. He added beautiful wooden raised beds, stepping stone flooring, and electric-powered oscillating fans for additional ventilation. Shortly after completing the beds, Caroline expressed her desire for a place that she could sit and enjoy her garden.
Backyard Greenhouse Dome in Idaho
September 30, 2020
Paula & Keith Rigby’s 26’ backyard greenhouse in Kamiah, Idaho sits on their retirement property nestled in between the new home they are building and Keith’s workshop. Yes, they did in fact build the greenhouse first.
Dream Greenhouse in Colorado
September 1, 2020
The Elder's, Jerilyn, Jay, Maddog, and Samantha, got their 33' Growing Dome with the hopes of generating enough food for themselves and others in the community. In just a year, their Dome has become so much more than a year-round gardening space. The Dome has acted as a getaway location for the entire family during the pandemic. Jerilyn called the expanse "the perfect place to slow down and veg out." It is truly their dream greenhouse garden getaway.
Local Food in a She Shed Greenhouse
July 31, 2020
Rachel is one of those people who never really liked working for anyone else. Luckily she is also one of those people that believes that you can "manifest your dreams"...and manifest them she did. In 2015 Rachel used her skills as a certified chef to open a quirky farm-to-table food truck, coffee shop and she shed Greenhouse in South Fork, Colorado dedicated to fresh local eats.
Sustainable Greenhouse
July 30, 2020
Michael and Susan are both educators committed to making the world a better place whenever they can. In June of 2013, they purchased an 18' Growing Dome. Their dream was to create a sustainable greenhouse that balances natural and man-made environments while growing food year-round.
Nevada Greenhouse
June 24, 2020
Daunelle and Weldon have always enjoyed gardening, but the weather in Lake Tahoe left them with very little time to enjoy it. Seven years ago, they decided to make the short move from Lake Tahoe to Gardnerville, Nevada. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at approximately 4,751 ft their valley is known for it's thermal winds. The climate is similar to Tahoe; but "hotter and windier."
Nutrient-Dense Diet with a Greenhouse Garden
May 28, 2020
At the end of 2010, Deb's doctor diagnosed her with an autoimmune disorder and recommended she make a lifestyle change and consume a more nutrient-dense diet. So, in January of 2011, Reg and Deb Miller packed up their city life in Alberta and left to start a new adventure semi-retiring in Anglemont, British Columbia.
Succulent Greenhouse in Idaho
April 30, 2020
Daniel and Kerry Branagan use their 26' Growing Dome a little differently than most. Instead of growing food or flowers, their greenhouse is filled with beautiful lush succulents of all shapes and sizes. Kerry's love for succulents came about as a child at her grandmas when she saw her first hen and chick succulent. She was fascinated by it.
High Altitude Gardening in an 18 foot Greenhouse at 8000 ft
March 31, 2020
April 2020 Dome of the Month – Rob and Barb Rodney Hoffman and Barb Smith do everything they can to live more sustainably. Their 18′ Growing Dome, located 8,000ft above sea level in Conifer, Colorado, is a 100% solar-powered greenhouse. They even gather rainwater to keep the tank full. The Dome was initially supposed to be…
Grow A Lot With A Little
March 2, 2020
A 15′ Greenhouse in Ontario, Canada March Dome of the Month – Ron Cole March’s Dome of the Month features a 15′ Growing Dome in Ontario, Canada. Ron Cole built his greenhouse with our 15′ Geodesic Dome Greenhouse Kit in October 0f 2014 to experiment with plants he can’t usually grow. The 15′ Growing Dome…
Isolated Montana Greenhouse
February 1, 2020
February 2020 Dome of the Month Veteran Jerry Bailey’s Montana Greenhouse February’s Dome of the Month features a 15′ Growing Dome in Philipsburg, Montana. Jerry Bailey, a US Army veteran, and avid outdoorsman built his greenhouse with our 15′ Geodesic Dome Greenhouse Kit in May of last year to become more self-sufficient. The 15′ Growing…
Green Thumb Daddy’s Greenhouse
January 1, 2020
Stories From Growing Domes Across the Globe Andrew Trujillo – Green Thumb Daddy The Growing Spaces team often refers to Andrew as the face of Growing Dome Greenhouses. Although he doesn’t work for Growing Spaces, he is one of our biggest supporters and provides outstanding feedback, content and wonderful pictures on our social media channels….
Tropical Flowers in New Mexico Mountain Greenhouse
November 30, 2019
Matt & Christie’s New Mexico Mountain Greenhouse is growing beautiful tropical flowers year-round If you are an avid user of the Growing Spaces Facebook Group “Growing Dome Enthusiasts”, then you are no doubt familiar with our December Growing Dome of the Month owner, Matt Larson. He often posts pictures of his extraordinary flowers in his…
November 2019 Alaska Greenhouse
October 31, 2019
Laura & Dwane’s Lush Alaskan Greenhouse Getaway Novembers’s Dome of the Month features a 22′ growing dome in Wrangell, Alaska. Laura and Dwane decided to purchase their Alaska greenhouse a little over a year and a half ago due to the lack of good quality produce where they live and Laura’s passion for organic gardening….
Taspen’s Cosmic Kitchen: Farm-to-Table Dining in Conifer, CO
September 30, 2019
Restaurant Greenhouse The Restaurant’s story. Taspen’s Cosmic Kitchen “is a place for everyone no matter what you eat.” They are a family-owned restaurant located in the Aspen Park Village Shopping Center at 25797 Conifer Rd B112, Conifer, CO 80433. All of their food & drinks are over 95% organic and 100% delicious. The idea to…
October 2019 Growing Dome of the Month
September 30, 2019
Stories From Growing Domes Across the Globe Jim & Cathy’s Winter Growing Dome Greenhouse October’s Dome of the Month features an 18′ growing dome in Hailey, Idaho. Jim and Cathy bought their dome less than a year ago, right before the winter season hit. Because of this, they took the build as an opportunity to learn from…
September 2019 Growing Dome of the Month
August 31, 2019
Stories From Growing Domes Across the Globe Suzanne’s Growing Dome Desert Greenhouse Suzanne’s journey with a desert Growing Dome Greenhouse has reoriented her towards a more holistic way of living. After extensive travel as a leadership coach and business consultant, Suzanne’s life took a drastic turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Luckily, after…
Geodome Greenhouse in Canada
July 29, 2019
The construction of their geodome greenhouse was a school-wide effort with students contributing from all grades. It took them three weeks to build the structure.
July 2019 Growing Dome Of The Month
July 1, 2019
Velma Orcutt's Growing Dome Greenhouse in Maine has been thriving for four years
February 2014 Dome of the Month Winner
February 15, 2014
Congratulations to Neena Cocke Wagnon on winning February’s Dome of the Month contest with this awe-inspiring, fuchsia-cloud photo of her 26′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in New Mexico. It seems the clouds themselves are wrapping around the spherical shape of the greenhouse. Neena is so lucky to live in the Southwest where such skies are possible.
January 2014 Dome of the Month Winner
January 2, 2014
Congratulations to Denny Smith on winning the January Dome of the Month contest with his beautiful evening photo of a moon rising over his 33′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in Indiana! The installation of his greenhouse kit in early 2013 was a memorable one for the team as it was cold and wet! Denny was a…
Grapes Galore – July 2013 Dome of the Month
July 26, 2013
The results are in, and we got a bunch of votes (747) and a slew of comments (42) about Bernadette Dickinson’s photo of her bunches of grapes. It makes us want to take the short drive south to Ignacio just to be able to eat a handful out of Bernadette’s 22′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in…
Growing Year-Round in the Sierra Nevadas – June 2013 Dome of the Month
June 26, 2013
Truckee Community Farm is a winner. Congratulations to Truckee Community Farm and the Kelly family for winning the June 2013 Dome of the Month! With this 33 ft. Growing Dome Greenhouse in Lake Tahoe, California they are supplying the Tahoe Food Hub with food year-round and providing inspiration for similar educational programs in their community….
Surprise Spring Snow – May 2013 Dome of the Month
May 21, 2013
Congratulations to Cate Graber on winning the Dome of the Month contest for May 2013. This fun pair of photos of her 26′ Growing Dome greenhouse in Trinidad, Colorado shows how quickly the weather can change in the Rocky Mountains. Her peach tree had just decided to start blooming above 6,400 feet. Then Mother Nature…
Garden Art – April 2013 Dome of the Month Winner
April 12, 2013
We feel fortunate to have people like April's Dome of the Month Winner, Larry Berger, in our lives. They turn their passion, no matter what it is, into an art form. His passion just so happens to be our passion, gardening. He won April's contest with this lovely overview shot of his full garden and it's so rewarding to see his 22' Growing Dome Greenhouse in Wisconsin incorporated into a larger garden. A stunning larger garden at that. We couldn't do Larry's garden justice, although, without including a few of our other favorite pictures he's sent over the years.
March 2013 Dome of the Month Winner
March 6, 2013
Reminding us of a season soon to pass…this beautiful photo from Kathy Pitts & John Stone of their 26′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in Northern California captures the essence of the winter solstice it was photographed on. One of the comments about the photo that was posted on Facebook sums it up best for us, “Lovely…
Winter Wonderland – January 2013 Dome of the Month Winner
January 9, 2013
Congratulations to Katja Wichland and Josh Rapaport on winning the January 2013 Dome of the Month with this lovely winter photo of their 26′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in Colorado. Protected by their adopted Chow Chow named Bella, they are at 9,000 feet elevation near Telluride and are coming up on their two-year anniversary of owning…
Oregon Tropical Flowers in Winter
December 7, 2012
This Growing Dome Greenhouse in Oregon is flourishing in winter
November 2012 – Dome of the Month Winner
November 19, 2012
Congratulations to Mike O'Neal on winning this November's Dome of the Month contest! This stunning photo of the interior of his 33' Growing Dome shows the forest of aloe by his water tank and the lush growth of his indoor garden in Oklahoma. He plans his entries just right (and takes amazing photos) so that he wins in the fall of every year. The entry this year was much more serene than last year's shocking lightning photo, but equally as beautiful.
October’s Dome of the Month – Educating the Young Ones
October 16, 2012
So many youth do not have access to education about WHERE their food comes from and we support and uphold the movement to change that however we can. This month we would like to honor Mini University in Ohio for their dedication to the mission of gifting pre-school age children with the experience of growing…
September’s Dome of the Month
September 26, 2012
Lighting appears to strike this 26' Growing Dome Greenhouse in Colorado
August’s Dome of the Month
August 10, 2012
Taken on the 4th of July during a fireworks ban across the state of Colorado, Richard Black was able to find a perfect substitute for fireworks, a double rainbow! It just so happened to end at his 42′ Growing Dome in Durango, CO. Fancy that! Great picture Richard, and keep on growing!
June 2012 Dome of the Month
June 7, 2012
Congratulations to the Benjamin’s on their beautiful 33′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in British Columbia, Canada! Our Facebook community has voted, and this is the picture they liked the most this month. Hailing from Cariboo, British Columbia, Canada, Darcy and Simone love their Growing Dome Greenhouse. “It looks very cool out there, almost like a UFO…
Testimonial from May’s Dome of the Month Winner
May 11, 2012
We picked this photo of Urs’ 22′ Growing Dome as May’s Dome of the Month before receiving this wonderful letter from him. It just so happens that his photo received the most “likes” to date, a lucky 111. Nice work Urs and thank you for the kind testimonial letter! Dear Puja and Udgar,Thank you so…
March & April 2012 Dome of the Month Winners
April 16, 2012
Congratulations to Kris Gunning for this gorgeous photo of her families 42′ Growing Dome Greenhouse in British Columbia, Canada garnered the most attention of any entry to date. For how well received and liked the photo was and because we liked it too, this photo won the Dome of the Month contest for March 2012….
February Dome of the Month Winner
February 10, 2012
A big congratulations goes out to Helene Van Manen in Beulah, CO for winning the February Dome of the Month. This image of a Mule Deer in front of Helene’s 22′ Growing Dome captured everyone’s hearts. She’s been diligent this year in getting out in the snow, taking photos and sharing them with us. We…
January’s Dome of the Month Winner
January 6, 2012
Congratulations to Hakan Hammer of Norway on winning the Dome of the Month contest for January. He submitted two gorgeous photos of his 26′ Growing Dome in twilight. We had to choose between the two, which was difficult, so his second photo was the runner-up!
November’s Dome of the Month Winner
November 8, 2011
Congratulations to Larry Berger of Winominee, WI on his gorgeous photo of his aromatic Brugmansia inside of his 22′ Growing Dome. Larry posted so many great photos throughout October and September that we had a hard time choosing. He may not have received the most votes on any single photo, but all combined definitely make…
October’s Dome of the Month
October 7, 2011
This month we have a “shocking” Growing Dome photo to share with you from Mike in Oklahoma. We like to see this shot as a symbolic representation of how powerful the Growing Domes are! Too bad we don’t have a way to harness the energy of lightning in the Growing Domes. Guess it would be…