A Shelter from the Sun

The RV Area Community Gardens undertook a major project of building a shelter for shade at the Gardens.  The only shade on site is the maple tree by the street.  While the tree provided some shade, it wasn't enough.  To raise money, we had a perennial plant sale in the Spring and 4 brat frys throughout the summer and fall to raise money to build the shelter.
The shelter was designed by Gardeners Wid and Tom with some help from Chad Kannenberg at TriCounty Building and Supply.

Chad introduced us to a diamond pier to use as a foundation instead of pouring cement.  Pretty cool device.
Construction began in mid-September.  Gardeners Wid, Tom and Doug put the diamond piers in the ground.  They had fun and took turns using the jackhammer to drive the posts into the pier to secure it to the ground.

The next work day was putting the framing up.  Gardeners Tom, Wid, Doug and volunteer Larry had a beautiful day to work.

Then the long wait began.   We got caught in the supply chain snafu of 2022.  Our trusses were being built in Minnesota.  They were expected to arrive the first of October BUT.... 2 months later in early December we received word that they were in.  Gardeners Wes, Tom, Wid, and volunteer Larry were blessed that December 3 and 4 were fairly mild and it was comfortable to work outdoors.

Needless to say, we are looking forward to using the shelter this year not just as gardeners but for the Busy Bees Garden Club and our summer board meetings.  We hope to have a shelter  party this spring.