SubscribeMy little lean-to lath house has been so helpful to me for my house plants. Perhaps others might like to know about it for it does solve the summer house plant problem nicely.
My lath house is about 10 x 18 feet and is built along the north side of my back porch, with the end of the house extending farther north forming an “L”, thus giving further protection. It is made in sections with the width of a lath between the laths which lets in plenty of light and air. The roof is in similar sections laid across and fastened at one end to the side of the house and at the other on the lath side of the little house.
Along the north wall of the building, I have a foot wide shelf about two-thirds of the distance from the ground and roof. Then I have a bed 4 feet wide spaded up along the building and filled in with sand and rich woodsy soil. In this bed, I planted my Begonias, Impatiens and Coleus. Right next to the wall of the house I set pots of African violets. Everything grew so well the African Violets budded well (I have six colors of these started) and were in full bloom. The Coleus colors were much prettier than in full hot sun. Begonia leaves were rich-looking and full of bloom. Impatiens seven colors of these were just as happy. I sank pots of Achimines in the ground.
On a bench along the lath side of the house. I set my pots of Ivy Geraniums and scented-leaf sorts as these do not want so much sun, nor take the wind as well as the Zonal kinds will. Marica and other not-so common plants had their place here, too. On the shelf were the Tuberous Begonias of the pendula class, hanging full of blooms, Scandens and others of the drooping order. Here, too, were the shade-loving Cacti and Sedums which may sound strange as we usually think of all Cacti, etc., as being grown in full sun. It was a good place for Rabbit’s Foot and other ferns.
The solid south wall protects this spot from the wind and hot sun and helps to retain moisture. A trellis at the lath west end held. Heavenly Blue Morning Glories this year. They were set a foot from the lath and gave shade, yet let air and light in. Another year I plan on having some perennial vine.
For the winter, I plan to remove the top sections (roof) and store to keep them from being broken by the snow and ice. Everyone was surprised to see a lath house in Kansas and to note how well the plants are doing. I believe a lean-to type is best for this section as it gives the needed protection from heat and south winds.
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