The drama continues with the greenhouse. We were at the end of our rental time on the boom arm lift, so we had to take the weather window we had and put the plastic on the roof. No big deal, right? Wrong. It is very important to have zero wind. If a butterfly flaps its wings, the greenhouse plastic will move.

With time running out, the best weather window we had still called for 10 mph winds by five. We told ourselves that if we hurried, we could get the whole thing wrapped up tight by then. When you put the roof on, you also have to put the front and sides on, because the wind can sweep under the edges and pop the roof right off. Time was of the essence. You also can’t get started early in the morning because the dew on the ribs will cause the plastic to stick and not slide.

With family and friends on hand, we got started. The roll of plastic was lifted high above the greenhouse using the boom arm lift. Brian and I slowly made our way down the VHS-tape-wide gutters for 150 feet. The closer you get to the end, the heavier the plastic becomes, but we made it. Next, we started putting wiggle wire in the tracks to hold the plastic in place until the other sheet could be put on top and the whole thing secured.

This is when everything fell apart.

The wind was early. The trees were waving, and the greenhouse plastic started to groan and pull at the few pieces of wiggle wire that were holding it in place. The plastic at the back broke loose, sending wiggle wire flying and ripping holes along the edge. Everyone grabbed ladders and held on for dear life, using our body weight to hold the plastic down. The wind, at only 10 miles an hour, was able to lift the plastic — and us — up.

I was sitting in the gutter with my arms wrapped in plastic, getting slapped in the face with every rip the wind caused. Feeling yourself start to lift from the pull of the plastic is unnerving. At a certain point, you have to let go and let happen what will. We were inches from that point. Then there was a break in the wind.

We had to evaluate the plastic and decide what to do. More wind was in the forecast, and freezing temperatures were coming soon. We considered taking the whole piece back off and waiting for another day, but with so much work already put in to save it, we decided to go another route. We switched gears and decided to turn the plastic crooked to get out as many holes as possible, patch the ones we could, and fully secure the first layer. Brian was going to put the front, back, and sidewalls on. We would have to finish the top second layer later. In a stroke of genius Brian decided to turn on the exhaust fans to suck the plastic to the ribs so the plastic would stop moving!

Brian used the tractor and boom arm lift to quickly get it all done, while I scooted down the gutter inch by inch, working out holes. My fingers were aching from the wire popping out and hitting them. There were many calls of “WIND!” when you would hunker down and hold the plastic with all your might. We didn’t eat. We didn’t drink all day. It was only after the last few pieces of wiggle wire were put in and the boom arm lift ran out of gas that we were rewarded with gas station hot dogs and slushies for a job well done.

I rented the boom arm lift for another week. The top layer could wait while we recovered. It just wasn’t worth the risk.

The next week we prepared to finish the second layer. Up in the gutter I went again, but this time I was shaken. Being two and a half months postpartum and beat up by the wind will do that to a lady. The skies were still, and we were able to get the plastic on. It was far less dramatic this time, but the stress levels were high. I had to come out of the gutter a couple of times just to breathe.

With shaky legs, Brian picked me up out of the end of the gutter, and the greenhouse was finally finished. It wasn’t the prettiest plastic job we had ever done, but it was finished.

While we reminisce about the past version of us building that greenhouse and everything it took — the wind, the stress, the long days, and the moments we weren’t sure we’d pull it off — the present version of us is standing in that very same space with a different kind of purpose. Now, instead of fighting to get plastic on the roof, we’re sweeping floors, setting tables, and getting it cleaned and ready for plants to be potted up. It feels full circle in the best way. All that hard work, all that chaos, led to this moment where the greenhouse isn’t just a structure we fought to finish, but a place coming to life, ready to be filled with green growth and the promise of another season. The plants are getting ready right along with us and are now available for spring pre-order, so take a look and claim your favorites while they’re still here.