Growing Spaces Trained Growing Dome Builders

Thanks again!  I am enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of your efforts.  If you have any buyers who would like to contact me to ask about my Growing Spaces experience, I would be very happy to speak with them.  (I promise to be prompt in my response.) --Jo Cahill

Good morning Puja and Udgar - after I write this bit for your web site, I'm going to send you an exciting e-mail that arrived today.

       Looking forward to our next meeting - whenever/wherever that is,
                   Allan

       I am a parent involved in a student led project to develop a greenhouse program for the Montessori Middle School in Evergreen Colorado.  The project was a semester class that began with research of available greenhouse kits and culminated with an incredible community barn raising of our amazing Growing Spaces Growing Dome.  It was encouraging to watch as the children found Growing Spaces on the web and then reached a group concensus that this was the absolute best option available.  And then the real fun began.

       My 12 year old daughter Lily and I traveled to Pagosa Springs over spring break to meet Puja and Udgar and pickup our 22 foot dome kit.  I was totally impressed by the completeness of the kit and the wisdom involved in it's design and creation.  The whole thing fit easily in the back of a pickup truck and included everything up to and including the appropriate hardware and drill bits for installation.

       On our return to school, the students decided that we could collectively watch the video and read the manual that were included with the kit, and then begin construction.  When I ran this plan by Udgar he responded, "you could do it that way but if you really want to involve everyone in the process, it is really important to have someone from Growing Spaces act as an experienced supervisor."  I know his motivation was not to sell us additional services but to facilitate a satisfying and successful dome build, one that everyone could take pride in.  We elected to take his suggestion.

       On day one of the build, the students got immediate confirmation that this was a wise and prudent decision.  Udgar organized us into three work groups and gave each group a brief training lesson on their specific component.  The kids were off enthusiastically and productively in self directed work pods.  That energy continued unabated for two days.  Udgar was able to supervise all activity and keep us moving forward at an exciting pace and everyone was able to contribute in a tangible way. 

       By the end of an exhilarating day one, the dome structure, (including glazing and vents), was erected.  By the end of a satisfying day two, our growing dome was complete, awaiting construction of growing beds.  I'm certain that everyone involved would say that this was a remarkable experience.  The students projected an attitude of pride, accomplishment and ownership.  They felt like they had contributed in a meaningful way to the creation of a legacy that immediately become an integral part of their school.

       For me personally, the experience could not have been more profound.  To watch the kids working together respectfully, responsibly and energetically was heart warming.  A powerful sense of community was created by the shared mission and spirit of accomplishment.  I have no doubt that the experience would have been radically different without professional guidance from Growing Spaces.  We would have eventually built the dome but not with the fluidity, speed and grace
that we all enjoyed.  I imagine that it would have been awkward and difficult to involve everyone in the process.  Growing Spaces, I salute your expertise and spirit of creation and contribution.  I am already excited for our next Dome build.

       Allan Werthan
       Cofounder Global Children's Gardens  


       feel free to edit as appropriate - I am not attached to any of this
       I hope this is what you had in mind