Roper Solar Greenhouse (Live, Work, Eat, Grow)

The Roper Solar Greenhouse was erected in 2009 in what was then Arlean Lambert’s backyard. It was the seed of what became the Hale Community Garden. The greenhouse was designed by Dr. David Roper, a Virginia Tech Physics Professor passionate about renewable energy and appropriate technology. The greenhouse uses passive solar heat to stay warm enough to grow greens and herbs all winter, and provide a place to start vegetables in late winter. At the time of construction, it was one of the few passive solar greenhouses of its kind on the east coast, and we still occasionally have visitors from other states who want to see how it works. Building the greenhouse was a true community effort. Civic organizations, future gardeners, VT students and cadets, and local businesses donated money, materials, and labor. 

After 15 years of use, our goal is to raise the funds to make critical structural repairs to the greenhouse including replacing clouded and leaking roof panels, rebuilding deteriorating planting benches, amending soil, and repainting the interior. 

The greenhouse is a central part of a 5 acre community garden stewarded by Live Work Eat Grow. The garden serves over 60 households, providing a beautiful space to experience nature, encounter friends new and old, and grow food together. The greenhouse in particular is an oasis of life in the winter, when gardeners and other groups such as the Blacksburg New School grow greens and herbs without supplemental heating. 

If you would like to become a part of this project, please consider donating here, or joining us for a volunteer day as we restore this Blacksburg institution to its original glory.