Sippican School's new greenhouse has solar power, is self-ventilating and will expand education, says Diane Cook.

A retired Sippican School teacher and head of the popular Sippican School Garden Club, Cook saw the long-awaited greenhouse come together on Monday morning.

"It's not your backyard greenhouse," she said. "It's got to have some more independence."

The 8-by-12-foot greenhouse is framed in cedar and has solar panels on the roof, which also opens on a timer to ventilate. The wall on one side is glass so that more plants receive light and space is maximized.

Getting the greenhouse, which will add to the raised garden beds filled with scallions, tomatoes, peas, potatoes, herbs and other edibles, has long been a dream of Cook's.

"I always thought a greenhouse would be a good addition to this," she said.

Last October, Jennifer Jones, who has two kids at the school, approached Cook about applying for a grant from Whole Foods. The two submitted the grant and received $2,000 towards the greenhouse.

The Marion Garden Group matched the grant with a $2,000 gift.

The school also received help from the Upstream Foundation and an anonymous donation through the principal's discretionary fund meant to supplement education.

Val Knott, an accomplished gardener, helped Cook choose the Freedom Greenhouse, which was installed by Pike Bartlett of Maine Garden Products.

Randy Parker, Andy Fitzpatrick, Sherman Briggs and Bob Turner also contributed time and talent to the project, including excavating the area, drip irrigation and bringing electricity to the site.

On Wednesday the first students, part of the summer garden club, will begin to make the greenhouse their own. During the school year, teachers will also be encouraged to incorporate it into their lessons.

"It has given us so many ideas and ways to broaden the kids' education," said Cook.