People have been trying to outsmart the seasons by growing plants in controlled environments since the Roman Empire. As methods grew more sophisticated and successful, the structures also became more elaborate and took pride of place on the estates of royalty and nobility, such as the l’Orangerie at the Château de Versailles.
The greenhouse as we know it today, an often ornate glass and iron building, became more common during the 19th century as materials became more accessible. Striking examples are now found around the world, from classic Victorian-style conservatories in London to sleek and modern greenhouses in Australia. We’ve rounded up must-see greenhouses for architecture and gardening fans alike.
1. KEW CONSERVATORY
The Kew Conservatory is one of the most well-known greenhouses in the world. Established in 1987 by Princess Diana and housing over 30,000 plant species, the conservatory is designed to be energy efficient and uses some passive heating and cooling design techniques to moderate each climatic area. In one of the glasshouses, you'll find giant water lilies that span over two meters and a basement level that gives you a view of the underbelly of the pond.
2. PALMENHAUS AT SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE
The Palmenhaus Schonbrunn in Vienna is a glasshouse built in the garden of the royal palace of Schonbrunn. It bucked the dainty white trend to be built with a dusky green steel andit's had a long and colorful history. Palmenhaus was partially destroyed in 1945 but has since rebuilt — and has grown its herbarium to one of the most prestigious in the world. Among the planned chaos of the overgrown garden, you'll find oldest plant in the world, an olive tree donated by Spain in 1974, is estimated to be roughly 350 years old.
3. KAISANIEMI BOTANIC GARDENS GREENHOUSES
In the Kaisaniemi Botanic Gardens in Helsinki sit three plump glasshouses laced with white. They're laid out in a more rambling fashion than traditional greenhouses, with quaint benches and tables scattered throughout, and are used as much as an education facility as a peaceful retreat from chilly Helsinki. The rooms are organised by plant variety and the most striking include the Asian waterlily rooms (think water lilies the size of a picnic rug), the desert room and atmospheric rainforest room.
4. ENID A. HAUPT CONSERVATORY
Completed in 1902, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden is an exemplar of Italian Renaissance-style architecture. You can expect to see a cactus-filled desert-esque space, tropical rainforest plants, and aquatic plants and vines.
5. CONSERVATORY OF FLOWERS
Built in 1878, San Francisco's Conservatory of Flowers showcases both Gothic and Italianate architecture. Here, you'll find lowland tropics, aquatic plants, highland tropics, potted plants, and more.
6. BOTANICAL GARDEN OF CURITIBA
Built in 1991, the Botanical Garden of Curitiba is an Art Nouveau-style creation modeled after London's Crystal Palace. Here, you'll find numerous plant species from eastern Brazil's Atlantic Forests.
7.ROYAL GREENHOUSE OF LAEKEN
Situated on 6.2 acres, the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken belong to the Belgian Royal family and are only open to the public for a select number of days each year. Azaleas and geraniums are just some of the many plant species present here.
