In March gardeners need flowers so members of the Greenfield Garden Club set off for the historic Lyman Greenhouse in Waltham, Massachusetts. It was so exciting to be able to walk under this tropical vine as we began our tour of the greenhouse.
There are literally thousands of plants in the greenhouse of every variety. Most of them are houseplants, some familiar and some dramatic and strange. The greenhouse is filled with orchids, succulents and many other beautiful and strange houseplants. Many of these are sold to support the Lyman Greenhouse.
In the strange category are these climbing onions with feathery asparagus like lacy foliage.
The many orchids, in full bloom, are definitely in the beautiful category.
One of the treasures of the Lyman Greenhouse is the Camellia room. Some of the camellias here are 100 years old. We were fortunate to arrive in March because they began blooming in November and are now drawing near the end of their bloom period.
This is just one of the camellia trees. There are still some buds beginning to swell, but some of the flowers are slowly turning a golden shade and then beige as they die and fall away.
I love this camellia, partly because it resembles a striped rose I used to have.
As I toured through the different rooms I had to wonder who Mr. Lyman was. There is not too much information online, but the New England Historical Society did come up with information about his family, his successful trading with China, his philanthropy, his palatial home and gardens.
I confess I only bought a single rhizomatous begonia in delicate bloom – but you have to remember that I have very little space in my house for plants. MAYBE I need a little greenhouse.
You absolutely do need a greenhouse. The winters are so long and there is so much to keep one busy in the greenhouse. Of course I have been saying I NEED one for years and as yet to have to clean a pane.
This is fabulous! I especially enjoyed the Camellias. Thanks for sharing the highlights!
Beth – The camellias were beautiful. We visited an estate in California once where there was a long camellia hedge – in bloom! Just beautiful.
Lisa – I confess there is not much likelihood of a greenhouse in my future, which is a good thing. I am trying to shed responsibilities, not take on more.
A greenhouse is just the thing for winter weary eyes! So much color and life here. You would have lots of fun with a greenhouse but they do require attention unless, of course, you decide to fill it with succulents and cacti. Then you could pretty much ignore the plants for most of the winter.
How lovely! I would love to visit there someday. I so miss camellias from when I lived down south. I do have a greenhouse, but it’s not heated and currently buried in snow!