Lyman Estate Greenhouses (Photos)

17 years ago

Today (Feb 23rd) I visited the Greenhouses at the Lyman Estate in Waltham, Massachusetts to see the camellias in bloom. These greenhouses are maintained by Historic New England (formerly SPINEA) and are some of the oldest in the country. The greenhouses were very interesting and I highly urge you visit. The first three greenhouses contain citrus, banana and fruiting plants and other miscellanious plants such as calla lilies. Next there is a greenhouse containing plants you can buy and gift items. Finally in the back are the orchid and camellia green houses. The camellias were beautiful and in full bloom. The orchid house also contained many interesting species and hybrids in bloom.

On your way out I highly recommend checking out the plants for sale. You can purchase orchids, camellias, citrus plants and other interesting plants for your home. I ended up buying a variegated hibiscus plant for $6 (not bad!). The cost to tour was a suggested donation of $3 and it took about 1 hour to tour the various green houses but you could spend much more time examining each plant if you like. For more information on the Lyman Estate Greenhouses please click this link:

http://www.historicnewengland.org/visit/homes/lyman_estate_greenhouses.htm

To see my photos of the Lyman Estate Greenhouses please click the link below.

Enjoy!

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Lyman Estate Greenhouses Photos

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Comments (10)

Sue W (CT zone 6a)
17 years ago
Thanks for the tour, Sue! The perfect field trip for a blustery cold winter day. The greenhouses remind somewhat of Logee's. Currently I'm reading the book "Palms Won't Grow Here and Other Myths" by David Francko to see what new marginally hardy gems I may be able to overwinter in the ground here. It won't be long now...

Sue
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hostasz6a
17 years ago
Thank you for the tour. I appreciated it on this cold blustery day. Beautiful photographs.
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Wanted to share a few Pics of Lyman Estates. Oh beautiful!
Q
Comments (15)
Oh my goodness everyone, I had no idea this thread would take off like this! Well, I kind of thought we all loved plants and would all love to group up at a place like this! So what do you say, let's all hook up and go on a spending spree here! lol Would you believe they only have on person there a day that volunteers to look after the plants!? Yes, I could not believe it. I might join the ranks. Elkay, they heat with oil heat I think. I'll have to check it out. i did find out they have a system that gives them fresh water to water with. Yes, Massachusetts it is! Now, if you are ever in the area, let me know and I will take you there. You can buy anything you want you just can't find anywhere. Did you all happen to notice what looks like a Rhododendron in the Yes, I could spend all day here, and in fact, go there at every chance I have just to be at peace and examine every plant there along with looking at how they are cared for and what they thrive in 18th picture down? I thought is quite unusual. Rosey...lol I have thought of sleeping there for a fee...Caring for those plants for free.lol Toni, Come on up! Bring a lot of cash with you. By the way, did I tell you that only here can you buy the most unusual pots too?;-) Josh, you noticed..lol Jodik, how did you know? lol By the way, I'll be going back there Saturday to buy one of those Chocolate smelling ones for sure. I mean, they smell like a rich deep Chocolate smell! Thank you for walking with me everyone. I just knew you would all enjoy this place as I do every time I go back. There is always something new and something to learn. It is never boring. It is like somewhere over the rainbow:-) Mike
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.....The Greenhouse.....Its Alive!.....
Q
Comments (50)
Thanks for the comments yall. rjinga....You got questions, I might have answers. When starting a new hobby like growing orchids. I would start looking at what light levels you have around your house or where you are going to keep the plants, then buy plants that fit the light levels. So many people just see a plant and buy it, never thinking about if they have the proper requirements for it to live. Once you figure out if you have lots of shade or some sunny spots and how long the light is in those areas, then start looking at plants with requirements that work with those conditions. I love cymbidiums and cattleyas and phrags and did I say cymbidiums. Love'em. During the spring, summer and fall, all the cymbidiums are outside in the sun, the cattleyas and phrags are in the greenhouse. I also grow tree ferns and palm trees. My smaller plants stay in the greenhouse if they need lower light levels than outside. I use a high power fogger to cool the greenhouse so that I can grow year round with no problem of heat. My big palm trees stay outside most of the year except winter and that about it. I use the greenhouse all year long. I have few lizards that like to play around in it during the summer. You will see them sometimes sitting on the plants, twisting their little ole heads trying to figure out what I am doing. If you have any other questions, feel free to email me. Rob
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Remember That Cool Recycled Greenhouse?
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Comments (15)
I don't want to be a naysayer, but does anyone else feel this "greenhouse" has limited application? As a greenhouse, it lacks the typical light-transmitting roof, so much of the interior has inadequate light for most plants. Plant size is limited. Unless used only in mild weather, the plants would need to be kept in pots so they could be rotated or they'd grow towards the light. If used during cold weather, it appears the windows don't fit tightly, so I'm guessing it isn't practical from an energy efficiency perspective. I also assume the windows must be opened/closed manually, so it would need careful monitoring, i.e., make sure someone's home to open/close it as needed. While it's cute & whimsical...really...how practical is it? Wouldn't some coldframes work just as well, or possibly better?
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where do gardeners look for real estate :) ??!
Q
Comments (9)
You could hang up notices at garden-y type places: garden centers, coperative extension offices, farmer's markets, various plant-type specific clubs (e.g. daylily, orchid, bonsai, etc.) these groups often have newsletters that you might be able to put a notice in, or buy an inexpensive ad. A 1500 sq. ft. greenhouse is a major garden-related improvement, though, so you'll need to wade through a lot of garden-dreamers to hit pay dirt with someone would not only like it (and know what to do with it), but could also afford to buy it. You might also see if there are on-line local garden groups where you could discretely get the word out. Any specialized amenity, whether a greenhouse or endless-wave pool, or wind generator and everything in between creates re-sale challenges. We have a private airstrip on our farm; I once asked a real estate appraiser whether it was a good thing price-wise and I was surprised to hear, "No"! Goodluck to you. Molly~
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martieinct
17 years ago
Sue: Thanks for the wonderful tour! Yet another New England gem-of-a-plant-place.

Hoping someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but the red Camellia with the yellow center looks a lot like 'April Tryst' which is hardy to Z6 in semi-shaded area. Mine from Logee's is still alive (inside) and am looking forward to planting it soon.

Martie, pulling out the maps and planning another Road Trip!
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ginny12
17 years ago
Thank you, Sue, for sharing these lovely photos, especially on such a bitter cold day.
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chazparas
17 years ago
Sue, thanks for the lead! I was looking for something to do today. I took a ride to Lyman this morning, the camellias are beautiful and there were quite a few orchids in bloom. The plant shop is relatively inexpensive compared to some of the mail order and other local greenhouses. What a find! Thanks so much, I'll be taking some gardening friends back in the coming weeks. The staff is very helpful and knowledgable as well.
Heading down to Logee's on Monday, I've got spring fever real bad!
Chaz
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sedum37
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks everyone for looking at my photos! I had never heard of these greenhouses until I read a notice advertizing the camellias in bloom this time of year.

Chazparas isn't the plant shop great! I was impressed with the prices and selection they had and the lady working there is quite knowledgeable. Also the fact that some of the plants offered for sale are taken from cuttings of plants in the greenhouse is kind of neat. So there are couple of sales in the spring that I am definitely going to check out (Herb, Orchid and Heirloom plant sale).

Sue

Here is some info the upcoming Orchid sale:

Spring Orchid Sale
When: Friday through Sunday, March 23 - 25, 2007, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Lyman Estate Greenhouses, Waltham, Mass.
Phone: 781-891-4882, ext. 244
Admission: free

The orchid sale at Historic New England's Lyman Estate greenhouses features hundreds of budded and blooming orchids. Fascination with orchids began in the late 1700s and early 1800s. These brilliant beauties continue to encourage an enthusiastic following as their culture has become less demanding. No longer is a greenhouse required as this most adaptable species can be grown in a variety of home conditions. Their long lasting and showy blooms make orchids a dramatic addition to any indoor display
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sedum37
Original Author
17 years ago
MarieInCT - Unfortunately I didn't get any names of the camellias so I don't know about the one you mentioned. Many of the labels were tucked down in the pots or on lead and wire tags and weren't accessible. Labeling the varieties is one area I think they could improve on but for a non profit with not a big staff you can kind of understand....

Sue
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bostongardens
17 years ago
Dear Sue,

Thank you for the great photos! You've inspired me to go back for a visit. Several years ago I wrote about the Greenhouses. At that time (unless I'm hallucinating LOL), there was a grape vine growing that came from a cutting from Hampton Court during King Henry VIII's reign. I wonder if it's still there?

~ Hilda
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sedum37
Original Author
17 years ago
Hi Hilda,
There definitely were old grape vines there. Unfortunately the grape vines I believe are in the first 3 smaller green houses and I was eager to get to see the camellia and orchid houses which were more in the back. There is an orchid sale in a couple of weeks so if I go I'll definitely check it out.

Sue
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sedum37
Original Author
17 years ago
Don't forget this Fri, Saturday and Sunday the Lyman Estate Greenhouses is having their annual orchid sale. You can go to the sale and see these interesting greenhouses at the same time... Here is the info again:

Spring Orchid Sale

When: Friday through Sunday, March 23 - 25, 2007,
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Lyman Estate Greenhouses, Waltham, Mass.
Phone: 781-891-4882, ext. 244
Admission: free

The orchid sale at Historic New England's Lyman Estate greenhouses features hundreds of budded and blooming orchids. Fascination with orchids began in the late 1700s and early 1800s. These brilliant beauties continue to encourage an enthusiastic following as their culture has become less demanding. No longer is a greenhouse required as this most adaptable species can be grown in a variety of home conditions. Their long lasting and showy blooms make orchids a dramatic addition to any indoor display.
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Lyman Estate Greenhouses (Photos)

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Sue W (CT zone 6a)

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Lyman Estate Greenhouses (Photos)

Comments (10)

Sue W (CT zone 6a)

hostasz6a

Related Discussions

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