Greenhouses have been used for centuries to cultivate plants in controlled environments. As technology advanced and materials became more accessible, the structures became more elaborate and ornate.
Today, greenhouses are found around the world and range from classic Victorian-style conservatories to sleek, modern designs. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best greenhouses in the world.
1. Kew Garden
The Kew Garden is one of the most famous greenhouses in the world. Established in 1987 by Princess Diana, it houses over 30,000 plant species.
The conservatory is designed to be energy-efficient and uses some passive heating and cooling techniques to moderate each climatic area. In one of the glasshouses, you can find giant water lilies that span over two meters.
2. Palmenhaus at Schönbrunn Palace
The Palmenhaus Schönbrunn in Vienna is a glasshouse built in the garden of the royal palace of Schönbrunn. It was built with dusky green steel and has a long and colorful history. The Palmenhaus was partially destroyed in 1945 but has since been rebuilt. It has grown its herbarium to become one of the most prestigious in the world.
Among the overgrown garden, you can find the oldest plant in the world, an olive tree estimated to be roughly 350 years old, donated by Spain in 1974.
3. Kaisaniemi Botanic Gardens Greenhouses
In the Kaisaniemi Botanic Gardens in Helsinki, you can find 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.
They are used as much as an education facility as a peaceful retreat from chilly Helsinki. The rooms are organized by plant variety, and the most striking include the Asian waterlily rooms, the desert room, and the 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.
Greenhouses offer a unique opportunity to view a vast array of plant life from around the world. They provide an educational and relaxing experience and are often housed in beautiful and historic buildings.
Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a gardening fan, a visit to one of these greenhouses is sure to be a memorable experience.
