It took four years to build Joseph Paxton’s Great Conservatory at Chatsworth in Derbyshire and when it was completed in 1840 it was the largest glasshouse in England at 84 meters long (about 275 feet).
This was the golden age of these grand glass structures: places to nurture plants, but also to sit, contemplate or socialize.
Cissus rhombifolia, or oak-leaf ivy, thrives in low light in designer Rose Uniacke’s London conservatory, where designer Tom Stuart Smith created layers of textured foliage.
Introduce Climbers
Jasmine is the classic conservatory climber, creating a heady fragrance but colorful climbers such as plumbago or bougainvillea can give instant impact.
Photograph by Mimi Giboin for Gardenista.
Get Hanging
For more, see Fuchsias: Rethinking Grandma’s Flowers. The most atmospheric glasshouses are a jungle of plants at all levels.
Create Some Shade
Soften the light with roll-up blinds in earthy tones.
Photograph courtesy of Petersham Nurseries.
Go Soft
Photograph by Matthew Williams for Gardenista.
Wicker and rattan might be traditional but there’s no reason not to make a conservatory comfortable with armchairs or an antique chaise for an English country house feel. When the weather is warm, the chairs can be rolled outside for lazy afternoons.
Start a Collection
In her London conservatory, designer Rose Uniacke’s collection of orchids is enhanced by a backdrop of tree ferns, evergreens, and climbers. Whether it’s deliciously scented pelargoniums or a grouping of fragrant citrus trees, a collection of plants provides major impact.
Add a Table
Photograph by Will Venning.
For more, see Garden Visit: The Kitchen Gardens at the Pig Hotel, Combe.
Let There Be Light
Photograph by Matthew Williams for Gardenista.
Create an atmospheric dining space with hanging lanterns or chandeliers.
Bring in the Statuary
Photograph by Matthew Williams for Gardenista.
Don’t save impressive statues, planters, and stone for outside—inside they can perform the same functions, adding a sense of symmetry and introducing some grandeur to a glasshouse. Use one focal point or arrange pairs on either side of a seating or dining area.
Hang Antique Mirrors
Photograph by Christine Chang Hanway.
For more see Paris in London: Neisha Crosland’s Garden Oasis. Use an oversized distressed mirror as one focal point or hang a series of mirrors together.
Photograph by Matthew Williams for Gardenista.
Look at any image of the Victorians spending their leisure time in their beautiful conservatories and there will be some towering palms or banana plants creating a dramatic backdrop.
Add Towering Palms