A greenhouse or glasshouse is a structure that has walls and ceilings formed of transparent materials such as glass, polycarbonate or poly film, which all adopt both similar and different properties.
They can be found in a number of shapes, sizes and places, ranging from a regular domestic back garden, to school grounds or a commercial farm.
Greenhouses tend to house plants and vegetation that require warmer climatic conditions - the transparent materials of the constructions allow maximum daylight and warmth, allowing them to grow and flourish healthily.
In the case where certain levels of light and temperature aren’t always achievable, some of these houses are artificially regulated, also referred to as hothouses.
These useful structures also protect plants from the elements and extreme weather conditions.
History of Greenhouses
The concept of growing plants in ‘environmentally controlled areas has existed since Roman times’. This links back to a fun fact in history: the Roman emperor, Tiberius, used to eat a vegetable called ‘cucumis’ (somewhat similar to a cucumber, or better-described as ‘long-fruited melons’), every day, after being advised by his doctor that 1 a day could keep him in better health.
This pushed his skilled gardeners to come up with a solution to ensuring they could grow it all year round, which is when they subsequently discovered methods of doing so artificially.
The first botanic gardens (Giardini Botanici) were developed in 13th century Italy, housing tropical plants and vegetables that were collected from around the world, taken for medical research.
The 14th century would see ‘significant glasshouse development’ around the world, in places such as in Korea. There, houses with controlled temperatures were built - a cook book by Jeon Son, written in 1459 would make specific note of this.
Fascinatingly, Son was the royal family doctor. The book details the way certain greenhouses were constructed in order to grow vegetables during winter - this was discovered, by chance, in 2001, when historians found the surviving book, dating back to 15th century Korea and containing the first written description of greenhouses.
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Netherlands and England would see their emergence of greenhouses.
The Chelsea Physic Garden in England would be the first place in Europe to have a greenhouse - it was stove heated and its purpose, like many, was to grow medicinal plants.
In history, the main purposes of these controlled environments were to carry out experiments and to provide crops that had health benefits outside of their natural seasons. This would help advance the health of many, particularly those who were wealthy or of importance, contributing to the life expectancy of some and eventually descending into the abundance of knowledge that we have in society today around many kinds of fruits, plants and vegetables.
Greenhouses Now
Now, greenhouses can be found in many households, particularly family homes with gardens or farms.
There are also many public gardens that feature incredible greenhouses, open for visit.
In London, there is the Princess of Wales Conservatory and the Palm House, both located in Kew Gardens. There is also the fantastic Barbican Conservatory, the Crossrail Place Roof Garden and the Sky Garden, which is London’s highest public garden.
Domestic greenhouses lean more towards simply growing beautiful plants that require more heat and sunlight, as well as home-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs on a smaller scale, like tomatoes, peppers and rosemary.
Greenhouses at 1st Option
At 1st Option, we have a range of outstanding properties with serene greenhouses, across family homes, manor houses, country homes and farms.
Our properties in Kent offer an array of structures:
Topiary boasts two different options; one bursts with homegrown plants and herbs and is bright and white across interiors and exteriors. This Victorian glasshouse features a neat stone path down its centre and a ceiling light, allowing for magical night time botanical visits.
The second is the larger Cedar greenhouse - also featuring a central stone pathway and pebbled landscaping on either side. This marvellous space is formed of raw wood and exposed brick elements, keeping a warmer tone. Its shelves are spacious, making it not only a great place for growing, but a highly useful area for creative shoots.
Elsewhere in Kent, Crossways, Hadlow and Mulberry all offer more than one gorgeous greenhouse with an abundance of verdant plants.
For something more homely and understated in the same area, Vine, Amber and Weald Manor showcase great greenhouses, more suited to the family home.
For clients seeking something more rich and mystical, we would suggest taking a look at the conservatory of London’s Bromley House and Wiltshire’s Portico, for botanical fantasy-fulfilment.