Arguably, nothing is better for beautiful flowers and plants in New England than the warm months of summer. It's 58 degrees today but I know that we often have snow in April and the fact that my crocuses and daffodils are peaking out doesn't fool me! For an uplifting floral and plant experience set in a historic (and weather-proof) environment, check out the greenhouses at the Lyman Estate in Waltham, MA.

The Lyman Estate, the Vale, was established in 1793 by wealthy Boston merchant Theodore Lyman. These greenhouses are among the oldest still standing and in active use in the United States. There are 5 greenhouses in this complex. The first of which was built in the first half of the 19th century. The greenhouses reflect the fascination with horticulture for both research and pleasure common among Boston's gentry during that period.

The first of the greenhouses was completed in 1804 in order to raise exotic fruits such as citrus, figs, pineapples and bananas, as well as forced native fruits. In 1870 an interior brick wall was added (and still is an integral part of the complex structure) to create root space for black Hamburg grapevines which were taken as cuttings from Hampton Court in England and are still growing today! This house was designed to take advantage of natural solar heating and much of the structure is glass, which has been maintained in a manner true to its origin. On a winter day, this area is flooded with light and the temperature will hold steady at 80 to 90 degrees F with the heating system off! I love to come here when snow is on the ground (most of the New England winter) and see the contrast between the (indoor) flowers and plants and the outdoor barren gardens. Sometimes you run into students seated in the greenhouse making sketches and drawings. It's really refreshing!

The second section of the greenhouse (also considered part of the "Grape Houses") contains table grapes as well as a HUGE tropical bougainvillea vine, whose papery pink-orange blossoms are evident almost year-round. There is also a HUGE gardenia tree that blooms about this time of year and it's fragrance fills the air throughout the space. Beneath the larger trees are ornamental citrus and a selection of low-light plants. The place is a treasure. I particularly like to look for toys that "Larry", one of the employees, hides along the greenhouse floor and among the smaller plants for children to find when they visit!

Leaving the Grape Houses, you wander into the Orchid House. This part of the complex was built in the late 19th century, when central heating was introduced. It is the warmest and brightest part of the complex. While there are orchids blooming here year-round-they are in an "over-the-top" explosion of blossoms in February and March. I could stay here forever-and often do stay for way too long! While the orchids in this room are part of a collection, and not for sale, there ARE orchids for sale in another part of the complex. More about that later!

Just past the Orchid House is the Camellia House, built about 1820. In the early and mid-1800's, Boston was known for it's camellias. This is one of the few remnants of that era. There are several camellia trees which are over 100 years old and FULL of blooms from December through March. The staff propagates new plantings from the collection and you can buy the smaller ones here. Personally, I'd rather drive over and enjoy these incredibly colorful and lush blossoms without the bother of trying to maintain the trees indoors. They prefer cool, moist environments (more the Pacific Northwest type than New England!).

The final, and newest, greenhouse in the complex is the Propagation and Sales House, added in 1930. This area originally provided fresh cut flowers for the mansion. Today it provides exquisite orchids, miniature citrus and a myriad of other plants for sale. Prices are incredibly low and the staff is superb at providing instruction. They'll even provide "intensive care" services for buyers who have ended up "challenges" on their hands! You just bring your "problem plants" in for a "diagnosis" and "prescription"-sometimes they'll even repot or board your treasures until the "rehab" phase has arrived! This part of the complex also has a fabulous water garden with a large stand of papyrus plants that I especially love!

The Lyman Estate is known for it's plant sales. They have absolute treasure for prices that are so low you'll think something is amiss! They have a couple of orchid sales (sometime like December and early March) as well as an herb sale in May (this is where I get all of my herb plants for summer), a hosta and shade perennial sale (early June), and "Camellia Days" in February. All of the proceeds of the sale go to maintain historic properties in New England. With the staff here willing to help you be successful with the flowers and plants, you feel down-right "noble" making a purchase at these "rock-bottom" prices!

There is much more, worth seeing, at the Lyman Estate-but the greenhouses are what I think makes the place really special! The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA) maintains the mansion, the outdoor gardens, and the property-- the greenhouses and 37 acres of gardens, woodlands and cultivated fields. Tours are available of the mansion and Lynne Ackerman and her "helpers" do a great job of making a visit to the greenhouses fun, informative and uplifting! This is a not-for-profit endeavor so there is no fee to visit, but donations are appreciated. Give it a try if you're in the area-it's about 20 miles west of downtown Boston. Call 781-891-7095 extension 244 for more information. SPNEA has a web site which provides minimal information: www.SPNEA.org--but the morons don't even include the Lyman Estate Greenhouses! They don't appreciate the treasure that they have!





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