Village Condominium Association

Greenhouses
by J.F. Weiler

Greenhouses provide a great escape from the New England winter. The Lyman Estate Greenhouses in Waltham were started in 1804 to supply citrus fruit, pineapples and bananas for the Lyman family table. The Greenhouse still has a great serpentine entanglement of black Hamburg grapevines that originally came from the royal greenhouses outside London. In August the Grape House offers the royal grapes for sale!

The bright pink and magenta Bougainvillea vine blooms provide a quick Caribbean-like trip without the airfare! The Orchid House shows the most delicate and beautiful flowers in a controlled climate much warmer than the Grape House. In December the white, pink and red Camellias will be in bloom. Some of these Camellias, which were a favorite flower of 19th-century Bostonians, are over 100 years old.

The concept of the Greenhouse started in the first century to help feed the Roman emperor Tiberius the cucumbers that he enjoyed. By the 13th century giardini botanici (Italian greenhouses) helped maintain the exotic plants brought back by world explorers. Now commercial plastic greenhouses provide year-round fresh tomatoes for many in the northern climes.

For a real rush of flower power visit the Lyman Estate Greenhouses, 185 Lyman Street, Waltham, just 2 miles down Belmont and Beaver Streets. Hours are basically 9:30 to 4:00. On the first Wednesday of the month they offer a Guided Greenhouse Tour for $6. To confirm tour times phone 781-891-4882 ext 244. For more information visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org

Logee's Greenhouses located in Danielson, Connecticut, offer an incredible selection of tropical flowers for your personal indoor garden. To get a printed catalog phone 1-888-330-8038 or visit at www.Logees.com. Best, of course, is to go to the greenhouse where you can smell the flowers!

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Originally published in the Dec. 2009 Village Newsletter.