The Planted Master Class

The Greenhouse

This is where it gets interestingĀ 

The greenhouse came to prominence in the late 1800s, quickly becoming a symbol of grand living, sophistication, and success. Great estates employed armies of garden staff to maintain a steady supply of fruit, vegetables, and cut flowers to impress their guests. Once head gardeners mastered the delicate combinations of heat, humidity, water, nutrients, ventilation, and daylight, the race was on to cheat nature and grow an ever-increasing range of exotic flora from around the world. These wood, steel, and iron structures were grand in detail, design, and scale.

By the early 1900s, horticultural prowess was firmly established. Under-gardeners specialized in specific crops, while propagators uncovered new ways to germinate seeds, grow plants from cuttings, and graft desirable species onto vigorous rootstocks. Coveted "master diaries" tracked planting dates, pruning techniques, and harvest methods to guarantee success year after year. Strawberries could be grown out of season, and exotic fragrances could be experienced in the depths of January.

By the mid-1900s, many of these early greenhouses had fallen into disrepair. Aluminum structures gained popularity for being stronger, more resistant to decay, and requiring less upkeep. Today, some of these beautiful, historic structures lie abandoned, waiting for someone with the imagination to relocate and restore them. Fortunately, there is a renewed interest in greenhouse growing—but owning the structure is only half the battle. Many of the skills and techniques perfected a century ago have been lost to an alarming degree.

A properly operated greenhouse provides the ideal conditions to grow an extraordinary range of plants, many of which can only be cultivated from seed or cuttings. With over four decades of horticultural experience, I have the skills to breathe life back into your greenhouse. I can write your 12-month production plan, train your staff, and assemble a unique plant collection from specialist suppliers. The greenhouse is the pumping heart of the garden, and with the right training and plan, it can once again become your estate's greatest asset.