The Glasshouses
Tropical House
This house has the most varied collection of diverse plants in a small space compared to other parts of the Gardens. The hot humid atmosphere most nearly simulates the conditions of the lowland equatorial regions of the tropics and the species grown represent the great variation of life forms which are characteristic of these habitats; trees, climbers, epiphytes, ferns, shade loving herbs and water plants.
More about the Tropical House...
Subtropical House
The Subtropical (Palm) House is the largest of our glasshouses, rising to 8m at the peak - a height sufficient to accommodate sizeable trees including palms, tree ferns, a Norfolk Island pine and a giant bird-of-paradise plant.
This house is kept at lower temperatures and humidity than the Tropical House. With a minimum winter temperature of 10°C, it more nearly represents climates of subtropical regions.
More about the Subtropical House...
Launch Virtual Tour of the Subtropical House
Mediterranean House
This house preserves something of the atmosphere of a Victorian conservatory or Orangery. This early type of glasshouse was a popular feature of the houses of prosperous families in the last century. The central beds are planted with a wide range of citrus varieties.
This house also contains other Mediterranean shrubs such as a dwarf pomegranate, Punica granatum var nana; locust-bean, Ceratonia siliqua, the fruit of which fed John the Baptist in his sojourn in the desert and which has recently come to prominence as 'Carob' - a substitute for chocolate. Citrus trees all look much alike, so to add colour and variety there is a seasonal display of glasshouse ornamentals. Among the most admired are the many varieties of fuchsia, and coleus, for the multicoloured foliage, but many others appear through the seasons, from bulbs in winter to chrysanths in the autumn.
Arid House
A glasshouse for plants from climates with low, irregular rainfall but also for plants of dry locations such as cliffs or tree branches. This house is allowed to follow ambient temperatures except for low-level heating in times of frost. Water is given about three times weekly in summer, reducing to zero between October and March.
The cacti and some spurges, Euphorbia spp., store water in swollen stems - so are called 'stem succulents'. Leaves are insignificant or non-existent, so reducing water loss by evaporation. By contrast desert plants like agaves and aloes store water in fleshy leaves which minimise water loss by thick waxy cuticles - these are 'leaf succulents'.
As well as cacti, this house contains a collection of 'living stones', carrion flowers, and century plants. Some plants of economic importance, e.g. sisal, can also be found here.