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Living History: One of America’s Oldest Greenhouses

Just seven miles from Boston, the Lyman Estate in Waltham, MA, houses one of America’s oldest working greenhouses. Built in 1798 for shipping magnate Theodore Lyman, the greenhouses were designed by William Bell in the English picturesque style. Today, Historic New England preserves them as living history, with centuries-old plants still thriving.

Citrus house bougainvillea — In the citrus house, trellises along the glass ceiling host vibrant bougainvillea.

Grape house pipes — The grape house reveals utilitarian support structures, pipes, and tanks for finicky vines.

Peach wall — A 425-foot peach wall encloses formal gardens; espaliered peaches and pears extended the growing season.

Greenhouse exterior — Construction began in 1798; lean-to greenhouses added along the peach wall through the 1930s.

Lemon in citrus house — The greenhouses still bear fruit like this lemon, providing tropical fruits in winter.

Black Cat Petunia — Unusual blooms continue with Black Cat Petunias (also from Burpee).

Camellia house — The 1820 Camellia House hosts a collection over 100 years old.

Australian Tea Bush — Australian Tea Bush (Leptospermum) in the grape house.

Old door under raised beds — 3.5-foot raised beds for grapevine roots; an old door adds rustic character.

Orchid house — Frolicking putti and Oncidium cebolleta greet visitors in the orchid house.

Grape vines — Black Hamburg grapes from Hampton Court and Green Muscat of Alexandria still grow.

Canary Island Bellflowers — Canary Island Bellflowers climb the pipes; blooms change weekly.

Potted plants on ledge — Potted plants rest on a ledge over original arches where heaters kept tropical plants warm.

Rabbit's foot fern — Rabbit’s foot fern fronds contrast with English ivy.

Landscape integration — Pell’s design seamlessly integrates house and grounds from every angle.

Open Wed–Sun 9:30am–4pm (Dec 15–Jul 15) and Wed–Sat (Jul 16–Dec 14). Free admission; guided tours $6 by appointment.

For more historic gardens, see Stonecrop Gardens.

Houseplants Articles: Gucci Wallets: Timeless Style and Craftsmanship; The History of Greenhouses: From Roman Mica to Modern Marvels; Greenhouse Buying Guide: Top Brands and Key Considerations; The History of Greenhouses: From Roman Carts to Modern Domes; Greenhouse Planning: Types, Materials, Accessories & Site Selection; The Many Benefits of Composting: Beyond the Garden; How to Add a Living Wall: Vertical Garden Guide; One Fern Day: Terrarium Workshop with Designer Shane Powers; Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): Care Guide for Durable Low-Light Houseplant; Outdoor Living: One Busy Teak Potting Bench

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