21 August 2009

Conservatoires History

By John Mills

Although primarily used as indoor growing spaces, conservatories have changed over time. In the 1800s, private conservatories on wealthy estates became popular settings for tea or a dinner parties among members of high society. These expensive indoors garden structures boasted of elaborate architectural designs. In today's world, home conservatories can be less expensive to build for typical homeowners.

Home conservatories of the past differ greatly from today's contemporary designs. At one time conservatories were made of only metal and glass. However, advances in technology now allow them to be built from less expensive materials, such as PVC and Plexiglas. A variety of kits allow today's homeowners to build their own conservatories as greenhouses or as living spaces. With the advancements in building design and technology, contemporary homeowners have many choices when it comes to having conservatories that they can call their own.

Although home conservatories have seen many changes over the years, the function of these structures has always been the same. As a way to protect and display attractive blooms, exotic specimens and other interesting forms of plant life, conservatories let the sunlight in, while keeping the cold out. They also delight owners with a setting filled with cascading sunlight that is alive with lush greenery and vivid colors.

With a history of both public and private use, conservatories have long been used to grow indoor gardens protected from the elements. Those structures designed for the community have been found in parks to offer public viewing of unusual plant varieties. Many park conservatories function both as public display spaces and as greenhouses for the plants and flowers that beautify parks' landscapes. Whether public or private spaces, conservatories offer an environment for people to enjoy the natural beauty of plants and flowers indoors.

Today, conservatories serve many functions for homeowners. Aside from their use as greenhouses, some people have incorporated living spaces into these structures. Many people have built attached conservatories or sunrooms to their homes to use for social functions or family enjoyment. With an interest in conserving energy, many people feel good about lighting these spaces with the nothing more than the power of sun. Regardless of their use, conservatories offer people a soothing, indoor space filled with radiant sunlight and vibrant plant life.

Although the functions are similar, today's conservatories and those from years past are very different due to technological advancements. Now, gardeners and horticulturalists have more methods to provide growing plants with the environments they need to thrive. Because people can regulate air temperature and ventilation, as well as install plumbing and electrical systems, modern conservatories can provide optimal growing conditions for a variety of plants and flowers.

Public and private conservatories have been used in many cultures throughout history. In places where people wanted to protect plant life from inclement weather, conservatories were popular structures. As far back as in the ancient empires of China and Rome, people sought ways to enjoy the bountiful beauty of nature even during times of the year when growing conditions were not optimal. Throughout time, conservatories have allowed people to bring nature indoors, allow it to thrive and enjoy the pleasure and beauty it has always provided.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment