A rusty framework stands out among the tngled under growth ol'a forgotten garden, like a ship emerging from a vanished world. As night falls the greenhouse is a favorite meeting-place for blackbirds, but by day., curious children and passing visitors with a taste for adventure can step inside and find themselves |ransported back in lime. Once the  visitor's  curiosity  is aroused, thorny wiht roses or slinging nettles are hardly enough to keep him away.

……

When visting the superb publie gardens of London,New York or Paris,it is hard to remember that the magnificent palaces and cathedrals of soaring glass that we so admire today began life as simple mobile shelters for precious plants broought back from the tropice.It was the nobility"s yaste for exotic fruit that led to the creation of ever more elaborate and extravagant greenhouses and conservatories.The nineteenth century saw the expansion of public gardens open to all,and the birth of such ambitious creations as the Crystal Palace and Kew Gardens in Lonson.Today,the public greenhouse plays a vital role in sheltering rare and enangerde species as part of breeding programs,while grand creations like the Eden Project in Cornwall or Montreal"s Biondome are paving the way to the future.

The private greenhouse or conservatory,although on a smaller seale,can be just as enchanting.It is a place to relax,to be with friends,to escape from the stresses of everyday living.Take inspiration from this beautifully illustrated book to create your own masterpiece big of small,modern or traditional.Whether you have space for a separate greenhouse in your own grounds or simply decide to roof over a terrace of balcony with glass.Greenhouses and Conservatories will help you make the best of the space available.

Foreword

From the Orangeryto the Conservatory

Glass Palaces

The Conservatory:a Way of Life

Address Book