Why Victorian Greenhouses are in Season

A clue to the fashion tastes of the Victorians can be found in their greenhouses – elaborate structures featuring lofty roofs and crystalline expanses of steel. The Victorians were masters of art who had fashionably popularized the codified ritual of mourning, perhaps exemplified in the melancholic sentiment, “to die was an art.” 

But all was not macabre, and celebrations of life can be seen in their teeming, intricate gardens, accorded only to the wealthy. The Crystal Palace, a lost relic, was built to house exotics in a controlled environment, until its untimely destruction in an incendiary blaze. As of late, gothic trends have seen a resurgence, proving that some things never go out of style – Victorian fashion is one of them. 

What is a Victorian Greenhouse? 

Considered one of the best greenhouses, the traditional English Greenhouse is a wonderful marvel of engineering. Glass was an expensive material, and large swaths – enough to cover a greenhouse – could fetch a princely sum. But the history of greenhouses is actually far older, dating back to Roman ingenuity. A rudimentary proto-greenhouse was constructed for the Roman emperor Tiberius to grow cucumbers, consisting of a wheeled cart. 

The typical characteristics of a  Victorian-style greenhouse include a high-pitched roof (sharply angled to reflect light), large glazed elements, and arched ceilings. Contemporary versions can be found at Vego Garden, featuring a luxurious 12.5 ft option and smaller, more affordable 8.5 ft variant. 

Those modern variations are a cleaner, more approachable alternative, retaining the practical structure while stripping it of the more unnecessary, ornate elements. Modern technology has preserved much of its Victorian functionality, upgrading it to feature crisp, well-defined lines. Unlike the Victorian edifices of old, those greenhouses can be self-assembled in your own backyard garden.

Benefits of a Victorian Style Greenhouse

During the Victorian era, greenhouses were symbols of status and prestige. Nowadays, the greenhouse should be the centerpiece of a garden, drawing in the eye. While undeniably striking, a greenhouse goes beyond just a decorative structure – it’s a functional space for cultivating and preserving plant life.

Why You Should Invest in a Victorian Greenhouse:

• Superior materials and durability

• Specializes in controlled humidity

• Temperature regulation and warmth absorption 

• Iconic design and improved property value 

Regulate Temperature 

Too hot or too cold is difficult for humans to contend with – almost as insufferable as grating loud music from the neighbors. Similarly, plants do not approve of fluctuating temperatures. Sheltered inside a greenhouse, they will be well cared for. The tall, steeply pitched roofs and expansive glass panels facilitate the flow of heat, allowing sunlight to enter and warm the interior naturally. The temperature is kept constant by the opening of its vents and windows. This creates a controlled, mild climate that protects delicate plants from extreme cold or heat. 

Year-Round Gardening 

Greenhouses aren’t just superficially beautiful – their primary purpose is to protect plants who don’t do well in the rough-tumble wilderness of the frontier. Using its easy-open system of windows and vents, you’re able to control humidity levels and regulate the temperature, creating a balanced airflow. Meanwhile, tempered glass panels let the light in, ensuring that, regardless of the season, your plants thrive. 

Protect Plants from the Elements

The vagaries of frost can be cruel, and despite a gardener’s best efforts, some crops inevitably perish. Greenhouses, with their durable network of steel, are considered the first line of defense for your plants, along with frost covers. The roofs are sturdily built to handle unfavorable weather, offering insulation from hail, frost, and storms. 

Aesthetic Appeal and Functionality 

Intricate ironwork is paired with sleek glass panels in the updated version of Victorian-style greenhouses. In Vego’s line of Victorian greenhouses, Dutch doors add an undeniable touch of cottage charm. More than just a stylish feature, opening the top half independently provides an extra source of ventilation during those days when you need an extra breeze circulating. The doors are extra wide, ensuring that you won’t have to grunt in exasperation while squeezing in a heavy potted plant. 

Relaxing Backyard Escape 

Some greenhouses are used to coddle delicate plants that might otherwise perish in bad weather; others function as orangeries; and still others give you and your guests a place to take refuge and relax, surrounded by greenery. Plants are naturally soothing, and though houseplants will suffice, nothing compares to the experience of a living backyard paradise. Larger gardens will see the merit of a large greenhouse, such as the Vego Grand Greenhouse. It’s big enough to accommodate a few raised garden beds while still leaving room for a seating area. 

Greenhouse Accessories

Shelving, including a fixed bottom shelf and a foldable shelf, allow you to maximize the usefulness of your greenhouse. Those high-level shelves, which take into account the transitional nature of your greenhouse, are well-equipped to handle days when it changes from a potting station to a citrus grove in full bloom. Many gardeners also invest in raised garden beds to place inside their greenhouses. Self-watering rolling planters offer ease of watering and mobility, allowing plants to be repositioned as needed.