Conservatory
seacrows
Posts: 210
This isn't really a problem post, more I need opinions and ideas. Background: New extension to house, which leaves me with a 'conservatory'. It's in quotes because only one side is glass, facing west. The other sides are glass doors into the dining room, a brick wall and a wall with three doors into what used to be outhouses, but are now indoors. There's a glass lantern type window on the roof, but that will be shaded all morning by the house.
What do I do with it? It's definitely earmarked for plants I can't grow outside, so half hardy, not below zero specimens. It doesn't have it's own heat, no radiator, so I think fully tender plants are a bit of a risk. Also, it's connected to the house so high humidities are also out (the fish tank creates enough mould as it is). We have a Springer spaniel, so anything extremely delicate is out (Poppy enjoys shoving her nose in and having a good sniff).
What do I like? As it turns out, what I like inside is totally different from what I like outside. I'm thinking variegated and big leaves. Plants that don't need regular pruning, but just get on and grow to fill the space. Preferably no prickles or thorns. Bright flowers, but flower shaped, not like bird of paradise or proteas. I have a lemon that has been carefully nursed through the winters and that will be moving in.
The wall. It's a flat, south facing solid brick wall. OH planned on leaving it as brick, I kind of assumed brick painted white and am now contemplating plastering it and putting a leaf print wallpaper up. Suggestions?
And so we come to the major question, plant recommendations. There's not too much room for hanging baskets and trailing plants, so I was thinking a climber on the wall, but it wouldn't be able to come too far forward. Otherwise it's shelves and smaller plants. Help please.
What do I do with it? It's definitely earmarked for plants I can't grow outside, so half hardy, not below zero specimens. It doesn't have it's own heat, no radiator, so I think fully tender plants are a bit of a risk. Also, it's connected to the house so high humidities are also out (the fish tank creates enough mould as it is). We have a Springer spaniel, so anything extremely delicate is out (Poppy enjoys shoving her nose in and having a good sniff).
What do I like? As it turns out, what I like inside is totally different from what I like outside. I'm thinking variegated and big leaves. Plants that don't need regular pruning, but just get on and grow to fill the space. Preferably no prickles or thorns. Bright flowers, but flower shaped, not like bird of paradise or proteas. I have a lemon that has been carefully nursed through the winters and that will be moving in.
The wall. It's a flat, south facing solid brick wall. OH planned on leaving it as brick, I kind of assumed brick painted white and am now contemplating plastering it and putting a leaf print wallpaper up. Suggestions?
And so we come to the major question, plant recommendations. There's not too much room for hanging baskets and trailing plants, so I was thinking a climber on the wall, but it wouldn't be able to come too far forward. Otherwise it's shelves and smaller plants. Help please.
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Our last conservatory was west facing. Fantastic for plants and people, it was our dining room,lots of plants, dehumidifier going at night in winter. Essential. We started out with a portable electric heater,then hubby added a radiator. Frankly, I can't think of any plants that fit your needs and not a problem with your dog.
Dehumidifier. Why didn't I think of that? We have two just sitting in storage from when we had chinchillas. That extends plants to include those that like sitting on wet gravel.
Jasmine. This can be a bit strongly scented in the garden, does it not get overpowering in an enclosed room?
And one I remembered, tradescantia. I've wanted one of these since I read about the father and son plant hunters, John Tradescant, when I was a child.
I think you're right about wallpaper though, not a good combination with increased humidity.