In the summer of 2013, we had a number of major upheavals, mostly planned although not all! One of the planned upheavals was the addition of the conservatory on the back of the house, along with a number of internal changes.
Eighteen months on (time really does fly) and we are gaining the benefit of that addition, in several ways. There are the sensible benefits, the house is warmer with the conservatory creating an air gap - acting as a porch and also helping us to keep the kitchen tidier. But also for the more fun reasons, having nice plants with sufficient space around them to enjoy them.
In the past we have had too many plants in the house, with the kitchen, hall way, lounge and just about any spare surface filled by plants. We made a decision to reduce how much came into the house, but the conservatory allows us to bring some in and enjoy them, rather than having to duck under or round large palms in the kitchen!
It is nice to sit in the conservatory with exotic plants around us, having a nice warm drink but with the space to enjoy it.
The plants have benefited from the warmth, light but also from not being too hot. In the past when we had plants in the main part of the house the central heating gives a very dry atmosphere that not everything appreciates.
We were talking about the changes we made to the house at the weekend and I mused whether we should have made the conservatory larger, however as that would have reduced the top patio by the house neither of us would have wanted it to be bigger. Overall I think we got the size about right. Large enough to sit in and not feel cramped but not a huge space.
Lets hope the plants continue to enjoy it!
Gaz.
Eighteen months on (time really does fly) and we are gaining the benefit of that addition, in several ways. There are the sensible benefits, the house is warmer with the conservatory creating an air gap - acting as a porch and also helping us to keep the kitchen tidier. But also for the more fun reasons, having nice plants with sufficient space around them to enjoy them.
In the past we have had too many plants in the house, with the kitchen, hall way, lounge and just about any spare surface filled by plants. We made a decision to reduce how much came into the house, but the conservatory allows us to bring some in and enjoy them, rather than having to duck under or round large palms in the kitchen!
It is nice to sit in the conservatory with exotic plants around us, having a nice warm drink but with the space to enjoy it.
The plants have benefited from the warmth, light but also from not being too hot. In the past when we had plants in the main part of the house the central heating gives a very dry atmosphere that not everything appreciates.
We were talking about the changes we made to the house at the weekend and I mused whether we should have made the conservatory larger, however as that would have reduced the top patio by the house neither of us would have wanted it to be bigger. Overall I think we got the size about right. Large enough to sit in and not feel cramped but not a huge space.
Lets hope the plants continue to enjoy it!
Gaz.
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
It's all so clean!!!! So Pretty! So jealous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom :) we try to keep on top of the cleaning as much as we could...
DeleteI envy you your conservatory. It must be a great place to be, especially in winter when you can feel you are almost outside without being cold. And the plants look pretty healthy to me!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jessica! We're glad the plants are doing fine and it is a lovely place to spend time in, especially in the winter as somehow you still feel connected or in the garden without the exposure :)
DeleteOh my goodness, what an incredible space you have! It feels so cheerful and inviting, how I would enjoy lingering for a long while. Your plants seem so very happy too. More photos, please! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tamara :) we love spending time in it and glad to see that the plants seems happy too!
DeleteAmazing conservatory, gentlemen! It's so bright and very clean! Don't know how you keep it so immaculate. I would undoubtedly spill soil, there would be water marks from overflowing saucers, a broken pot or two from pets romping around, a few spider webs, and dark pet hair everywhere. You guys are as amazing as your conservatory!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words Peter :) happy to say that it's actually rather easy to keep clean, with the floor and tables easy to wipe clean. Armchairs not too bad either with leather wipes.
DeleteI'm amazed with how white and clean it always is...and the green plants make the perfect contrast.
ReplyDeleteThat's the good things about white Lisa, anything against it stands out so easily (unless it's white too) :)
DeleteI love your conservatory! All that bright white, with pops of color. It looks like a great place to relax and look out on your garden too.
ReplyDeleteIt's in winter when we appreciate the brightness the most Alison, it may be dreary and grey outside but nice and bright inside :)
DeleteIsn't it wonderful when you realize you got it right? I'm glad you're enjoying the space as much as your plants are. Oh and I love the bright pops of color.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed Loree, a lovely feeling :)
DeleteYou have a perfect space there. It is so bright, it must be a wonderful place to hang out on a gray winter's day. Your plants sure are enjoying it--they look pristine.
ReplyDeleteThey've fared really well during the winter Gerhard. I do wonder too if all the whiteness did help as well :)
DeleteI love your conservatory! All the plants pop against those bright white surfaces. I'd have a hard time leaving it to go outside to work.
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the great things we love about white Kris, anything you stand against it pops and stands out. And of course loving the brightness of it :)
DeleteI just looked up from my laptop, and saw the dry tips, and a yellowed leaf of a big palm that has weathered the winter by a window in our dark house. Poor thing - I can't wait to bring it outside again... I bet it would do endlessly much better in your conservatory. It looks like a marvelous space, where I could doubtlessly spend hours on end. Do you ever have a hard time choosing between hanging out in the conservatory or by the koi pond? I know I would....Your green watering can is so fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anna :) at some point in the summer some of the plants do need to go and spend some time outside to well, they can go downhill if under glass all year round. If it's cold and/or rainy conservatory wins.
DeleteI'm another slob not fit for white! What a beautiful shrine you've made for your plants, which look to be thriving in their new home.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they are Denise :) the space is easy to keep clean, stains wipes away nicely
DeleteYour plants look really, really healthy and happy. They probably don't want to go back out now!
ReplyDeleteWhat am I on about... they live inside all the time don't they?
DeleteI had a white period just before my harvest gold period...then greige. Maybe it's time to cycle through again. You certainly make a case for white with a few pops of bright color...a perfect gallery setting for plants (yours really are works of art).
ReplyDeleteYour conservatory is bright and cheerful; it looks to be perfect for humans and plants. I like the colors you have chosen. I remember when you were building it. It is worth all the effort you put into it!
ReplyDeleteIt does look rather good although I did detect a few specks of dust, not that I am suggesting you are a pair of sluts :-) You must spend hours cleaning at the expense of proper gardening. I reiterate it looks fab xx
ReplyDeleteWhat I wouldn't give for a conservatory! Especially one as welcoming and bright as yours, it's just lovely. Although mine would quickly sink under a tide of seed trays and other planting paraphernalia … Caro x
ReplyDeleteHello Mark and Gaz, i've been absent here for a while so, i must read my backlog. That room is immaculately white and elegant, as if nothing must move. They are growing in full regalia, very healthy plants. I wonder how will they all be able to breath when there are only two of you supplying the CO2. It can benefit from some CO2 enrichment once-in-awhile. haha!
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