A Tour of the Glasshouse at Wisley

We blogged recently about visiting the Gardens at RHS Wisley, and that post concentrated on exploring the grounds. However as well as having fabulous landscaped gardens, Wisley is also home to a large glasshouse that was only opened in the summer of 2007 by her majesty the Queen. As we mentioned on that last blog we normally visit Wisley in the winter, usually to spend time in the tropical heat and humidity under cover rather than explore the grounds themselves. Don't get me wrong the grounds are lovely even in the depths of winter, but usually by then a little heat is just what's needed to escape the cold outside.

On that recent trip we spent a lot of time outside but also explored the glasshouse too, well it would be rude not too wouldn't it!On approaching the entrance they have planted large beds of exotics, just a tempting preview of what's inside.

Ensetes and other exotics outside

Mixed exotic beds with the towering greenhouse behind.

Hard to believe that just a few weeks ago we still have lovely warm sunshine!

When we visit Wisley, we always seem to go the same way round the glasshouse, and this day was no exception. It is divided up into three main areas, a temperate tropical section, leading into arids and succulents before entering a more humid tropical section.

As soon as you enter a large Begonia luxurians dominates the planting in front of you. Our plants stayed in the greenhouse this year, but will no doubt make an appearance into the garden next year.

This chap was for sale, part of the sculpture exhibition in the grounds. Its a shame he's not permanent!

Schefflera macrophylla is doing well under glass without having to worry about the weather outside.
These do have some degree of hardiness to them but needs to be in a milder location and sheltered spot
to do well. We keep our own plants in pots.

Throughout the tropical section, orchids have been attached to trees and the greenhouse itself. The one below is Miltonia 'Oscar Kirsch'

Miltonia 'Oscar Kirsch'

The waterfall is starting to age quite nicely now, the main rocks are all artificial and have taken a few years
to mellow down and get a covering of algae on them. Cannas to each side.

As you approach the arid section the lush plants give way to a selection of cycads.

Macrozamia moorei

Encephalartos villosus

Soon, however the cycads give way to more arid and succulent selections.

Sansevieria trifasciata var. laurentii

Aloe striata

Aloe glauca

Euphorbia trigona f. rubra

Pachypodium lamerei var. ramosum

Echinopsis aurea 'Leucomalla'

Copiapoa coquimbana

Mammillaria bombycina

Yucca filifera

Euphorbia pulvinata

Ferocactus viridescens

Echinocactus grusonii

Parodia magnifica

Agave filifera

A final look at the main arid bed, this area has really settled in well over the last few years. Naturalistic planting of arids, when done well works beautifully. Sadly with our climate in the UK the only way to really get this look is under glass.
From the arid section you walk through some doors and are immediately back into the tropics!

Cestrum nocturnum known as the Queen of the night

Philodendron sp

A little friend to guard the pool

The unmistakeable flower of hibiscus

This final section is packed with many typical house plants, doing well with the high humidity and heat, in the winter months it plays home to butterflies but over the summer months they are absent.

Hopefully next year we will get over to Wisley in the Spring as well as the winter too.

Gaz