Conservatory or Greenhouse…Which Is Right For You?

There is no single feature that distinguishes a conservatory from a greenhouse. In fact, greenhouses and conservatories share many common features: walls and ceilings of glass, acrylic panels or plastic sheeting, lots of ambient light, and plants. But the most common distinction between conservatories and greenhouses is this: A greenhouse environment is optimized for the comfort and well-being of plants, whereas a conservatory is optimized for the comfort and well-being of human inhabitants.

A conservatory must balance the needs of its human and plant inhabitants. It must maintain room temperature and reasonably low humidity levels to accommodate its human inhabitants, while providing sufficient moisture levels and air movement to keep plants flourishing. A conservatory’s temperature and humidity levels are generally controlled by the home’s heating and cooling system, while the environment of a greenhouse — especially that of a smaller greenhouse — is typically manipulated by add-on accessories such as fans, heaters, vents, and humidifiers.

The Conservatory and the Greenhouse Compared

Balancing human and plant needs is only one aspect of the conservatory vs. greenhouse decision. There are other key factors to consider when deciding which is right for you.

• Desired Plant Selections. A conservatory’s primary purpose is to display ornamental plants with showy foliage and flora. A greenhouse’s primary purpose is to propagate, cultivate and store plants in a controlled environment, particularly in areas that experience cold winters. Greenhouse plants will not necessarily be ornamental; many gardeners, in fact, build greenhouses solely to grow herbs and vegetables year-round.

• Attached or Detached. Conservatories are generally attached to a house wall; greenhouses are usually freestanding. While conservatories may be freestanding, most are either included in the original house plan, or added later as an additional room.

• Architectural Sophistication. Greenhouses architecture is typically more concerned with utility and practicality than aesthetics. Conservatories are typically more ornamental and architecturally sophisticated; they should harmonize with the home’s existing structure. Many conservatories are full-fledged home additions which require building permits and must conform to local building codes. Greenhouses, on the other hand, are often located some distance from the home and need only harmonize with existing landscaping design.

• Construction Materials. Decorative flooring materials such as tile or marble are generally used in conservatories, whereas more practical flooring materials that are impervious to water, soil and stains are used in greenhouses. Some greenhouses have only dirt or mulch floors. Conservatories are typically framed in sturdy lumber, iron or uPVC. Greenhouses are typically framed in lighter grade aluminum alloy, wood or PVC.

• Expense. Conservatories are usually more expensive to build and maintain, due to the cost of construction, as well as ongoing heating and cooling. Greenhouses, especially small ones with walls constructed of polyethylene sheeting, can be purchased in kits for as little as $150-200.

Greenhouse Architectural Styles

Whether you decide to build a conservatory or greenhouse, you’ll find many choices in architectural style and construction.

Span Roof. This traditional freestanding style with plumb vertical sides is efficient with respect to both functional space usage and energy requirements. Enclosing the lower third to one-half of the walls further reduces winter heat loss, although an all-glass house allows more sunlight to enter.

1. Lean-To. Lean-To greenhouses can attach to the house or garage. An interconnecting door can even make the structure part of the home. The Lean-To works well when attached to southern or western walls which store heat.
2. Three-Quarter Span. Lighter and airier than a lean-to, the Three-Quarter Span green house is practical for growing wall plants, such as grapes. Tends to be more expensive than a Span Roof or Lean-To.
3. Dutch Light. The Dutch Light has sloping sides and an even span roof. Angled glass helps the structure stay warmer and brighter than the traditional Span Roof house. It’s also more stable than a Span Roof house. Supporting upright plants from the floor to roof can be difficult.
4. Curved House. Curved Houses feature floor to roof glass with glazed panels. The walls form a smooth curve up to the ridge without the distinct angle at the eaves of the Span Roof and Dutch Light. Attractive design, but supporting upright plants can be difficult.
5. Polygonal. The Polygonal greenhouse has six, seven or nine sides. Attractive when filled with plants, the Polygonal greenhouse is designed to be primarily ornamental. Polygonals are somewhat expensive, thus are not the best buy if you’re looking for maximum plant storage for your money.
6. Dome. The Dome greenhouse is more ornamental than practical. It’s visually appealing, stable and offers maximum light absorption, but is not suitable for growing tall plants.
7. Mini-House. The Mini-House useful when space is limited. It’s a lean-to which will accommodate plants, but there’s not much room for you. It functions well as a cold house, although its diminutive size can mean too-rapid temperature rises in summer
8. Polytunnel. The Polytunnel is the least expensive and least ornamental style of greenhouse. Plastic/polyethylene sheeting is stretched over a series of metal hoops. Excellent for vegetables — particularly low-growing crops.

Conservatory Architectural Styles

Georgian. The Georgian conservatory has two distinct features: a flat roof and plain, small-paned windows. The shape is typically semi-circular, the roof typically solid, not glazed. Georgians are suitable for most houseplants, but not ideal for sun-lovers.

Victorian. The Victorian is the classically ornate conservatory style, often featuring decorative ridge cresting. Originally constructed of wood and cast iron, most are now likely to be constructed of aluminum or thick uPVC. The shape is usually rectangular with a rounded octagon bay in front.

Edwardian. The Edwardian is similar to the Victorian, but less ornate. They do usually feature ridge cresting, but simpler windows. Edwardians are rectangular and may feature additional square or rectangular bays.

Contemporary. The modern-style conservatory comes in all shapes and sizes. Two key features are an absence of ornamentation (such as ridge cresting) and fancy windows. Framing is generally thinner and sleeker.

Gothic. Gothic greenhouses, which are similar to Victorians and Edwardians. Gothics are easy to recognize by their pointed, arched windows. They’re still popular, but do not offer plants certain light advantages.

Stately Home. Cast-iron and all-glass conservatories whose origins hark back to the 18th-century orangeries.

Whether you’re seeking to fill an living indoor space with gorgeous blooms and foliage or fill an empty space in your backyard that’s just begging for a greenhouse or conservatory, you’ll find that a world of stylistic and functional choices await you.