The Rewards of Winter Gardening: Designing a Custom Residential Greenhouse

Wintergarden Conservatory Victorian-era

Imagine… indulging in your garden year-round…

As winter’s chill persists, the gardeners in us are dreaming of a warmer haven where we are back in the garden, surrounded by nature, and enjoying the fruits of our labor! If your inner gardener is longing to get back into the garden, have you considered a custom residential greenhouse?

The design and build of a custom residential greenhouse is highly personal and can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor! Every room Tanglewood creates begins with your vision and passions; however you will use the space, in whichever style that best reflects you, your greenhouse will be a room like no other – crafted specifically to you.

As you think about adding a custom greenhouse to your home, consider the following questions to help get you started:

How will you use your custom residential greenhouse?

Imagine… walking out of your kitchen and into your greenhouse to pick delectable fresh ingredients to craft the perfect home cooked meal.

Whether starting seedlings, propagating, or cultivating an eclectic plant collection, understanding your needs will guide decisions on size, shape, and the overall functionality of the space. Is it a personal retreat or an informal entertaining area for friends and family to admire your botanical treasures? 

How do you see yourself using your greenhouse year-round?

Whether you are growing delicious veggies and herbs or cultivating a beautiful collection to admire, each type of growing may require its own needs. Consider how you would prefer to tend to your plants:

Are you interested in having permanent plant bends with a working station and access to water?

Will you be housing outdoor plants during the winter and need access to be able to bring plants indoors and outdoors seasonally?

If sitting amongst your collection in search of refuge and relaxation is of interest, what additional decor, seating, or elements would help to bring together your perfect oasis?

Below are a few examples of how some of Tanglewood’s clients have utilized their greenhouses:

  • Antique Style Greenhouse
  • English Style Greenhouse
  • Custom steel and glass palm house, interior steel view with tropical plants

Where would be the best location to add your greenhouse?

Selecting the ideal location for your greenhouse is crucial. Aim for a south or southeast orientation for optimal sunlight, with east-side as a suitable alternative. If you seek culinary convenience, attach it to your house for easy access to fresh herbs and veggies. For a peaceful retreat, place it away from the house, creating a tranquil garden escape. Alternatively, if you’re passionate about gardening, envision the greenhouse as a centerpiece at the heart of your garden, showcasing your love for horticulture. In essence, the best location is a balance of practicality and personal preference, reflecting your unique vision and gardening aspirations.

What design features do you want to incorporate in your greenhouse?

When it comes to design, crafting a custom greenhouse provides the freedom to unleash your creativity and fashion a structure that distinctly reflects your style. During our Planning & Design process, we may ask a number of questions to help take your vision and put it on paper to start visualizing what it will look like:

What appeals to you about the idea of a greenhouse?

Are you drawn to traditional styles of architecture or more toward modern applications?

Do you envision having some decorative detailing, columns, or added character within the greenhouse?

What elements, if any, from your home do you love and want to capture in your greenhouse as well?

Do you have a preference in materials such as sapele, steel, copper, brick, stone, etc.?

If you are unsure what will best suit you, contact us to learn about different options.

Have you thought about incorporating growing systems?

Elevate your growing experience with thoughtful systems such as automatic watering, fog, energy/shade curtains, vents, and supplemental lighting. A control system with remote internet access can automate heating, cooling, lighting, and watering. Now, all these systems are not needed but are just a few options based on your needs and budget, as they add a touch of luxury to ensure an optimal plant environment.

Are you ready to indulge in your garden year-round?

Whether your imagination is in full swing or you have inquiries about greenhouse options, Tanglewood is here to provide support. Delve into our Greenhouse & Palm Rooms portfolio for ideas or connect with our team at 410-479-4700 to start planning your 2025 growing season!