by A highlight of our visit to the Lyman Estate was a walk through the greenhouses. Though expanded several times over the years, the oldest section of the Lyman Estate Greenhouses dates to 1793, making it one of the oldest greenhouses in the entire country.
In 1804 a lean-to style greenhouse was added to grow “hard-to-obtain fruits such as pineapples, figs, lemons, limes, and bananas.” In the 1870s this was converted to a grapery, with cuttings obtained from the royal greenhouses at Hampton Court in England.
In 1820, a new section was added to grow peach trees, though in 1908 it was partially rebuilt wider and taller so that it could accommodate the family’s prized camellia collection, naturally. Boston became known for its camellia culture, and the Lyman Estate’s camellia varieties are still in production today.
In 1840 a section was enclosed between the grapery and camellia house to grow roses and cut flowers for use in the mansion.
In 1930 the final addition was made, also for growing cut flowers, though it was later dedicated to growing orchids.
During the final years of the Lymans’ ownership, the greenhouses fell into disrepair. It wasn’t until Historic New England received the property in 1969 that work began to restore them to their former glory. Today visitors can simply enjoy the beautiful plants on display, or they can take classes and make purchases.
