Conservatories are typically spaces to relax, host a dinner party, or celebrate a special occasion with friends and family, but they can also be used to grow plants. The glazed roof and walls of a conservatory provide exposure to sunlight that plants and trees, such as limes and oranges, need to grow.
Citrus trees thrive in conservatories because they are easy to care for and do well in its sunlit, sheltered environment. Growing orange and lime trees in your greenhouse provides you with fresh fruit and several health benefits linked to trees and nature.
Studies (the first conducted in 1984 by psychologist Roger Ulrich) have shown that patients who can see trees during their recuperation period heal faster than patients with similar illnesses that do not view trees.
Studies conducted by the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences have also shown that being around trees aids in concentration and reduces mental fatigue.
Trees also help clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide and expelling oxygen back into the air. These benefits are in addition to the health benefits already provided by a conservatory.
The glazed roof and walls of a greenhouse provide exposure to sunlight and promote Vitamin D production, which helps bone growth and maintenance. Sunlight also aids in regulating the levels of melatonin and serotonin in the body, which helps prevent seasonal affective disorder or SAD in the fall and winter months.
Sharing space in your conservatory with plants allows you to experience the benefits of a greenhouse without the added expense of purchasing a separate structure. Adding a shelf to one wall of your conservatory will allow you to grow your favorite plants year-round without sacrificing floor space. A tiered greenhouse bench may also be beneficial, as it provides you with more space than a shelf and can be positioned for optimal sunlight exposure.
Trees and plants in the conservatory bring the benefits of nature inside while leaving the unpredictable weather outside. A conservatory shelters you from extreme temperatures while allowing you to enjoy the views surrounding your property.
Conservatories are ideal spaces to share with plants or trees because they can enhance the conservatory's design aesthetic while providing additional health benefits to the people utilizing the space. Contact a conservatory design specialist to learn more about how to incorporate plants into your conservatory design.
