My Greenhouse in Winter
At the end of a long and trying winter, it’s always nice to see a bit of green and the beauty of thriving plants. I was happy to read your comments regarding yesterday’s posting of the New York Botanical Garden’s fabulous orchid show. Seeing so much beauty is simply breathtaking! I feel so fortunate that I have beauty like that, albeit, on a much smaller scale. My greenhouse is a great source of pleasure for me. It provides me with a winter haven, which I like to visit every day. It is so satisfying to watch my tropical plant collection grow year-round in this harsh winter environment.  Enjoy this little excursion!
1 This is the front side of my greenhouse. On either side of the entrance are my currant bushes - red, white, and black. You can see their long canes poking through the snow.
2 During the winter months, my grounds crew gets to wash the entire inside!
3 This is no small task.
4 Floor mops work well to reach the higher glass surfaces.
5 Wilmer reaches with a sudsy sponge.
6 And then squeegees the clean glass dry.
7 This is one half of the greenhouse where we keep plants that require minimal watering.
8 You may recall when Byron Martin and Laurelynn Martin of Logees Tropical Plants http://www.logees.com/default.asp presented me with this miniature papaya 'T.R. Hovey'.
9 As you can see, it's thriving and the papayas are beginning to ripen.
10 This very fragrant plant is Jasminum polyanthum, an evergreen twining climber from China. It's fragrance permeates the greenhouse.
11 This plant is the very hardy camellia japonica 'April Tryst'.
12 It blooms with true red, very showy anemone form flowers.
13 Shaun always has plenty of succulents rooting to plant outdoors in my urns in the spring.
14 He also has some seedlings sprouting already. These are tomato plants.
15 And a variety of hollyhocks, which I love in perennial gardens for their great height and showy flowers.
16 These are some of my very beautiful bromeliads, a huge family of plants which the pineapple is a member of. These plants grow either terrestrially, meaning with roots in the ground, or epiphytically, as air plants, perched in trees or upon rocks.
17 . The primary job of bromeliad roots is to grip, as nourishment comes mainly through the leaves. You can see how water collects in the center of the rosette.
18 Bromeliad leaves can be curled, splayed, or twisted, and some are striped or splattered with different colors, like this showy one.
19 My lovely collection of potted standard topiaries
20 There are many succulents in the greenhouse, including these fleshy jade plants.
21 This cactus is a type of euphorbia triangularis.
22 Weberbauerocereus johnsonii - Golden column - A densely covered cactus with golden spines
23 Cactus Opuntia - The spiny look is due to rudimentary leaves.
24 A beautiful cactus specimen - Opuntia cochenillifera (Variegated form)
25 The other half of the greenhouse is devoted to the more moisture-loving plants, like these lush and verdant ferns. There are many varieties to choose from when decorating the house for entertaining.
26 This movable table holds my fabulous begonia collection, which happens to be blooming profusely.
27 The table is quite long, but glides back and forth with little effort.
28 On the next table is my large collection of orchids.
29 A beautiful phalaenopsis, which, by the way, is one of the easiest orchids to grow. This one has many more flowers coming.
30 In the head house, urns were being painted that day.
31 And outside the head house is the gooseberry patch.
32 And directly across, is the vegetable garden, which will soon be productive again.
Martha, you are so Blessed to be surrounded by such bountiful beauty.
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | March 11th, 2011 at 12:16 am
Hi Martha, I wonder when you rest, do you ever prop your feet up and watch TV? Or sit in a big comfy chair and read a book or magazine? I'm so glad that your are so energentic! We get to see your daily adventures and those of your dogs and it brightens our days. The green house is just lovely. Especially with all the snow you've had, I'm sure it's feels like a sneek into Spring. Thanks for sharing. Take care my friend, Joycelyn
Posted by: peacetravelers.blogspot.com | March 11th, 2011 at 2:06 am
Gorgeous collection of your tropical plants Martha, love your green house. Wish you a wonderful weekend.
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | March 11th, 2011 at 5:29 am
Wow! What a lovely greenhouse! I can see why you go there daily. You have a wonderful reminder that things will be green again... eventually.
I was fortunate to have been given about 75 - 100 windows from a senior center this past fall. My sister used to live there and so when they decided to replace all the windows, the maintenance man asked her if I would like them for my farm. I can't wait to get this greenhouse built. I only wish I had the time last year so I could be preparing flats of flowers already. That will be so rewarding in the future.
Thank you for sharing about your greenhouse. Enjoy!
God bless,
Marc
Posted by: Marc King | March 11th, 2011 at 5:30 am
What a plant collection!!! There are all beautiful, I am amazed as I am not a great gardener, the willpower is there but results are not following...
Posted by: FunkySteph | March 11th, 2011 at 6:50 am
Gardening means much to many of my friends and have just lost two wonderful men who loved tilling the soil and sharing their produce with many here in Dakota. Nothing is lost to the memory as it seems that at our age, many family and friends are no longer lving but the legacy of gardening goes on forever. These wonderful pictures inspire me in the sure knowledge Spring always comes but we do need to clean the windows.
Posted by: ann | March 11th, 2011 at 9:22 am
Martha, thanks for sharing this blog. Your greenhouse looks great.
Posted by: KLBrown | March 11th, 2011 at 9:59 am
Martha, your greenhouse is beautiful- I am envious! I love your topiary collection and how inspiring it is to see little hollyhock seedlings during this dreary, gray month of March. I live in MA where we have had a very LONG winter....I am very ready for Spring and lots of green everywhere! Your blog always perks me up. Thank you!
Posted by: Cindy | March 11th, 2011 at 10:18 am
Just heard about the new baby. Congrads headed your way, I gave a prayer of thanks. What a wonderful new journey you are about to start. As with any child you'll go places and learn things you have never experienced. This "trip" will be one that you can only enjoy no worries about rearing or providing for a child just great joy.
Posted by: Barbara Lazar | March 11th, 2011 at 11:15 am
Hi Martha, Thank you once again for sharing the beautiful plants in your wonderful greenhouse. These photos and comments are superb! How great that your crew can keep those greenhouses so pristine! I love every tour that you take us on at your farm and how lucky you are to enjoy that beauty every day! Loved your TV Show yesterday, especially seeing G.K. and Sharkey! So glad to hear that Francesca is doing better and hope she gets back home very soon! I'm sure the breeder is taking very good care of her 24/7. I'm sure you heard about the 8.9 earthquake in Japan and the possible tsunami that is heading for the west coast in about a 1/2 hour. It already hit Hawaii and we may not have any problems here in the Seattle area. My fingers are crossed. Hope you have a great, safe weekend! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | March 11th, 2011 at 11:32 am
Hi Martha,
I’m not sure if I drool more over your food pictures or pictures of your plants but nonetheless, I really admire them! I wish I had half the plants you have but I’m not sure I would have the time to give them tender loving care the way I would want to. I can’t believe all the bromeliads you have which are my favorite and your topiaries are gorgeous. I don’t think our little garden center has as many varieties of plants that you have there - amazing.
~
Great show today and it was nice to hear from you about your new granddaughter. Congratulations – I’m very happy for you and Alexis! Trish
Posted by: Trish | March 11th, 2011 at 11:49 am
You live in paradise. Your greenhouse reminds me of when I used to go to the spring plant show at Smith College in Northampton, Mass. Beautiful.
Posted by: Carol D | March 11th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Congratulations on the new grandchild! Such love you will feel...
Posted by: jan | March 11th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
I enjoy watching your show when I can. I especially love learning more about what you do in your gardens. I was watching the show this morning, March 11, and I am going to try doing the clay pots with the milk paint. I will also show the members of our garden club. But I didn't quite get what plant you had planted in the small clay pots you had painted. What was the plant? I am also going to try and make the clay mushrooms.
Posted by: B. Toth | March 11th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Washing windows in your greenhouse would be a delightful break from moving snow outside. Soon we will not have to put on our coats and I bet your window washing crew had peeled back a couple of layers by the time they were through.
Posted by: Margie | March 11th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Enjoyed your show today and finally to hear your Grandaughter has arrived!!!!Congratulations to you and Alexis !!!!!Love her am a great fan !!!!
Posted by: Sharon | March 11th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Fabulous plants! My goodness, what a collection. Love the topiaries so much. I must buy a couple of those this year. Looking forward to your bloom of spring bulbs Martha!
Posted by: Frances | March 11th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
I enjoy your website and your greenhouse is lovely. I hope you will do another show like Martha Stewart Living one day.
You have amazing energy and talent.
A big fan and follower.
Lee
Posted by: Lee Casazza | March 11th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
Congratulations Ms. Martha, on your new baby granddaughter Jude. Kind regards to Alexis: does this mean Kevin Sharkey is going to be a godfather? I hope so!
Also so glad to hear Francesca is feeling better and will be home soon. We enjoy your blogs and shows so much.
Posted by: Marilyn in TX | March 11th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Martha, congratulations on being a 'Martha' (not grandma lol)!! Alexis is going to be an amazing mum and of course your grandaughter will be the child at school with the most amazing craft projects!! xoxoxo Bless you and your family always.
Posted by: Stefania | March 11th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
I really couldn't enjoy these photo stories more!!! I have a very small greenhouse but I love visiting it everyday just as well. I even love your enthusiasm that your vegetable garden will be growing in no time! I don't think any of us can wait for this growing season!
Posted by: Lewis Royer | March 11th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
Martha, Congratulations on your granddaughter, there is nothing like grandchildren. She is lucky to have you as a grandmother. Oh the things you will teach her! I,m betting your mother would be so happy to see you as a grandmother. Best wishes to you and Alexis.
Posted by: Linda | March 11th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
congratulations on the arrival of your granddaughter! the news brought tears to my eyes, both alexis and you must be happy beyond belief!
Posted by: liisamarja | March 12th, 2011 at 5:26 am
Martha, The plants in your greenhouse are so breathtaking! I love plants...and wish my plants could look so beautiful. How nice that you can visit it when the weather is dreary, for a glimpse of sunny days to come. Also, congratulations on the arrival of your new granddaughter! She is very lucky, indeed.
Posted by: Judy | March 12th, 2011 at 9:09 am
I love this blog. Can you share the soapy suds recipe for the windows? My office windows need to be done. The most well known window products are streaking them. So I will buy the squidgy and the sponges and the mop and get to it. Please post the soapy recipe! How much water to how much soap?? So exciting...spring is coming...planting my seeds for indoor growing this weekend...May Jude bring you love, laughter, great memories built, the strength to face her life's journey, and the grace of legacy. Big Martha is happy today for you and Alexis..I am sure!!!!She is smiling! I am sure!!!!!
Posted by: Teresa Touey | March 12th, 2011 at 11:33 am
I'm a 35 y/o single guy and I just bought some of your products for the first time. I got a comforter and 2 pillows from your hypoallergenic line. I must say the quality of your product is amazing and the price was less than half the cost of all the other competitors. Bravo Martha!
Posted by: Allen Lin | March 12th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
Love the green house!! Everything looks just beautiful!
Congratulations to you, Alexis and baby Jude! You are going to be the best Grandmother in the world!!
Posted by: Kara | March 13th, 2011 at 12:20 am
Congratulations Martha, I was so pleased to read of the arrival of Little Jude. Down here in Melbourne we no longer have the Martha Stewart Show, I really miss your show and have to keep abreast of everything via your Blog. Cheers, Larna
Posted by: Larna Ross Henry | March 13th, 2011 at 10:27 am
That was an enjoyable get away for a moment or two this overcast New England day.
Posted by: Eddie | March 13th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
Martha, what a beautiful greenhouse. A treasure to have. It makes me sad when I'm out for a drive and I see old dilapidated greenhouses that have fallen into disrepair as I would love to have one on my property. I have one question for you. I used to buy your seeds from your Kmart line and I miss having them for my garden. Do you have any other companies you might recommend that will supply seeds to give me the same amazing results I got from yours?
Posted by: Mary | March 13th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
Martha, congrats on Jude! Glad you have the afternoon free to spend with her. Live it up while she's young cause they grow up pretty fast! Give her hugs from Arkansas.
Posted by: KLBrown | March 13th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Dear Martha: You inspire me to live like my grandfather did, he was Austrian who lived in Italy and Argentina. He was a plant lover, he used to be green in the 50's, 60's, 70's and used to compost and also used manure, he trained me and also taught me to graft white grapes with red grapes and all kinds of growing marvels. Your beautiful green house must be a dream to have. Please keep inspiring us and thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Rosemary R-M | March 13th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
The sap is running in the Poconos, maple syrup time!
Posted by: Jill Porter | March 15th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Greating from the Far North Martha!
My husband & I are coming to visit Maine starting next week. We picked "spring time" just to compare Maine's Spring breakup to ours in Alaska. We are hoping you all have a quicker melting time but from the sounds of it, it's messy no matter how much snow there was. We are looking forward to our driving vacation in Maine as we are thinking of moving there this summer. Hope to bump into you sometime! I'm a big fan!
Posted by: Janice Bunting | March 17th, 2011 at 7:25 pm