Gardening Topic for February 2007
The Talcott Greenhouse at Mt. Holyoke

Provided by the Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association
www.wmassmastergardeners.org.

Tired of winter? Visit the Talcott Greenhouse at Mount Holyoke College at the corner of Dunlap Place and Lower Lake Road in South Hadley, Mass. Built in the late 1800’s the Victorian- era greenhouse has a permanent collection of non-hardy plants from around the world. The collection includes orchids, cacti and succulents, ferns, begonias, bromeliads, aquatic and tropical plant. The Biology department uses many of the plants for teaching. Art classes are often working in the greenhouse.

The Greenhouse actually consists of several buildings.  You enter what is called the Head House.  To your right is the Warm Production House, followed by the Cool Production House.  Returning to the Head House, if you continue straight you will enter the Show House which is the oldest greenhouse in the complex.  This house is used for plants that need cool but not freezing winter temperatures and is also where the Spring Flower Show is displayed.  Beyond the Show House is the Succulent House where you will find cacti and other succulents.  Once again returning to the Head House, turn left to enter the Cycad House where you will find many plants native to tropical and sub-tropical areas.  Beyond the Cycad House you enter the Orchid House which contains the majority of the garden's collection of orchids.  Finally, enter the Conservatory which also houses tropical and subtropical plants.

Many annual plants and bulbs are forced into flower for the spring show. Tulips and narcissus are always popular. Cineraria,calceolaria, primrose, ranunculus, freesia and anemone are used for more color. The spring bulb show starts March 3 and ends March 18, 2007.

Greenhouse Hours are Monday- Friday 9-4 Saturday and Sunday 1-4

The spring perennial plant sale is on May 27 and June 3, 2007 9-4.

For more information on the Talcott Greenhouse, the Campus Arboretum, and the Campus Gardens, or to join the Friends of the Mount Holyoke Botanic Garden, visit the Garden's website at http://www.mtholyoke.edu/offices/botan/index.shtml .

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Provided by the Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association
www.wmassmastergardeners.org