About THE GREENHOUSE:

The Greenhouse at Oatlands is a unique example of horticultural architecture. When George Carter had it constructed in 1810, horticulture was considered a gentleman’s pursuit. Landowners like Carter routinely collected cuttings, exchanged seeds and looked to see what was new and rare. This humble space was where enslaved people trialed new cultivars and propagated cuttings, in some cases setting the precedent for the plants we see today in our nurseries and garden centers. These gardeners arguably broke horticultural ground right here in northern Virginia as they used the greenhouse—with its facing orientation and underfloor heating system—to their full advantage. Later, the same space became packed with tropicals as part of Victorian “plant mania” before being lovingly restored by the Eustis family. Outfitting it with a new Lord and Burnham roof and new heating system they gave the greenhouse a new lease on life and filled with boxwoods, snapdragons, tomatoes and rhubarb. 

It is our goal to not only restore this special building, but explore the ways in which it can be enjoyed as a greenhouse once more.

Follow the link below if you are not able to attend but would like to donate. Thank you!