The Lyman Estate Greenhouses, c. 1804-1930
185 Lyman Street
Waltham, Mass. 02452
781-891-1985
LymanEstateGreenhouses@HistoricNewEngland.org
Directions
Open for visits and sales:
December 15 - July 15 , Wednesday - Sunday
9:30am - 4pm (until 7pm on Thursdays)
July 16 - December 14 , Closed Sundays
Guided tours: first Wednesday of the month, on the hour, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Guided tour fee: $6 / Historic New England members free
Group tours by appointment
The historic Lyman Estate Greenhouses are among the oldest examples still in existence in the United States. At any time of the year a visit to these picturesque greenhouses is a treat. In June and July the oldest plants in the greenhouses are laden with huge clusters of Black Hamburg grapes, grown from cuttings taken in 1870 from the British royal greenhouses at Hampton Court. The Green Muscat of Alexandria grapes also put forth their delicious fruit at this time. The century old Camellia collection brightens midwinter days with exquisite red, pink and white flowers.
Each generation of the Lyman family added its touch through the addition of three structures. The Camellia greenhouse was added in 1820, the Orchid greenhouse in 1840 and the area now featuring the greenhouse shop was added in 1930.
The 1840 Orchid house is home to thousands of beautiful orchids from all over the world.
Two of our specialty plant sales coincide with the peak bloom of the collection. Thousands of orchid plants, both species and hybrids, are available for the spring and fall sales.
Our expert horticultural staff offers advice and assistance with repotting and plant selection. The greenhouse shop boasts a large selection of tropical houseplants, herbs, and orchids. Specialty sales include a spring herb sale featuring thousands of naturally grown culinary, medicinal, and ornamental herbs, and our Hosta and Perennial sale with locally grown and hard-to-find varieties. Select the perfect gift in the recently expanded gift shop. Historical gardening books, brass sundials, thermometers, lavender sachets, orchid accessories, pottery, reproduction redware and rustic twig furniture are just some of the many items available.
Discover more about the Lyman Estate landscape in the Historic
New England magazine archives:
