Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay, New York is home to the beautiful Camellia House greenhouse. This iconic structure has an intriguing history intertwined with the arboretum’s development in the early 20th century.
A Passion for Flowers
The Camellia House was originally built in 1913 by William and Mai Rogers Coe, the founders of Planting Fields. The Coes had a deep passion for horticulture and wanted to showcase their impressive collection of camellias, which were very popular at the time. Camellias are native to Asia and were first introduced to the West in the 18th century.
The Coes were especially fascinated by these flowers and amassed over 150 different cultivars. They needed a suitable place to grow and protect their prized camellias during cold northeastern winters. This led them to construct an “enclosed garden” specifically for camellias.
Expanding the Greenhouse
The original Camellia House was relatively small, with the iconic north-south oriented structure flanked by lower side wings. After the noted landscape architect Andrew Jackson Downing passed away in 1917, the Coes hired the Olmsted Brothers design firm to expand Planting Fields.
The Olmsted Brothers created plans for enlarging the Camellia House into more of a grand conservatory. Their drawings show two long wings extending east and west off the existing greenhouse While their ambitious visions were never fully realized, the Camellia House was expanded modestly in 1922
The Lutton Greenhouse Company constructed new wings that tripled the size of the house. This provided the needed space for the Coes’ camellia collection to flourish. By the 1930s, Planting Fields had become famous for its camellias.
Architectural Design
The Camellia House exemplifies the beauty of early 20th century greenhouse architecture The structure combines aspects of the French Renaissance style with more modern materials like metal framing
The north-south section features a dramatic vaulted ceiling reaching 30 feet. This allows sunlight to flood the interior, which is ideal for growing camellias. The walls consist of glass panes in a metal framework, allowing visitors to admire the lush flowers inside.
A distinctive balustrade balcony runs along the east and west sides, providing a scenic view overlooking the interior garden. The decorative staircases, balconies, and mythological sculptures reflect the aesthetic tastes of the era.
Continued Care
Today, the Camellia House remains a beloved highlight of Planting Fields Arboretum. As a New York State Historic Site, ongoing efforts preserve the architectural integrity of this historic structure. The greenhouse is also meticulously maintained to support the living collection inside.
Many of the original camellia specimens planted by the Coes continue to bloom each winter and early spring. Park horticulturists propagate new camellias to add to this unique heritage collection. Visitors can admire these beautiful flowers and imagine what it was like when the Coes first unveiled their Camellia House over a century ago.
The Camellia House’s centennial history encapsulates Planting Fields’ transformation into one of the premier arboreta in America. Its graceful architecture and living collection allow guests to experience the intersection of horticulture, design, and preservation. When strolling through this “enclosed garden,” it’s easy to see why the Coes were so enamored with their camellias.
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