Winter Garden Glasshouse closed

Dunedin (Friday, 22 June 2018) – The 110-year-old Winter Garden Glasshouse at the Dunedin Botanic Garden is closed for several months due to refurbishment work.

Botanic Garden Team Leader Alan Matchett says the 1908 Edwardian structure will be closed until late 2018 while it undergoes work.

“Work is needed due to gradual deterioration, caused by a warm humid environment inside and exposure to seasonal elements on the outside,” he says.

To prepare, the process of moving hundreds of plants has begun.

“We need to move more than 900 plants. One glasshouse has already been emptied leaving the tropical house and the cacti and succulent house still to be cleared. Most plants will be relocated to the propagation house in the upper garden until work is completed. There will some challenges, especially with some large succulents and palms.”

The refurbishment project will improve environmental conditions and the appearance of the structure. Work includes glass replacement, repairs to window frames, doors and the metal structure, painting, floor levelling and drainage, and mechanical upgrades for louvre control to maintain desired heat and humidity settings.

“This work is important to maintain this historic building and its important contents. It also helps to ensure the Garden retains its six-star status, as one of New Zealand’s top garden experiences.”

The work will cost around $591,000 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Regular maintenance is completed every year but this level of work is required every 20 to 30 years.

In the early 1990s restoration work was undertaken. At the same time the Fernery was demolished and Edwardian characteristics of the original structure were returned.

© Scoop Media