The Community Greenhouses are among the many
delightful legacies of the old Brewster Estate. In
addition, the Sarah T. Crosby Conservatory, a part of
the greenhouse complex, houses a collection of plants
from various parts of the world. It features a
rainforest exhibit, a dry landscape and a beautiful
exhibition of orchids lent by under glass renters. A
Foundation grant finances material for tours and
docents give 3rd through 6th graders in the New Haven
Public School system an introductory science and
environmental tour of the Conservatory of Tropical
Plants. There is no charge for New Haven Schools. The
Conservatory is wheelchair accessible.
For teachers in the 3rd through 6th grades
Edgerton Park Conservancy offers an introductory
science and environmental tour of the Conservatory of
Tropical Plants in the greenhouses in Edgerton Park.
This includes rainforest plants, desert plants and a
collection of tropical plants that provide food and
products we use. We discuss the structure and needs of
plants with the children. Each child has a hands-on
experience learning to pot a plant and then take it
home to practice horticulture. We provide a rainforest
activities booklet to each teacher as a follow-up to
reinforce what the children have learned in their
visit to the conservatory.
There is no charge for this program.
Please ask for a date from Margaret DeVane at
624-8942. Then request a bus immediately. When
confirmed let Margaret know so docents are scheduled
for your day. Tours last from 10 A.M. to 11:15 or
11:30 depending on your schedule.
Edgerton Greenhouses are located just off Whitney
Avenue at 75 Cliff Street at the Hamden-New Haven
line.
A Community Rental Greenhouse program in Edgerton Park
was established in 1981 to provide area residents with
winter gardening opportunities from October to June.
The four-wing greenhouse complex saw major renovations
over a seven-year period starting in 1993 with masonry
restoration in the Crosby Conservatory. By 1998 two
wings with 200 spaces were serving the Community
Greenhouse program. At present, the south wing, which
is humidified, is ideal for growing orchids, while the
dry east wing is used for tropicals and indoor plants.
Space is limited and wait-listing is encouraged. A
seasonal lease for the first space is $80 plus $70 for
each additional space. The greenhouses are at 75 Cliff
Street, New Haven. For details or to put your name on
the waiting list, contact Larry Soghoian at
L.Soghoian@snet.net.
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