The Old Greenhouse

Recently Lasdon Park had visitors to view our behind-the-scenes greenhouses. These two greenhouses are used for winter storage of tropical plants and seed and plug growing. Imagine our surprise when one said we had a Lord and Burnham greenhouse! Who were Lord and Burnham?

The Lord and Burnham company was founded in 1850 and became one of the most important greenhouse manufacturers in America. Many large conservatories, both public and private, built between the 1920’s and the 1960’s were Lord and Burnham models. The New York Botanical Garden’s Haupt Conservatory and US Botanical Gardens were designed by them. Their company was based in Irvington, New York, to be closer to the great estates along the Hudson River.

Originally made from cypress wood, iron, steel and float glass, they were later constructed with aluminum frames and tempered glass. 

A visit to the archives held at The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, New York gave us confirmation that we indeed had a Lord and Burnham greenhouse.  The librarian produced the proposed greenhouse plans drawn for William Lasdon on Amawalk Road dated May 1, 1959. The structure matched our greenhouse perfectly including the workspace currently known as the headhouse.