BCSS - Forum

This summer saw me move my mixed collection from an old Alton greenhouse into a "cactus house" built onto the side of our house. As well as a lovely ambient environment for the plants we use the room for entertaining and relaxing. My wife and I see much more of the plants which means they get much closer attention, and my wife being much more organised than me insists the space is kept clean and tidy. The cactus house has underfloor heating, double-glazed windows and doors, and a 5-ply polycarbonate roof. Repotting, seed-raising, and housing less show-worthy plants all occurs in a more traditional greenhouse away from the cactus house. Quite a lot of succulents are still outside at this time off the year so I'll soon have to be ruthless about which ones go into the cactus house and which go back into the greenhouse.
The photos show a couple of views of the cactus house being built and then a couple of views from inside it now, and some of my echeverias and larger aloes still outside.
The exterior landscaping of the cactus house isn't quite done yet, so I'll post some more photos when it's ready.
David and Nicola, York

This is a very interesting idea David and I'm sure it will work really well. Repotting in the warmth sounds a great idea for the winter.

That is very impressive David. You can now co-exist in harmony with your plants.

It looks a delightful place and I'm very impressed that you put many plants on conventional furniture. My only worry is that your desire to increase your collection may overcrowd the room and push out some furniture and possibly you. How many more will there be in winter? You have a lot outside, as I do, and it can be a real problem cramming them all inside.
A closer look at the plants would be very nice, if you could manage it.

I visited on York's open greenhouse day and was really impressed. Lots of interesting caudiciforms, Euphorbias, miniature Agaves, etc. My mum was really inspired by how the plants were displayed on bookshelves and cabinets and has been looking for interesting old furniture on ebay! She has a boring old conservatory not a cactus house though.