THE LIMONAIA
The Limonaia, or Lemon House, is one of two conservatories at New England Botanic Garden. The Limonaia maintains cooler seasonal temperatures between 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit. The Limonaia primarily houses the Garden’s camellias (Camellia japonica), many of which are from the Isabella Stewart Gardener collection, date palms, cycads, lemon trees, and other collection plants that prefer a slightly less humid subtropical atmosphere are also housed here. Festina lente, written on the outside of the building, translates to “make haste slowly,” suggesting guests fully immerse themselves in their surroundings while passing through this conservatory.
Built in 2010, the Limonaia is located just off the lobby, nestled between The Court: A Garden Within Reach and the Winter Garden. The conservatory was built with a cathedral-like interior that mimics the traditional layout of a lemon house. Frosted polycarbonate along the roof diffuse light, allowing for consistently bright but indirect sunlight to filter in.
Each spring, the plants of the Limonaia are moved from the conservatory and placed outdoors around the Garden. As colder months return, the plants are moved back into the conservatory. Each “move-in,” the layout of the Limonaia changes as the horticulture staff work with new designs and aesthetics.
