Research and Production

The life of a plant at Longwood goes through several steps before it's added to a display. First the plant is researched, either found in another habitat, or studied here for display quality. Then it's grown in our production facility and put on display.

The Research and Production Division supports and enhances Longwood’s horticultural displays by finding and evaluating new plants, studying and improving growing methods, and correctly identifying, recording, and mapping all plant accessions. The staff shares plants and information nationally and internationally. The division has a long history of improving crops through breeding and selection, and staff members advise Longwood gardeners and growers on better growing methods to improve plant production and maintenance. The division also studies the effects of various cultural techniques and environmental factors on crops, including studies on temperature, light, moisture, day length, nutrition, growing media, and propagation techniques.

Production Greenhouse

Longwood Gardens' 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Production Greenhouse Facility is the perfect marriage of beauty and brawn. High-tech systems power the 378' by 80' range of nine greenhouses, making it possible to produce exquisite plants year round under all conditions. Beneath the greenhouses lies a subterranean mechanical empire. Steam and condensate pipes run through tunnels that are spacious, well lit, and allow complete access by maintenance personnel. Seven pump stations collect condensate for return to Longwood’s Main Boiler Plant, where three massive boilers fueled by oil or gas produce steam that travels through thousands of feet of pipe to heat the Conservatory, adjacent offices, and the Production Facility. Each greenhouse is equipped with its own computerized system that automatically controls temperature, bench and perimeter heat, snow melters, and devices for cooling and shading.