In modern conditions, many tend to be closer to nature, away from the hustle, noise, environmental pollution. Given the climatic conditions of our country, during the cold season, one of the opportunities to enjoy the warmth and beauty of greenery is the winter greenhouse. Wildlife lovers often dream of arranging it in their home or apartment.
Winter garden and greenhouse - relatives
Many cannot say exactly what a greenhouse is, often confusing it with its closest relative - a winter garden. It is worth noting that it is not immediately clear what the essential difference is. They are taken as synonyms. Experts note similarities in the requirements for construction, materials, operation, however, the greenhouse is a separate building, while the garden is usually in the form of an extension to the main building. Verandas, terraces, outbuildings are being adapted for the winter garden.
Traditionally, greenhouses grow plants that need specialconditions, taking into account humidity, temperature, light, while gardens are more often used as a green recreation area. The winter garden is equipped not only as a separate room, but also used as a dining room, office, room for playing billiards and others. This is the main difference between a winter garden and a greenhouse, which is not part of the living space. Many housewives in apartment conditions create a semblance of a mini "greenhouse" or a winter garden, equipping a loggia or balcony.
The meaning of the word, the definition of the concept
What is a greenhouse? The definition of the concept itself comes from the French orangerie - orange, orange tree, English orange - orange. From here came the generalized name - "orange houses". Meaning a glass room in which conditions were created for keeping animals from overseas countries and growing citrus plants.
The structure is closed, heated, with an artificially created ecosystem, for the comfortable maintenance of exotic woody, shrubby plants and flowers (palm trees, citrus fruits, orchids, exotic fruits, any medicinal plants).
Most people who ask what a greenhouse is have associations of a heavenly, evergreen corner with fragrant flowers. Specially create conditions close to the natural environment of the tropics and subtropics. What is a greenhouse in the literal sense - this is a greenhouse in whichclimate of hot countries, with lighting, air humidity, year-round temperature 18-28 ° С.
Building and views
As a separate building, the greenhouse is placed in a well-lit place free from trees and other buildings. When choosing a layout, they start from what plants will be in the greenhouse, how they are located, taking into account the passages between them and the need to create a recreation area. Classical building - rectangular, with a gable roof. The owners of modern greenhouses strive to make the building unusual and original.
The basis of any greenhouse is a reliable (stone, concrete) insulated foundation, with a provided drainage system and underfloor heating. For supporting structures, preference is given to wooden, aluminum materials, given their strength and good thermal insulation.
Sheathing is completely transparent glass, for uniform light scattering. As a roofing material, glass or well-proven transparent polycarbonate is used. The heating system is selected based on technical and financial capabilities (gas, electric, solid fuel).
For lighting, lamps that do not emit heat are preferred, serving only as an additional source of light. It is also necessary to provide an irrigation system and additional ventilation.
In accordance with the temperature regime, several types of greenhouses are distinguished:
- cold (rare) - from 1 to 8 °С;
- semi-warm - 8-22 °С;
- warm - 22-28 °С.
It is in the warm that optimal conditions are created forbreeding, reproduction of heat-loving plants.
Using the greenhouse
Greenhouses can be used for:
- breeding exotic rare plants;
- growing heat-loving herbs, berries, fruits;
- preparing seedlings for planting in open ground;
- growing plants with a long growing season, unable to mature in the middle zone;
- creating conditions for recreation.
Usually this is not only a place of rest, but also the pride of any owner. Every gardener, amateur or professional gardener dreams of his own greenhouse. Rare specimens, exotic flora, bright flowers, the use of unusual shelves, whatnots, shelving, hanging planters in the interior - this is all that makes such a beautiful greenhouse. Here you can give free rein to your imagination. However, it is necessary to select plants according to the principle of similarity in care and needs.
For city dwellers, inhabitants of offices and stuffy offices, it is especially difficult to imagine what a greenhouse is, the charm of fresh smells, bright colors of greenery and flowers. Therefore, the idea of creating a greenhouse in an apartment is very relevant today.
