Gardens & Grounds
Brown Family Conservatory
The estate’s Lord & Burnham Greenhouse was completed in 1913, several years before Reynolda’s Formal Gardens. Reynolds family matriarch, Katharine Reynolds, commissioned the greenhouse complex to propagate vegetables, keep melons in winter, and to present large seasonal displays to the community, including a free annual chrysanthemum show.
Over the years, the structure went through several changes — most visibly the removal of the striking curved glass on each wing. In fall 2023, the greenhouse closed for a complete restoration process to return this architectural gem to its original glory – inclusive of modern control systems installed for improved functionality and efficiency.
Reopened in October 2024 as the Brown Family Conservatory, it continues to serve as the stunning public entrance to the four acres of formal gardens. Open free to the public, visitors can enjoy seasonal displays and a curated selection of plants from around the world. Take a deep inhale inside the Orangery, “tour” five distinct Mediterranean regions, find inspiration inside the palm room, and be amazed at the variety of colors, shapes and textures found in the tropical room.
Looking to Purchase a Plant?
Inside the Melon House, a historic greenhouse added after the original Lord & Burnham complex, is stocked with plants for purchase – many propagated in Reynolda Gardens. Choose from a variety of plants, pots, and other garden-inspired boutique items available for purchase in the Reynolda Welcome Center which is connected to the Conservatory in the historic Florist Workroom. Please note the Welcome Center is cashless.
Join Us for Seasonal Plant Sales!
Reynolda Gardens also host a fall and spring plant sale. Friends (donors) of Reynolda Gardens get early access to these popular biennial events.
Not yet a friend of Reynolda Gardens? Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Friend and what your support means to the longevity of the Gardens.
Gardens Events
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Sep 22, 2026, 12:30pm — 1:30pm
Kale yeah! Learn how to grow a cool season vegetable garden that works for your needs without all the sweat. We’ll discuss unique vegetable plants that thrive between October – April, artf…
Sep 23, 2026, 10:00am — 11:00am
Join us in the Gardens to learn more about the natural world around us. Each session will engage a young naturalist in hands-on learning as we closely study a topic while enjoying the Gardens and Grou…
Sep 29, 2026, 12:30pm — 1:30pm
Join Art Chadwick of Chadwick and Son, Orchids Inc. (Richmod, VA) for an informative lecture on Cattleya orchids. For as long as cattleya hybrids have been made, breeders have been naming them after p…
Sep 30, 2026, 10:00am — 11:00am
Join us in the Gardens to learn more about the natural world around us. Each session will engage a young naturalist in hands-on learning as we closely study a topic while enjoying the Gardens and Grou…
Oct 3, 2026, 12:30pm — 1:30pm
Join us for an afternoon outside of the restored Brown Family Conservatory getting our hands dirty during this popular container workshop hosted by Reynolda Gardens’ own, Michelle Hawks. Bring a…
Oct 7, 2026, 10:00am — 11:00am
Join us in the Gardens to learn more about the natural world around us. Each session will engage a young naturalist in hands-on learning as we closely study a topic while enjoying the Gardens and Grou…