Grow Houses

Greenhouse

The Preserve’s greenhouse provides more than 1,600 square feet of all-season growing space. The temperature-controlled environment allows us to grow plants both for our spring opening and late into the year. The greenhouse was built in 2014 under the supervision of then-nursery manager Robert Mahler and with the key support of the then-chair of the Nursery Committee, the late Ian McNeill, and the late Pete Barrell, a Preserve volunteer.

The greenhouse’s construction was made possible by the financial support of: the Bucks County Foundation; The McLean Contributionship; the Norman Raab Foundation; the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program; the Stanley Smith Horticulture Trust; and individuals who made private donation.

Hoop Houses

Three hoop houses in the center of the nursery also enable us to shelter additional plants all year long. Each one is fitted with an irrigation system, shade cloths and anti-weed mat linings on the ground. During the colder months, plastic draped over top of the hoops protects plants from extreme weather and pests.

Propagation House

The propagation house serves many purposes, including seed storage and refrigeration, and storage for signs, soil, soil amendments, fertilizer, pots, trays and tools. It is also our primary hub for seed cleaning and processing. The eaves overhanging the front of the building allow propagation volunteers to pot plants even during inclement weather.