Annabel Rutherford on how volunteers teamed up with the council to help restore Broomfield Park Conservatory

The impressive cactus collection (credit Annabel Rutherford)

Stepping into Broomfield Park Conservatory is like entering a magical tropical world.

The bright displays of exotic plants and the calming sound of the waterfall offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The only thing needed to complete the jungle atmosphere is a guest appearance by some of North London’s infamous parakeets.

Some visitors have been going to the conservatory for years, while for others it is a brand new experience. Regardless, this packed mini oasis never fails to fascinate. Strelitzia reginae (the bird of paradise plant), orchids, billbergia, canna lilies, gingers, begonias, trailing Spanish moss, bougainvillea, yucca and banana trees are just some of the gems vying for attention.

Now, after eight months of major refurbishment by Enfield Council, the conservatory is set to reopen in the middle of May.

The refurbishment works presented several horticultural challenges. The need to shroud the scaffolding in white sheeting, which was then covered by a corrugated metal roof, meant that light levels were significantly reduced. Specialist lighting was installed, with a degree of success, and it was interesting to see the plants adapt in different ways.

The leaves of some plants became darker, and various flowers lost their pigment, while others were not affected at all. According to Liz Macnicol, one of the conservatory’s 24 dedicated volunteers, the bromeliads coped better than most.

Broomfield Park Conservatory boasts a large rockery and central bed with palm trees (credit Annabel Rutherford)

Naturally, the plants need a ready source of moisture, which is normally provided by rainwater. Insectivorous plants and orchids in particular do not cope well with treated tap water. However, the protective sheeting prevented rain from accessing the gutters which feed two large on-site water tanks. Fortunately, a resourceful volunteer set up a system whereby rainwater would run off the sheeting into a dustbin. Although not convenient, there was enough rainwater for the plants that needed it.

The delayed reopening was partly caused by the need to replace the upper section of the conservatory, known as the lantern, which was found to be in a very poor and dangerous state.

However, it has been worth the wait: the conservatory has been redecorated inside and out; new preformed metal trays have been installed on the staging, where most of the plants are displayed; the windows at the lower level and in the lantern now open and close properly; and the winding mechanisms have been repaired.

While Liz says that this has been a very trying time for the volunteers, she also stresses that the contractors, Enfield Council, and the conservatory team, worked as equal partners: all agreed that the needs of the plants came first.

For more information about the conservatory and for a list of opening times:
Visit fobp.uk/conservatory.php

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.