The Reynolda greenhouse, built in 1913 by Katharine Smith Reynolds, the wife of tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds, is one of the South’s most iconic glasshouses. Set within the couple’s sprawling estate in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the glass conservatory was designed to display a variety of plants and serve as an educational hub for the community. However, after a century of use, the greenhouse had fallen into disrepair, its original charm dulled, and its functionality compromised. When Jon Roethling assumed leadership of Reynolda Gardens in 2018, he realized that the structure required more than a fresh coat of paint—it needed a complete overhaul.
Working with greenhouse consultant Jim Smith and referencing historical documents, including the original blueprints held by the New York Botanical Garden, the restoration team embarked on a comprehensive plan to return the greenhouse to its former grandeur. “This is not the kind of place where you can just slap a coat of paint on and call it a day,” Roethling reflects.
A Historical Perspective and Modern Restoration Techniques
Katharine Reynolds’ vision for the greenhouse was ahead of its time. Not only did she demand a local stone foundation and insist on employing North Carolina workers, but she also wanted the greenhouse to function as a public space—a teaching hub where local residents could learn about horticulture. This approach set Reynolda apart from other private estates, making the glasshouse a rare combination of beauty, functionality, and accessibility.
Over the years, however, the greenhouse lost some of its luster. The Palm House, a central feature of the conservatory, had been covered with unsightly aluminum panels and algae. The curved glass ceilings, originally designed to capture the perfect amount of sunlight, had been replaced with straight panes, and many of the vents had to be manually adjusted. Rooms that once housed exotic plants had been converted into makeshift production spaces, diminishing the aesthetic and educational value of the greenhouse.
To restore the space, Reynolda enlisted the expertise of the greenhouse restoration group, Prospiant. The restoration plan included critical updates like repointing the original stone foundation, installing automated ventilation systems to control airflow and temperature, and reintroducing the curved glass ceilings that had been lost over time. The restoration team also redesigned the adjacent building, which had been repurposed over the years, into a welcoming entrance. The Brown Family Conservatory, as it is now called, serves as a center for visitors to learn about gardening, attend workshops, and enjoy plant sales.
Sustainability and Accessibility at the Heart of the Renovation
While the restoration focused on honoring the original design, the project also incorporated modern sustainable practices. The greenhouse now includes automatic vent systems that regulate the temperature and airflow, reducing the need for energy-intensive manual adjustments. New ramps ensure that the space is accessible to all visitors, making the garden a place where everyone can experience the beauty of plants and horticulture.
The most exciting aspect of the restoration, according to Roethling, is the opportunity to populate the greenhouse with new plants. The Palm House has been transformed into a vibrant display space, home to exotic plants such as tropical orchids, silvery olive trees, and bromeliads. Citrus trees thrive in the newly restored orangery, and the entire greenhouse is now filled with diverse plant species that were once common in the garden. The careful restoration of the glasshouse ensures that the space not only serves as a living museum but also as an educational tool for generations to come.
Revitalizing History for the Future
The restoration of Reynolda’s century-old greenhouse is a beautiful example of how preserving history and embracing modern innovation can go hand in hand. By carefully restoring the structure to its original design while integrating sustainable technologies, Reynolda Gardens has created a space that honors the vision of Katharine Reynolds and provides future generations with an accessible, educational hub. This project highlights the importance of preserving historical agricultural structures while ensuring they remain relevant in the face of contemporary challenges like sustainability and accessibility.
The Reynolda greenhouse now stands as a testament to the vision of its original designer and the dedication of those who worked to bring it back to life, proving that when we preserve the past, we also plant the seeds for a brighter future.
