Situated on the top floor of the Visitor Centre, The Green Planet Exhibition provides insightful information into plants and their effect on the world we live in. The information is displayed on attractive hanging panels surrounding a running water obelisk. A stunning statue of the Green Man made from the trunk of a Monterey Cypress provides the main focus for this exhibition.
Download a copy of the exhibition here:
Built in 1986 and opened in 1987, the house is designed to reflect the curvilinear conservatories of the Victorian era. The use of twin skinned polycarbonate sheeting removes the problem of glazing a curved surface and adds the additional bonus of energy efficiency having less heat loss than glass. During the past 15 years the opacity of the polycarbonate has increased and therefore light transmission has been much reduced. The original plantings inside had also reached a point in time where major rejuvenation was required. During the summer of 2002 it was decided to completely relandscape and re-plant. A bold and contemporary theme was decided upon, combining many environmental issues and portraying a story of nature’s triumph over the worst excesses of mankind.
The visitor enters the house through a derelict mineshaft that opens up to tropical heat. Plants are growing everywhere in the high humidity produced by running water. Further in, a pool of water containing 22 tonnes of heated water shows the Giant Waterlily in the summer months, with surrounding Egyptian Blue Lotus flowers. Climbers hang from the superstructure and shy fish can be seen in the canal next to the boardwalk.
Throughout holiday periods and various weekends, various artists both individually and in groups hold exhibitions of their work in the Echium Terrace situated in the Visitor Centre - a list of these can be found under the “What’s On” section.
