The Book of the Conservatory

Rating:
Summary: The theory, aesthetics and practicalities of Conservatories
Review: Less of a how-to book than a source book for ideas and a very complete discusion on the history and theory of plant conservatories. Includes considerable detail on design features (floors, framing, furniture etc) and a small section on plants.

Virtually every one of the 170 pages contains drawings and photographs, mostly in color. The focus is British/North American, but translates to virtually any cold-temperate area in the world

You would probably need a how-to book if you were thinking of constructing a conservatory, and a planting guide book to fill it up, but you couldn't do better than start with this book to inspire and stimulate an interest in gardens under glass. A book for dreamers and do-ers alike.

Rating:
Summary: Book of the conservatory
Review: Somewhat informative but basic pictorial view of modern conservatory uses and alternatives. Like "Garden Room Style", also by Marston, barely veiled self serving to the fact that author is reputed to be linked to a manufacturing plant for conservatories and examples are dominated by same. Little here for the planner of a residential conservatory beyond what can be seen in brochures of British conservatory manufacturers that I have observed. Not much on construction, location and modern day applications of glass buildings. For inspiration and better visuals, see "Orangeries"(coffee table book), and "The Garden Room"(pictorial) or a selection of British conservatory companies' brochures.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful source of ideas for conservatory designs.
Review: This book is a real gem for anyone who is dreaming of having a conservatory one day. The photographs provide countless ideas for the design of a conservatory. In fact, it is difficult to just sit and read the book without going through all the photos first! What is also nice is that the photos showcase both the exterior and interiors of the conservatories.

Although the book does not tell how to build a conservatory, the author provides many practical pointers that the average person or builder would not know. These tips are especially useful if the conservatory has a dual purpose; i.e., dining room.

This book is an invaluable resource for anyone building a conservatory. I have yet to find any other book that covers the subject as exhaustively as this one.