A cold frame is a low
structure built into the ground with a clear top to let in sunlight while
protecting plants from cold. The Homestead's existing cold frame was
probably built by John Jay II in the second half of the 19th century and was
part of a larger greenhouse complex that consisted of a large greenhouse, a
small greenhouse, a grapery, a forcing house, additional cold frames, and six
hotbeds. Correspondence between John Jay II, his garden staff, and a local
florist suggest that hardy and half-hardy plants such as primroses, pansies,
hollyhocks, ferns, amaranths, and carnations were started in the greenhouse,
then transplanted to the cold frames for the winter. The flowers grown in the
greenhouse complex were supplied to establishments in New York City.
The restored cold frame is a full 23’ long by 6’ wide and
will be the perfect place for starting our vegetable and flower seedlings. What
could be better than getting a head start on spring plantings.
Friends - P.O. Box 148, Katonah, NY 10536 - phone: 914.232.8119 - fax: 914.232.5974 - e-mail: friends@johnjayhomestead.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Site - P.O. Box 832 - 400 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 10536 - phone: 914.232.5651 - fax: 914.232.8085 - www.nysparks.com
