Renovations at the Durfee Conservatory
In 2007, the Durfee Conservatory began a series of interior and exterior renovation projects in order to improve the over-all quality of the collection and to upgrade environmental control equipment. The following "Before and After" pictures highlight some of the renovations and upgrades that have been completed since 2007. One major upgrade project involved the installation of an integrated heating and venting control system to improve energy efficiency. The antiquated Lord and Burnham mechanical venting and heating controls were replaced with a new computerized Wadsworth control system.
The Northeast section of the Tropical House was renovated in order to provide additional seating for patrons.
The new benches were set back into the planting beds in order to provide patrons with additional space.
New shelving and screening were installed to highlight the bonsai collection. Wood boards and rails were added to cover cement benches.
A UV filtration system and aeration pump were installed in the pond to control algae and improve water quality. A waterfall feature was installed at the west end of the pond and the bright blue paint along the sides of the pond was painted over to give the pond area a more natural look.
The addition of shelving in the Succulents House has allowed for the expansion of the collection and an easier to read labeling system.
