Temperature-wise, the South West of England is generally moderate, at least in UK terms! The ocean has a stabilising effect on day and night-time temperature levels, which is great news for gardeners. Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset enjoy relatively few hard frosts and pleasantly warm summer days- perfect for growing the a wide variety of ornamental plants and vegetables and perfect for enjoying the fruits of your labours in the back garden.
Unfortunately the oceanic climate combines with the geography of the South West to create a lot of precipitation too- rain, rain, and more rain. Wind is another problem. In fact, the South West is not only one of the warmest regions in the UK but also one of the windiest.
Conservatories in the South West are often built more to provide shelter rather than heat for plant life, but the warm outside temperatures mean that frost-sensitive species can be grown under glass with relative ease. Conservatories in Cornwall, Devon, and nearby counties are often host to beautiful plants it would require a heated greenhouse to grow with success in colder places.
Of course, the conservatories of the South West (and anywhere else, naturally!) are also built to be enjoyed by people. They are wonderful when it’s raining but also provide a lovely place to enjoy sunny summer days safely sheltered from the wind. In certain coastal areas where the wind is a constant problem, a sunny, sheltered place is a boon to anyone who enjoys their garden.
If you’ve ever wanted a warm, sunny place to sit amongst passionfruit vines and hibiscus flowers and perhaps a tangerine tree or two, you could travel to a country with a tropical climate or you could look a little closer to home. There are plenty of spots just like that in the conservatories of Cornwall, Dorset, and Devon.