Conservatories of today are a far cry from the original glass houses of yesteryear. These were constructed primarily to protect exotic plants from the worst ravages of a British winter and were often found gracing only the magnificent of stately homes.

However the modern conservatory in comparison has become very popular and can not only provide additional space for year round living but also superb conditions for a variety of houseplants.

A conservatory is no longer a separate building, an awkward appendage seemingly stuck on to an available wall. It is now a bespoke item, designed and constructed not only to suit individual budgets and tastes but as integral part of the property itself.

The real beauty of a conservatory is that it is a room, which is part home and part garden bringing the delicious scents that abound in the garden, indoors. It also affords a cosy and comfortable haven in which to enjoy the outdoors even when the wind and rain is lashing all around.

Once built many people find that this beautiful room becomes a focal point and is used much more than was originally anticipated. The high glass content of a conservatory can be an ideal room for growing a variety of houseplants. However care must be taken when selecting plants to ensure they will enjoy the conditions afforded by the aspect of the room and whether it is heated or not.

Even if the conservatory is unheated there are a number of plants that will thrive, provided a few elementary rules are followed. Ensure the room is well-ventilated during the hot summer months and draught-free during the winter.

Choose from Callistemon the beautiful 'bottle brush' plant which requires several hours of direct sun in order to bloom well. The stunningly exotic-looking Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan palm) is also a good choice although remember that this palm does well outside too! If kept in a conservatory ensure it receives three to four hours of direct sunlight. The same can be said for Phoenix canariensis (date palm) although this would enjoy being indoors for the winter if it is likely to be exposed to biting winds and very hard frosts. Varieties of cacti can also be kept in these conditions as in their natural habitat they often experience extremes of temperature. Bear in mind that the cacti also need a very free draining compost in order for them to thrive.

However if you choose to heat your conservatory there are a range of plants that require a minimum winter heat of 10¡C (50¡F). Select from varieties of orchid (Cattleya) which love bright light but no direct sunlight. Orchids also need high humidity during the growth period; there are a range of beautiful copper water features that will not only do this job admirably but will provide you with a real conversation piece also. Bougainvillea will need a minimum of 4 hours direct sunlight in order to bloom so a South or West-facing conservatory would be ideal. Gardenia, Philodendron, Stephanotis and Sanserveria (mother-in-lawÕs tongue) are also suitable for a heated conservatory. Don't forget carnivorous plants, which can thrive in these conditions provided you use rain or boiled, cooled water for them to sit in during the spring and summer months. They will help to take care of the occasional fly too!

Do remember, if having a conservatory for the first time, to ensure that it is built with safety and security in mind. Glass and doors should carry the relevant British kite marks as should the roof, so that it withstands extreme weather such as high winds, rain and snow loading. Nowhere else, at least from an indoor vantage point, does a conservatory give you such a direct and unashamedly open view, whilst at the same time providing some of the best conditions possible for you to grow a variety of simply stunning plants.

Now all you have to do is to sit back, relax and enjoy.