Slowly but surely the greenhouses are all being updated. New (safety) glass went in this summer. Over the past few years, the old mechanical vent controls have been mostly replaced with computer controls. There’s no doubt these are an improvement. Finding the delicate balance of temperature, moisture, and light can be tricky especially with tiny seedlings. The new controllers are able to use current weather data as well as the temperature/humidity data from sensors in the greenhouse to control opening/closing vents and “curtains”. They’re saving energy too, by opening and closing at accurate temperatures, and by using smaller and lighter motors. The only thing I will miss about the old equipment is how much more interesting it is to photograph….
URI Botanical Gardens Blog 