Mid Island on Staten Island in Richmond County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Carl Grillo Glass House and Perennial Garden
Glass House renovations: 1999
Chief of Design: Robert C. Johnert, RLA
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 7, 2026
1. Carl Grillo Glass House and Perennial Garden Marker
Many residents of Sailors' Snug Harbor worked in the greenhouse, or "glass house," tending to the plants and vegetables that helped feed and beautify their residential community.
Its renovation as part of the Staten Island Botanical Garden modernized its systems, nearly tripled its size, and added two reflecting pools. the Glass House was dedicated in the memory of Carl Grillo, a community leader and award-winning gardener. Though the building is typically not open to the public except for special tours, it is used all year to propagate plants, house tropical botanicals, and maintain aquaponics.
In the Perennial Garden, which encircles the Glass House, plants that live 2+ years are arranged to create a year-round botanical display, providing a unique natural experience that inspires appreciation and learning. It is the first garden to bloom in the springtime, with snowdrops, crocuses, hellebores, daffodils leading the way. What other perennials in the garden can you identify?
Erected by Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden; NYC & Company Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cottage Row (within shouting distance of this marker); New York Chinese Scholar's Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Matron's House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); New Earth - Apocalypse Knowledge Advancement Unit (NEAKA), 2014 (about 400 feet away); Robert Richard Randall (about 500 feet away); In Loving Memory of SSHLL President Anthony Michael Varvaro (about 500 feet away); Snug Harbor Little League (about 500 feet away); Staten Island Museum (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Staten Island.
Other markers no longer nearby. Carl Grillo Glass House (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Cottage Row (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Governor's House (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 7, 2026
2. Carl Grillo Glass House and Perennial Garden Marker in front of the Glass House
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 51 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 8, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
