A History Of Orangeries

Orangeries were basically large ornate conservatoriesto keep in the warmth.
for tender plant varieties. Orange trees were theThe first examples were basic and built using the
main intended plant for propagation; this is where thegarden wall as the main wall of the new Orangery,
name Orangeries and orangery originated. Soon afterbut as Orangeries became more and more popular
the use for Orange and lime trees the varieties ofthey started to become more and more influenced
plants, shrubs and exotic plants that were housedby Garden Designers and Architects, this led to the
became very extensive. Mainly by the wealthy whoconnection between the house Architecture
could afford to travel and bring back samples ofOrangery Design. This became further influenced by
these plants and be able to pay for the upkeep ofthe increased demand for beautiful exotic plants in
these delicate plants in the cold winters of Englandthe garden, which could be grown and looked after in
and northern Europe. This soon created a situationthe Orangeries. This created the increased demand in
where Orangeries became symbols of status amongGarden design for the wealthy to have there own
the wealthy.exotic private gardens, further fuelling the status of
We have found that as early as 1545 an orangerythe Orangery becoming even more the symbol of
was built in Padua Italy. These first Orangeries werethe elite. This intern created the need for Orangeries
not as well thought out or as ornate as our modernto be constructed using even better techniques such
versions, most had no heating and in the very coldas under floor heating and the ability to have opening
nights had to have open fires made up to keep themwidows in the roofs for ventilation.
warm.Creating microclimates for the propagation of more
The building of Orangeries became fashionable afterand more exotic plants for the private gardens that
the end of the eighty years war in 1648, thewere becoming creations of beauty all around Europe.
countries that started this trend were FranceWith the development of modern materials in the
Germany and the Netherlands, these were theinsulation and glazing industries it is now possible to
countries that sore merchants start importing largeconstruct Orangeries with the beauty of ornate
numbers of orange trees, banana plants andGarden Designs and Architural influences more in
pomegranates to cultivate for their beauty and scent.keeping with modern design and todays use
The need to build these Orangeries came from tworequirements. Orangeries are now constructed for
areas the need to house such delicate plants and themore and more people who wish for something more
image status from the wealthy, both however werethan an extension or a Conservatory and want all
constricted in there choice of materials available foryear round additional space to there homes which
the task, if they were south facing then they wereadds one of the most luxurious and beautiful rooms
constructed with brick or stone bases, brick or stonethat are possible to be build today.
pillars with a corbelled gutter arrangement and mainlyAre among the most relaxing and luxurious additions
had large tall windows to benefit from the warmto any house and are genuinely able to be used all
sunlight in the afternoons, if north facing then veryyear round in comfort. If you would like to
heavy on the solid walls and much smaller windowsexperience a newly completed Orangery, experience
to be able to keep the rooms warm. Insulation atthe Beauty and comfort at first hand then visit our
these times was one of the biggest concerns for theshow site and sit in our display Orangery or visit our
building of these Orangeries, straw became the mainweb site.
material used also many had wooden shutters fitted