Greenhouse Gardening - Orangeries

Orange trees were introduced to England from France in 1562, but needed protection from weather during winter. Eventually, special greenhouses were designed. Initially, however, orange trees were covered by “wooden tabernacles” and heated by stoves. At the Oxford Botanic Garden in about 1630, orange trees in containers were trundled around fires in wooden sheds in winter and positioned outdoors in summer. Later, glass structures – known as orangeries – were specifically designed, eventually leading to glass roofs and sides and the first great conservatories.

In Northern Europe, orangeries were also popular and used to house figs as well as oranges, while in Germany they gained additional popularity as places for concerts and all kinds of theatrical entertainments.