2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Renaissance orangeries and Victorian conservatories were originally developed to serve as ornate, decorative structures designed to improve plant growth under unfavorable temperatures and low light. Several factors contributed to the development of these structures. First, global exploration increased the importation of exotic plant materials which, commonly originating from sub-tropical and tropical climates. As the names imply, orangeries and limonaias were constructed to protect tender fruits, as well as ornamental plants, requiring protection in temperate European climates during winter upon being brought back. In addition the influx of exotic plant materials requiring modified environments to survive and flourish, technological advancements in glass manufacturing allowed for glass panes of substantial size to be produced. These panes used in structures provided substantially more light to tender, protected plants throughout the winter. While these structures were built to protect plants, they were also made possible by and represented the wealth and opulence of their owners and patrons. Their wealth was not only reflected in the exotic plant collections and the structures that housed them, but also in the design and feature of their interior spaces. The fundamental design of these structures resemble modern-day lean-to or deep-winter greenhouse structures; transparent glazing material were placed on the south-facing walls of structures, while north walls were constructed of opaque materials with much greater insulation values. The development of Renaisance orangeries and Victorian conservatories served as important progenitors to our modern-day greenhouses.