Tag: greenhouses

  • The Orangery Greenhouse: Past and Present

    The Orangery Greenhouse: Past and Present

    For many plant lovers, an Orangerie or orangery greenhouse adds a new dimension to gardening and allows tender and exotic plants to be nurtured and grown. Long before modern orangeries began gracing the yards of gardening enthusiasts, the original Orangeries were mainly used for growing (you guessed it!) oranges.

    History of the Orangery Greenhouse

    Originating in England in the 17th century, these structures were first designed to cultivate fruit trees and became a symbol of wealth and prestige for the elite. Groundskeepers imported orange trees, banana plants, and pomegranates and nurtured the exotic fruits in Orangeries.

    Versailles, St. Petersburg, and Vienna were home to some of the most well-known examples of orangery architecture.  Some were completely freestanding, while others were attached to houses, where exotics could be grown and protected from harsh frosts.

    As the understanding of plant care evolved and the cost of glass diminished, Orangeries became prominent in more estates and served as an architectural feature of the garden. 

     

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    What Do People Grow in Orangeries Today?

    Today, Orangeries can be used to grow various fruits and plants, including figs, avocados, bananas, and citrus. They’re also suitable for cultivating herbs, tomatoes, and peppers. For those seeking a decorative space, an Orangerie can be an excellent solution for growing succulents and cacti. Unlike traditional Orangeries, which were mainly for citrus cultivation, modern Orangeries blend the aesthetics of a conservatory with greenhouse functionality, serving as a stylish space for both plants and relaxation.

    Discover Janssens Junior, Royal, and Antique Orangerie Greenhouses

    With their T-shaped design, the Janssens line of Orangeries captures the charm of English greenhouses. Despite their heirloom aesthetic, they are made with 4mm tempered glass and a 17-gauge aluminum frame. They’re not just attractive; they’re also designed to withstand strong winds and moderate hail.

    Janssens Orangeries Feature:

    • Glass panels secured with heavy-duty rubber seals provide superior insulation to other glass greenhouses. This results in lower energy costs and more consistent temperatures.
    • 4mm tempered glass, which is 1mm thicker than that offered by most competitors
    • Seamless vertical glass panels to enhance both appearance and ease of cleaning
    • Elegant roof edge and classic English design
    • Thicker and stronger aluminum profiles for added durability

    Consider your primary goals when choosing between a traditional greenhouse and an Orangerie. A traditional polycarbonate greenhouse may be more suitable if you seek optimal plant growth and functionality. However, an Orangerie can deliver if you desire an aesthetically pleasing space with lots of sunlight for gardening and relaxation.

    Need help finding your dream garden structure? Contact one of our partners for more information about our Janssens line of Orangeries, modern, antique, and Victorian greenhouses.

     

  • Where to Place Your Victorian Green House

    Where to Place Your Victorian Green House

    If the idea of a Victorian green house conjures up visions of a garden escape, you’re not alone. These timeless structures are more than just beautiful; they offer a unique combination of traditional charm and functional design. When placed thoughtfully in your garden, a Victorian greenhouse can provide the perfect environment for your plants to thrive. With high ceilings and ornate details, they’re the ultimate choice for those who want both form and function and pay homage to a bygone time.

    Why Choose a Victorian Green House?

    What makes a Victorian greenhouse stand out among other options? Unlike modern or polycarbonate greenhouses, they usually have a pitched roof, many have finials, and can feature large, expansive glass panels that let in maximum sunlight. The glass allows your plants to bask in natural light from all angles, which is essential for growth. Plus, the vintage style adds a touch of character to your garden space.

    While owning a Victorian greenhouse can provide the edge to gardening by providing a controlled environment, there are no guarantees you’ll have a green thumb or be able to nurture finicky plants or crops without any challenges.

    There are lots of factors that should be considered if you plan on becoming the master of your greenhouse space.

    First and foremost, location is everything. Carefully planning this before purchasing can help ensure your happiness and success, whether you choose a Victorian greenhouse or a traditional style.

    Find the Perfect Spot for Your Victorian Greenhouse

    To maximize prosperity from your plants, you should aim to place your greenhouse with the ridge running from East to West. This exposure means your plants will happily bask in sunlight all day, which is necessary for colorful blooms, healthy foliage, and for bearing fruits.

    Worried about sensitive plants? Shading solutions can help solve that as can aftermarket tinting. There is solar film that can be applied later to the glass, or greenhouse whitewash paint- something like Kool Ray Liquid Shade. This is painted on the greenhouse and wears off over the spring/summer with the weather. Creative greenhouse owners can also partition areas of their space with plants needing more or less sunlight and arrange what grows there as needed. There’s also shade cloth and exhaust fans to help control indoor temps.

    Keep in mind a glasshouse like those from the Janssens Victorian or Alton’s Cedar greenhouses are excellent in cold weather but can heat up quickly in the summertime when temps soar, especially in southern climates. Even with proper ventilation and shade, glasshouses can be too warm to grow comfortably in mid to late summer. Sometimes they are best for extending the growing season, overwintering, and having an outdoor space for other leisure activities.

    More to Consider

    Not only is the exposure a major factor in determining greenhouse placement you’ll also need to think about the ground below. Your greenhouse should be placed on level footing. This will help reduce site preparation and help ensure you have the best base. Unlevel ground means your doors may not close properly or fit together.

    Need power to your greenhouse? Think about your utilities, too. You may consider laying conduits under your foundation to power your exhaust fan, intake vent, lighting, and heater. And you should consider installing water lines. A greenhouse situated closer to the home can offset some of the costs of bringing in power and water.

    Last, even though trees can be helpful and serve as a natural shading source, they’ll also block natural sunlight, which some plants need to thrive. In hotter climates trees can be useful, but falling limbs can damage your greenhouse, so keep that in mind.

    Need Help?

    With proper consideration, you can find the perfect location for your greenhouse. Exaco distributes European and Victorian greenhouses for all types property owners. Contact our team if you have any questions about ideal site placement or for more assistance selecting the best greenhouse for your needs.

    Whether it’s a Victorian greenhouse or a modern outdoor structure, where you put it makes all the difference.