An orangery is a structure similar to a greenhouse that is used for growing oranges and other citrus fruits. It might be constructed from a variety of materials, including stone or brick. It is normally heated and has long windows on the southern end of it to allow plenty of sunshine in. It has traditionally been considered a symbol of prestige on the estates of wealthy individuals. This building is usually found in countries with cold climates, such as Russia or Germany.
The main purpose of an orangery is to house citrus trees in areas where they normally do not grow. For this reason, this building is normally very tall. In many instances, one can be two to three stories high.
Brick or stone is often used to construct this greenhouse, but it might also be made of wood. An orangery usually has tall windows spanning from floor to ceiling along one of the walls. There can also be rows of windows along the top and bottom of the building.
These structures need to be heated as orange trees normally grow only in warm locations. Prior to the 20th century, this was often accomplished by building wood fires inside the building. In more recent times, this is generally done by using electric or gas heat.
In the period between the 17th and 19th centuries, having an orangery on your property was a sign of wealth and privilege. This was due, in large part, to the fact that these buildings were expensive to build and maintain. It was also uncommon for citrus to be found in colder climates, so those who had these trees were often envied by their fellow citizens.
Many times, orangeries can be found in countries that are known to have cold weather much of the year. A few of these places include Germany, Russia, and Sweden. Even so, the buildings are sometimes found in the U.S. and the U.K. Some of the older structures found in Europe may now be used for other purposes, such as restaurants or hotels.
An orangery is not usually a practical building for most people to construct. This is not only because it must be very big, but also due to the fact that it typically requires a great deal of maintenance. This can mean that having one of these structures is still a sign of financial prosperity, even in the present day.