An Orangerie, or Orangery to be less continental about it, is essentially a greenhouse where fancy homes grew citrus, even in winter months. These structures were popular among the landed elite from the 17th to mid-19th century, though you can still find them in wealthier contemporary homes. Generally made of brick or stone, they’re sturdy structures designed to protect the delicate tropical plants and signal the wealth of its owner.
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When I first moved from my rural upbringing into more suburban and urban spaces for graduate school, I found myself longing for the green spaces I’d left behind. My apartments were always cheap, mold-filled things with gaps that let the dust and fumes in. I found myself yearning not so much for a room of my own, but a garden of my own, some piece of dirt I was allowed to dig up and stare at and cry on when the mood struck.
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[Read the full essay on my Substack]