Right, let’s talk orangeries! I was just chatting with my friend Elise the other day, and she was absolutely raving about how her orangery has completely transformed her gardening experience. We were sipping tea, surrounded by her flourishing herbs and vegetables, a world away from the blustery Yorkshire weather outside. It really got me thinking about how underutilised these gorgeous spaces often are.
Elise’s journey started, she told me, when she realised she wanted to enjoy fresh, home-grown produce year-round, regardless of the fickle British climate. Her orangery, originally intended as a space for overwintering tender plants and enjoying garden views, presented the perfect opportunity. The key, she discovered, was to think beyond the purely ornamental and embrace the edible.
Choosing the Right Varieties: This is where things get exciting! Elise’s first piece of advice was to carefully select varieties that thrive in indoor environments. Think about space, light requirements, and humidity. Dwarf tomato varieties like ‘Tiny Tim’ or ‘Balconi Red’ are brilliant for containers. Salad leaves like ‘Little Gem’ lettuce and rocket are incredibly easy to grow and provide a constant supply. Herbs like basil, mint, and chives are also perfect candidates. Elise swears by compact chilli pepper varieties, too, for a little kick in her cooking. She uses mostly organic seeds from local garden suppliers, she finds this helps them acclimatise better.
Vertical Gardening Wonders: Space can be a premium, even in an orangery, so Elise cleverly incorporated a vertical garden. She uses a combination of wall-mounted planters and tiered shelving units. This not only maximises growing space but also adds a stunning visual element. She used repurposed wooden pallets to create a rustic vertical herb garden, filled with fragrant rosemary, thyme, and oregano. It’s a brilliant way to add character and fragrance. If you’re considering this, ensure your structure can handle the weight of the soil and plants, and invest in a good watering system to keep everything evenly moist.
Integrating Edibles into the Design: Elise’s orangery isn’t just a greenhouse; it’s a living, breathing part of her home. She’s cleverly integrated edible plants into the overall design. Cherry tomatoes and climbing beans scramble up trellises alongside jasmine and clematis. Pots of vibrant chard and kale add splashes of colour amidst the flowering plants. It’s all about creating a seamless blend of beauty and practicality. She even uses edible flowers, like nasturtiums and pansies, to add a touch of whimsy to her salads and desserts. This really elevates the overall aesthetic and makes the orangery feel truly unique and personal.
Recipes from the Orangery: Of course, the best part about growing your own produce is the delicious meals you can create. Elise whipped up a quick lunch of bruschetta topped with her home-grown tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Simple, fresh, and bursting with flavour! She also makes a fantastic pesto using her own basil and walnuts. In the winter, she harvests her chard and kale for hearty soups and stews. Her tip? Always harvest in the morning for the best flavour.
Extending the Growing Season: The beauty of an orangery is its ability to extend the growing season. Elise starts seeds indoors in early spring, giving her plants a head start. She also protects tender plants from frost in the autumn and winter. This means she can enjoy fresh produce for much longer than she would be able to outdoors. She uses fleece and bubble wrap to insulate her plants during the coldest months, and a small electric heater to maintain a consistent temperature.
Ultimately, embracing herbs and vegetables in your orangery is about creating a space that’s both beautiful and functional. It’s about connecting with nature, enjoying fresh, home-grown produce, and extending the gardening season. From choosing the right varieties and utilising vertical gardening, to seamlessly integrating edibles with ornamentals, every element contributes to a harmonious and productive environment. And, as Elise proved, it’s incredibly rewarding to create delicious meals with ingredients grown just steps from your kitchen door. So, why not give it a go? Transform your orangery into a haven of culinary delights!
