Right, settle in with a cuppa, because today we’re diving into a topic close to my heart – and hopefully yours too if you’re a UK garden enthusiast: the magic of orangeries! I recently had a lovely chat with Eloise, a seasoned garden designer with a real passion for integrating these glazed beauties into the landscape. She’s been helping folks create these stunning garden rooms for years, and she spilled some invaluable insights on how to get it absolutely right. Think of me as your friendly guide through her wisdom.
“So, Eloise,” I began, “what’s the biggest mistake people make when planning an orangery?”
She didn’t hesitate. “Scale and context! It’s not just about tacking on a fancy glass box. It’s about creating a harmonious extension of both the house and the garden. People often forget to consider the architectural style of their existing home and how the orangery will relate to it.”
That made perfect sense. I pressed her on the specifics. “Okay, so let’s say I have a traditional Victorian house. What materials should I be thinking about?”
“Brick, definitely,” she replied. “Matching the brick of your existing house is key for a seamless look. Then you’ll want to consider the glazing bars. Timber is a classic choice, offering warmth and character. Think about the colour too – a soft cream or heritage green often works beautifully with Victorian architecture. You could use aluminium for a more modern, low-maintenance option, but be mindful of its aesthetic and how it will sit with the brickwork.”
Eloise stressed the importance of considering sightlines. “Think about where you’ll be viewing the orangery from, both inside and out. What views do you want to enhance? What views do you want to screen? For instance, if you have a stunning rose garden, position the orangery to frame that view perfectly. Conversely, if there’s an unsightly shed nearby, consider planting to obscure it from the orangery windows.”
We then moved onto scale. “How do you advise clients on getting the size right?”, I asked.
“It’s a balancing act,” she explained. “Too small, and it feels cramped. Too large, and it overwhelms the garden. Consider the intended use of the space. Is it for dining, relaxing, or growing plants? Factor in furniture placement and circulation space. As a general rule, I advise people to measure the footprint of their garden, determine what they intend to use the space for and then reduce this figure down by approximately 25% to provide a scale that doesn’t dominate the area.”
But the real magic, Eloise insisted, lies in the landscaping. “The orangery shouldn’t just sit in the garden; it should blend into it. This is where careful planting comes in.”
She shared some fantastic tips tailored to the UK climate and garden styles:
- Cottage Gardens: “Surround the orangery with rambling roses, lavender, and other fragrant cottage garden favourites. This creates a soft, romantic transition between the structure and the surrounding planting.”
- Formal Gardens: “Think structured hedging, symmetrical planting beds, and maybe even a water feature. The orangery becomes a focal point within a highly organised and elegant landscape.”
- Contemporary Gardens: “Use architectural plants like grasses and succulents, combined with gravel paths and minimalist features. This gives the orangery a clean, modern feel that complements the surrounding space.”
Eloise also emphasised the importance of considering the specific conditions of your garden. “Is it sunny or shady? Is the soil well-draining or clay-heavy? Choose plants that will thrive in the existing conditions. And don’t forget about seasonality! Aim for a mix of plants that offer interest throughout the year.”
She wrapped up our chat with a final piece of advice. “Don’t be afraid to experiment! An orangery is an extension of your personality, so make it your own. Play around with different colours, textures, and planting combinations until you find something that truly reflects your style.”
So, there you have it – a peek into the world of orangery design, courtesy of the wonderful Eloise. Remember, harmonising structure and landscape is all about careful planning, thoughtful material selection, and a touch of creativity. The goal is to create a seamless transition between indoors and out, resulting in a space that enhances the enjoyment of your UK garden year-round. Consider not just the orangery itself, but also how it fits into the existing aesthetic of your home and outdoor space and finally don’t be scared to put your own signature on the space.
