Ever since the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, some 600 years BCE, people have been displaying plants and flowers for their pleasure and enlightenment. Every ancient civilization, from the Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese through the Roman Empire had some kind of conservatory, and they are more popular today than ever, worldwide.

Less elaborate conservatories have been part of home architecture since the 1800s, when far-ranging European explorers brought back exotic plants, citrus trees and rare spices from the Far East for the enjoyment of their noble patrons. In their early incarnations, they were simple greenhouses, used to grow and shelter non-indigenous plant species. Before long, however, wealthy families incorporated them into their homes, competing with each other in size and grandeur of the architecture and contents. Arguably the most opulent of these was the orangery at the Palace of Versailles, built by Louis XIV.

Before long, French and English nobility adopted the custom of incorporating glassed-in rooms into their homes, and as time went on, these conservatories became more and more ornate. They evolved into the social focus of the haute monde, who hosted elaborate balls and dinner parties, competing with each other for the most flamboyant architectural designs. Probably the crown jewel of the era was the orangery of the Palace of Versailles, the home of Louis XIV.

The early nineteenth century saw Charles Darwin discovering and recovering heretofore unknown plant species and returning them to the West for study. This gave rise, in turn, to an upsurge in public conservatories which featured new architectural styles and housed extensive indoor gardens. New engineering advances enabled the construction of massive metal and glass enclosures for the display of an infinite variety of plant species and, in some case, birds and butterflies as well.

The first few decades of the 20th Century brought a downturn in construction of new conservatories, along with all other non-essential building. The Depression followed by the war brought such activities to a halt, but the fifties saw a renewed interest in gardening and nature in general. The newly invented insulated glass and enhanced simplicity of inside climate control led inevitably to the acquisition of conservatory-like structures. Ornate Victorian style was replaced by sleek modern additions to every kind of home, from bungalows to palatial abodes, allowing everyone access to the beauty of nature without leaving the comfort of home.

What was once a sign of wealth and nobility is now a commonplace sight. Additionally, as the desire for a greener world becomes a worldwide concern, more and more home owners are opting for the inclusion of a conservatory in their residences. The living room and den have given way to the delights of the indoor/outdoor room, now considered the warm heart of the modern home.

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Article Submitted By: Martin Troughton
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