Built in 1846 Dom Ogrodnika the gardener’s house stands proudly. It was a single-story building with a small upper floor over the central section and a balcony facing the street. To the east was a circular orangery. To the west stood Henneberg’s dairy. Beyond the main house was a large courtyard. There a dwelling for the workers stood. The head gardener’s office was there too. A greenhouse and other outbuildings completed the complex. This charming building was known as the Little House in Flowers. Its beautiful plant decorations inspired the name. Sadly Dom Ogrodnika was destroyed during World War II.
The history of Dom Ogrodnika is rich with names. Joachim Henryk Schultze was head gardener from 1713 to 1735. Many others followed. Jan Kristian Mencke served from 1797 to 1807. Jan Bogumił Traugott Ulrich held the position from 1807 to 1815. The list continues through the 19th century. Franciszek Szanior served as Warsaw’s chief gardener for an impressive 33 years. His tenure lasted from 1878 to 1911. Leon Danielewicz was director of the City Council’s Gardening Department from 1921 to 1944. Each head gardener left their mark on the gardens and on Dom Ogrodnika itself.
The original orangery was eventually demolished. A new palm house was built in its place. Imagine the vibrant colors. Imagine the fragrant blooms surrounding this important building. Dom Ogrodnika was more than just a house. It was the heart of the Saxon Garden’s operations. It housed the administration. It provided shelter for workers. It was essential to maintaining this beautiful public space.
In the 1970s Dom Ogrodnika was renovated. The building was adapted for administrative functions. The interior layout was changed. Damaged ceilings were replaced. This unfortunately obscured much of the original design. The building’s story however lives on. Dom Ogrodnika remains a significant reminder of Warsaw’s horticultural history. It is a testament to the dedicated gardeners who shaped the city’s green spaces. The story of Dom Ogrodnika is a testament to the enduring spirit of Warsaw. It is a tale of beauty destruction and renewal.