Find the perfect greenhouse for your plot
MAKE A SHOWPIECE OF YOUR GREENHOUSE WITH A STRUCTURE THAT SUITS YOUR PLOT AND YOUR GARDENING STYLE. FROM GREEN-FINGERED POTTERER TO EXOTIC BLOOM LOVER, GROW YOUR OWN WAY…
BLACK IS BACK
Combining a charcoal frame with a brick base, the Victorian Terrace glasshouse from Hartley Botanic combines the best elements of both modern and traditional greenhouse design. ‘The cleverly proportioned structure gives the elegant, timeless look of a traditional Victorian glasshouse, but in a size that suits smaller gardens,’ says Hartley Botanic MD Tom Barry.
STOW AND GROW
One part shed, one part greenhouse – grow-and-store garden buildings are set to be big this year. The stylish Holt Fusion from Malvern Garden Buildings can be customised to work for your garden. The larger windows provide an attractive space to showcase your plants, while your gardening clutter and potting compost can be kept neatly out of sight.
VICTORIAN VALUES
Victorian Tall Wall greenhouse, £423.99, The Worm That Turned
Robinsons Reigate greenhouse, from £4,993, GBC Group
Bringing Victorian glasshouse styling bang up to date, this Robinsons Reigate Victorian greenhouse features cast aluminium spandrels to strengthen the fr›amework. ‘The extra height, created by a traditional Victorian 45-degree pitch roof, gives more room for specimen plants and tall crops, such as cucumbers and tomatoes,’ says Matt Jordan, digital product manager at GBC Group. ‘It also provides better airflow and temperature regulation, which is important during the summer months when plants can be scorched.’
SMALL, BUT PERFECTLY FORMED
This compact and versatile wall greenhouse will fit snugly into most outdoor spaces and is particularly practical if tucked into a gap near the back door. That way you will be able to keep your freshly grown tomatoes and cucumbers easily to hand. Use it in the winter to give protection to tender plants and in the spring as somewhere to sow seeds. There is a drop-down shelving system to accommodate tall plants and grow bags, plus two opening vents in the roof to keep it well ventilated.
LEANING IN
Even the smallest of gardens usually has enough space to incorporate a lean-to style glasshouse. ‘The close proximity to your house means it’s much easier to run electricity and water into the greenhouse,’ says Tom Hall, owner of Alitex. ‘A power source extends the hours you can garden during the winter, and will also allow you to consider growing exotic fruits.’
CLEAR WINNER
This cool-looking design from Pure Greenhouse is a neat way to add style to your garden. As well as looking good, the practical design maximises the amount of sunlight that gets to your plants. ‘We set out to create a long-lasting, beautiful greenhouse that could perform as well as anything on the market,’ says Pure Greenhouse founder Joe Ellis. ‘The toughened glass retains heat well in winter.’
CLASSIC GOOD LOOKS
An elegant greenhouse with detailing, such as a gabled porch and decorative touches, adds a graceful note to any garden. ‘All the greenhouses in our National Garden Scheme collection are in the Victorian style, with narrow glass panes and decorative finials,’ says Griffin Glasshouses MD Linda Lane. Although this model looks wooden, it’s made from robust aluminium and galvanised steel.
GOOD WOOD
Alton Evolution Eight cedar greenhouse, £3,958, The Greenhouse People
The latest innovations mean classic wooden greenhouses aren’t the hassle they once were in terms of upkeep. ‘The Alton Evolution Eight cedar greenhouse is a bestseller,’ says Richard Baggaley, director at The Greenhouse People. ‘Canadian western red cedar is very high in natural preservative oils, making it virtually immune from decay. Cedar also has a unique subtle aroma that can deter pests. Plus, this greenhouse has toughened safety glass, which is much stronger than regular horticultural glass.’
THE MISSING LINK
A glazed structure can provide a charming link between two buildings with different types of construction. If you go for underfloor heating and full double glazing, it can also prove a usable room year round. ‘Although we specialise in traditional timber orangeries and conservatories, each of our structures is tailored to a property’s specific requirements,’ says Vale Garden Houses’ director Lisa Morton. ‘Here, the steep pitch roof, low eaves and feature doors help bridge the change in levels between the house and outbuildings.’
Greenhouse room, painted in Old Sage from the Period Paint collection, price on request, Vale Garden Houses