Covering all your bases
Buyers who opt to invest in greenhouses are finding new creative ways of using them, says LOUISE MIDGLEY
GREENHOUSES will always be invaluable for raising plants and over-wintering tender specimens but a new generation of visionary owners are giving these outdoor structures a new lease of life by using them more resourcefully.
British greenhouse and glasshouse manufacturer, Hartley Botanic, has recently shed light on how customers are now using their greenhouses and while many are still being used for the good life, others are being used as a lifestyle accessory. Some owners are embracing the multifunctionality of their structure by growing fresh produce as well as taking advantage of the space to sit and relax within the warmth of the glass walls.
Hartley Botanic has found that their customer demographic has begun to change from a group primarily composed of the over-50s, to a more mixed customer base which includes younger customers with children living in urban locations.
These city dwellers are moving less and investing more in their property and garden. They are environmentally conscious and will use their greenhouse to grow fresh, organic fruit and vegetables for their family, which in turn reduces food air miles and the use of plastic.
Creative lighting and a good heating system can transform a greenhouse into an inviting retreat for evening soirees, while also extending the months it can be used as an outdoor venue for entertaining.
A good quality freestanding greenhouse makes a wonderful focal point in any garden and can add considerably to the desirability of a property when being sold but most manufacturers also offer customers a wide selection of attached structures in innovative shapes and designs, often custom built to fit in with whatever space is on offer.
When buying a greenhouse, follow the golden rule and buy the biggest you can afford, and invest in a top-quality model that will stand the test of time.
Position the greenhouse in a sunny spot away from large trees that may damage the glass if branches snap off in strong winds. A solid foundation is also essential, good suppliers will advise on this.
INFORMATION:
01457 819 155
Hartley-botanic.co.uk/