GARDEN BUILDINGS Left Some larger
greenhouses can double as grand entertainment spaces. Alitex greenhouses start from £12,950. Below An aluminiumframe greenhouse by Hartley Botanic.
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pending more time at home over the past year may have highlighted the need for extra space. Investing in a garden building, whether for growing plants, working from home, relaxing or simply creating more room is a more simple and costeffective solution than a formal house extension. Moreover, a good-quality greenhouse, summerhouse or shed can still present a desirable proposition for prospective house buyers at some future point. By the time summer comes around and thoughts of outdoor growing or entertaining surface, the moment for putting up garden buildings will have passed. Given waiting lists and build times, the earlier in the year you place your order, the better.
SPACE TO GROW If you entertain dreams of an exotic plant collection, a harvest of tomatoes fit for the Spanish festival La Tomatina, or neat rows of seedlings waiting to be planted out when the weather warms up, a greenhouse could be a game changer. A warm windowsill will take you only so far, after all. There are as many types of greenhouses as there are tomato varieties and they range from cheaper PVC structures found in the middle aisle of supermarkets to period-style constructions that can double as entertaining spaces. You’ll find everything in between, but greenhouse fundamentals are the same whatever the scale: buy the largest you can afford, position it well and keep it properly ventilated. After assessing your need and budget, think hard about where to locate your structure. Be aware of the microclimate of your garden, particularly if you are in a frost pocket. A greenhouse will ideally sit east-west on a south-facing spot so as to make the most of the available light and heat. A sheltered location out of prevailing winds is desirable, and it makes good sense to keep the structure away from deciduous or sap-oozing trees. Most greenhouses are built using horticultural glass or toughened glass. Horticultural glass is a traditional choice, and while it does let in all possible light it also breaks easily because it is so thin. Overlapping panes will also need regular cleaning. On the other hand, toughened glass, which lets in slightly less light, is more robust, typically withstanding assault by football but not cricket ball. Construction materials vary too, but the two most common are wood and aluminium. Wood has long been a favourite option for its aesthetics, but it comes with a maintenance warning: constantly exposed to the elements, wood needs regular care. Gabriel Ash (01242 662926; gabrielash.com) and Woodpecker Joinery (01889 562610; woodpecker-joinery.co.uk) are two specialists who source sustainable hardwood timbers that are high in naturally occurring oils. An aluminium capping can also help preserve 98 THE ENGLISH GARDEN APRIL 2021
