17 years after he first made an enquiry to Alitex — the bespoke greenhouse manufacturer based in the South Downs — the owner of this greenhouse is now reaping the rewards of a productive garden all year round. In summer, it produces abundant crops of vine tomatoes, marigolds and even experimental melons with the help of a wide range of Alitex greenhouse accessories.
A peach tree and an apricot are also being established and strawberries grow on traditional boards. The cold frames prolong the growing season and in winter a soil warming cable allows him to grow salads. The other frames are full of seedlings in the spring, as well as cuttings that are sheltered in the autumnal temperatures.
A personal passion
A farmer by trade, the green fingered client planned a monopitch greenhouse with a row of cold frames running the entire length of the structure. Situated against a wall that the client had built by hand, the design was inspired by his grandfather’s lean-to greenhouse in the kitchen garden. On the wall is a seedless grape grown from a treasured cutting of a vine grown by his grandfather.
Over the chillier winter months, the client brings in his pots of Fantasy Chrysanthemums and plants them in the greenhouse beds, so the weather doesn’t spoil the flowers. When in bloom, the yellow and purple hues brighten up even the gloomiest days.
Working together
This project is typical of the collaborative way in which clients work with Alitex to create greenhouses that are perfectly tailored to their needs. Not only do Alitex greenhouses create transformative possibilities for keen gardeners but they also make a beautiful addition to the setting of a home. Alitex offers a full turn key service from initial concept to completion.
From propagating plants to entertaining
Visitors to the most recent Chelsea Flower Show will have seen a magnificent demonstration of the multiple ways that a greenhouse can be used, from propagating plants to entertaining. Clients can choose from a fully bespoke design or one from its hugely successful National Trust range, first introduced in 2004. Whichever they choose, they will enjoy over 70 years of expertise in creating beautiful aluminium greenhouses, designed to give pleasure to generations of garden lovers.
If you’re ready to start planning your dream greenhouse then request an Alitex brochure.
-
The century-old enamelling technique used to create Van Cleef's lucky ladybird brooch — which has something in common with Country LifeThe technique used in the jeweller's Geneva workshop has been put to good use in its latest creation.
-
‘The best sleep in the sky’: What it’s like to fly in United’s Polaris cabin, approved by American icon Martha StewartUnited’s Business Class cabin goes by the name Polaris and Martha Stewart is a fan. So, how does it fare?
-
Jewels of the Mediterranean: Luxury multi-generational villa holidaysThe Thinking Traveller have some of the finest villas in the Mediterranean on their books for multi-generational holidays. Here are just a few of the highlights.
-
Code8: Beauty on Burlington ArcadeCome along Burlington Arcade with Hetty Lintell to visit beauty gurus Code8, and try their new Day To Night Foundation.
-
The gift of growingEntirely built to suit your needs, a bespoke Alitex greenhouse not only helps you nurture flowers and vegetables, but also offers a tranquil retreat from the pressures of daily life.
-
The ultimate Canadian train journeyExperience the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies onboard the luxury and top-tier service of Rocky Mountaineer.
-
Diamonds are a man’s best friendMale interest in jewellery is on the rise, with gypsy and signet rings proving especially popular, according to renowned jeweller Hancocks.
-
The Art of Lighting: Four of Britain's top designers share their best tips for choosing lightingAt a recent panel discussion hosted at Vaughan’s London showroom during Focus/24, interior designers Emma Pocock and Sarah Peake, lighting designer Jo Mann of Lighthouse Designs and Richard Smith of Vaughan shared their top 10 tips on choosing lighting.
-
The beauty of bespoke: A journey with Julia Lloyd GeorgeGoing bespoke with Julia Lloyd George means getting not just a piece of jewellery, but a lifelong treasure.
-
Hancocks: Sparkle of geniusHistoric jewellery firm Hancocks, now in its new St James’s home, specialises in old-cut diamonds pieces that gleam and turn heads even in low light.
