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.
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The ancient and aristocratic dog breed loved by Queen Victoria and Sir Walter ScottOnce used to hunt wolves and bring down red deer in the Scottish Highlands, the Scottish deerhound is one of Britain’s oldest and most noble breeds. Today, it remains a gentle giant — elegant, devoted and unmistakably aristocratic.
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21 utterly wonderful rural homes for sale, as seen in Country LifeFrom a Scottish castle to a Sussex cottage, this week's list has something for every taste and budget.
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Reader Event: An eye to the future at Daylesford Heritage HouseWhat changes to a house do most to enhance its aesthetics, function, comfort, sustainability and longevity? On March 24, leading experts in architecture, interior design, craft and restoration will share the secrets to maximising possibilities and protecting value at Daylesford’s magnificent Heritage House in Gloucestershire.
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Reader Event: Super women at London Design WeekWhat can be learnt from the achievements of the world’s greatest female designers and antique dealers? Which has created the most valuable legacy? What are the secrets of their success? Come and find out at an inspiring event on the first day of London Design Week at 10.30am on Monday, March 9, at the London showroom of luxury lighting brand Hector Finch.
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Reimagining the past at VaughanIn September 2025, leading designers shared their views on creating interiors with the capacity to last forever.
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Tetrad: Over half a century of timeless good looksSince 1968, Tetrad has employed a combination of traditional skills and the finest materials to make upholstered furniture that is designed to offer years of comfort.
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Reimagining the past: A panel discussion with VaughanAt Focus/25 later this month, Vaughan will host an inspiring talk at which leading names in antiques and interiors will explain why understanding the past is vital to designing for the future.
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Star of the show: Rose of Jericho's paint created just for Country Life at RHS ChelseaOne of the highlights of Country Life's ‘outdoor drawing room’ at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show was a new paint colour created by Rose of Jericho,
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Munder-Skiles and the art of exterior decorationThe success of this project — which was awarded four stars by judges at the Chelsea Flower Show — demonstrates Isabella Worsley’s versatility as a designer.
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The joy of English stoneWhen the interior designer Isabella Worsley conceived Country Life's ‘outdoor drawing room’ at this week’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, she worked with English stone specialist Artorius Faber to lend the space a timeless feel
