Accessories

Cold frames are normally used to harden off seedlings before being planted out or to overwinter more hardy specimens. Our new, improved design uses gas strut assisted lids which open fully and effortlessly, or can be held in a variety of ventilation positions.

Please see our latest price list for standard options to suit our Signature buildings. Other depths and layouts to suit bespoke greenhouses or to ‘stand-alone’ are available on request.

And there’s a more in-depth take on the benefits of cold frames, their history and how they might benefit your garden in our Journal.

Small profile plastic gutters and downpipes are used as standard on all Edwardian greenhouses (both Signature and Bespoke) with black or white available to match or contrast the greehouse framework.

A galvanised steel system, powder coated to match the greenhouse framework is offered an upgrade on Edwardian buildings and as standard on Victorian models (both Signature and Bespoke).

Most period glasshouses with apex roofs did not actually have any decorative cresting along the ridge line but it has become a popular addition to the modern ‘traditional’ greenhouse. For some it adds a little wow factor, for others it simply stops the pigeons landing on the roof. We offer two unique patterns, ‘Webster’ and a classic ‘Fleur de Lys’

Used to cover the top surface of the brickwork inside the greenhouse. Available in untreated cedar to match staging, or in painted Accoya to compliment the greenhouse framework, and with either a square or bull-nosed edge.

Having a decent area to work and display your plants and crops is essential in any kind of greenhouse whether it’s a working house or used more for entertaining and relaxing. Our benches and shelves are made from untreated Western Red Cedar and are tailor-made to fit perfectly in your greenhouse. The colour of the timber gradually and naturally fades with age but can be treated with your own stain or varnish to hold the colour and further protect the surface. 

Cedar is itself a very stable timber and is naturally rot resistant so ideal for the damp and humid conditions in a greenhouse. For even more impact we also offer cast aluminium benches and shelves which can be powder coated to match the greenhouse (see page 50)

In addition to our standard cedar benches and shelves, we offer a cast aluminium system which can also be coated to match or contrast your greenhouse’s framework. Most commonly provided with a bed of hydroleca – an expanded clay pellet which hold pots firmly and absorbs water, benches can also be fitted with open mesh to allow water through.

The simplest and most cost-effective way to heat a small to medium sized greenhouse is with electrical fan heaters. 

Larger projects sometimes demand a more complex and well controlled system where a boiler is used to send hot water through finned pipes, usually below cast-iron floor grates or around the perimeter walls. The floor grates can also be used for purely decorative purposes if preferred. Please enquire for details.

As an optional upgrade on our Victorian greenhouses, antique lever operated opening systems can be specified to control the sashes along the side. 

Traditional cast linkages are used to open a series of vents together, via one lever handle. A castellated pinion allows the vents to be locked closed or in a number of open positions. Since the vents are opened without the need to reach across any staging or between delicate plants, these systems can have practical benefits as well as adding to the period appearance.  

Components are cast from aluminium using existing patterns taken from original ironwork. If you have vent gear from a previous greenhouse it can be refurbished and reused, with patterns being taken for additional parts where necessary.

IP 65 rated light fittings with spun aluminium shades, powder coated to match or contrast, are available to suit all our greenhouses. Adding to the period look of the building, whilst providing light for either working or growing, our lighting can be the perfect addition to any greenhouse. Provided with waterproof switches and wired ready for your electrician to connect along with any other sockets or heating you may need. We can also provide suitable fixing points and cable trays to facilitate alternative lighting systems.

Discreet vine wires can be fitted into the roof of our Victorian models to help train climbing plants up, where they can themselves thrive, whilst providing natural shade for other plants. Holes drilled through the large timber portal rafters in the roof act as a guide for thin stainless steel ropes, held at the ends of the greenhouse, and tensioned with turnbuckles. 

There are various screening methods available to help limit sunlight into the greenhouse during the summer months and protect plants. Careful shading, controlled in the correct way, can have a massive impact on a plants’ performance and is used extensively in commercial growing to help crop growth. Contact us to discuss the best options for your particular greenhouse and needs.

Maintaining the right balance of light, heat, ventilation, shading and even humidity in the greenhouse can transform the growing environment so that near perfect conditions are met at all times. Computer control of these systems is available to ensure the ideal balance for your plants and your guests.