Lancashire-based greenhouse and glasshouse manufacturer Hartley Botanic celebrated its 80th anniversary this year – marking 80 years of making its stunning handmade, made-to-order greenhouses and glasshouses. Founded in 1938, the company is one of Britain’s oldest and most trusted greenhouse manufacturers and, was to their knowledge, the first to develop and make entirely aluminium structures, representing a new class of greenhouse building in terms of practicality and engineering design. Since then, Hartley Botanic has built a name and reputation amongst the horticultural elite synonymous with excellence, receiving commissions from some of the UK’s most eminent gardeners, designers and horticultural institutions. In February last year, The Royal Horticultural Society officially recognised the company’s enduring commitment to British craftsmanship by endorsing its entire product range[1].
Today, greenhouses are no longer the exclusive preserve of elderly men with pipes and wellies pottering with trowels. These days they’re just as likely to be used for parties, entertaining and as trendy, curated lifestyle spaces as homeowners see them, not just as a route to healthier and eco-friendly living, but as luxury design accessories.
Homeowners are increasingly using greenhouses as multifunctional al fresco spaces which are often connected directly to a property. 30 percent of Hartley Botanic customers specifically buy a greenhouse as an al fresco ‘garden room,’ allowing them to extend the length of time it is possible to entertain outdoors for socialising 8 or 9 months of the year.
In terms of look and style, Hartley Botanic’s traditional Victorian range remains the most popular greenhouse design chosen by customers. A grand, classic Victorian aesthetic is the perfect way to set-off a continuing horticultural trend for exotic plants, succulents and dramatic ferns.
All Hartley Botanic’s greenhouses and glasshouses are handmade, bespoke and made to order. They are the only aluminium greenhouse manufacturer endorsed by the RHS. Customers interested in purchasing a Hartley Botanic greenhouse or glasshouse should visit: https://www.hartley-botanic.co.uk or call 01457 819 155 for more information.
[1] In February 2017 The Royal Horticultural Society endorsed Hartley Botanic’s entire product portfolio. Of the endorsement Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager commented; “The RHS has long admired and enjoyed the work of Hartley Botanic with the manufacturer winning numerous accolades at our RHS Chelsea Flower Show and providing spectacular greenhouses for some of our most visited gardens, including RHS Hyde Hall, RHS Garden Harlow Carr and RHS Garden Rosemoor. With 80 years of heritage in producing a truly extraordinary range of greenhouses, the quality of which has never wavered, this endorsement is truly well deserved.”
