Alitex Owner gets her dream greenhouse

For Nelly Hall, Creative Director of Alitex, her National Trust Mottisfont greenhouse isn’t just a structure; it’s a beautifully curated sanctuary. As someone who appreciates design and detail, her decision to choose Alitex for her own garden is a testament to the brand’s craftsmanship and elegance. Here, Nelly shares her journey from choosing the greenhouse to how it’s become a cherished space for both her and her family.

Nelly readily acknowledges her bias in choosing Alitex, but her passion for exceptional design speaks volumes when asked what ultimately led her to select the brand after her initial enquiry.

She says “The most beautiful greenhouse out there. I see what’s available at every show, and I have a very keen eye for detail. I know I’m biased, but my greenhouse is stunning, elegant, and perfectly proportioned!”

As someone who lives and breathes creativity, her choice is both professional and personal. The aesthetics, quality, and timeless appeal of an Alitex greenhouse clearly set it apart.

The contemporary dark colour of her greenhouse was a thought out decision. Nelly shares the inspiration behind it:

“Having been around our greenhouses and seen many, many different colours chosen over the years, I knew this was the one for me and my garden as soon as I saw it. First requested by wonderful garden designer Andy Sturgeon for a project, the colour was love at first sight. It blends very discreetly with the garden.”

This personal touch ensures her greenhouse not only complements its surroundings but also reflects her design ethos.

The first additions to the greenhouse were deeply symbolic of its purpose as both a gardening and an extended living space.

“I thought very hard about this, but it was a scented geranium. I feel they will be a bit of a love of mine over the years. Within seconds of that was a chair, along with a coffee…”

This balance of practicality and relaxation encapsulates how a greenhouse can be much more than a place to grow plants. For Nelly, the greenhouse has become more than a workspace, it’s a family hub.

“This new space it gives me, and my family. They all love it. When a 17-year-old boy tells his mates they must come out and see the new greenhouse, you know it’s good! It is a plant-filled haven and the best place to hang out.”

Planning its use across seasons has also been a joy. With power now installed, the greenhouse is set to become a cozy retreat even through autumn and winter.

Nelly’s lifelong love of nature has blossomed this year. Inspired by gardening icons like Marian Boswall and Charles Dowding, she has embraced sustainable, no-dig gardening practices. She is currently growing preparing pelargoniums for winter, sowing summer flowers early (sweet peas, cornflowers, etc.), mixed beds of salad leaves, pots of Paperwhites for winter blooms.

While it’s still early in her gardening journey, Nelly is enthusiastic about discovering what grows best in her greenhouse.

The greenhouse isn’t just for plants – it’s a multifunctional escape for “Sitting, escaping, eating, wine, coffee, gin…” Its role as a serene retreat adds even more value to its presence in the garden.

Nelly took great care in sourcing materials for her greenhouse base and surrounding paving, opting for reclaimed bricks.

“I was very keen to take my time and carefully make the right decisions. I picked the bricks from a local reclamation yard, offloaded each one by hand, and then moved them by hand. They have an unusual surface detail that ties the base and paving together beautifully.”

This approach reflects her dedication to blending sustainability with design.

Before the greenhouse, the area it now occupies wasn’t particularly inviting. Today, it’s her favourite spot:

“It has completely transformed a space I barely ventured to into my new favourite place! A greenhouse is fab!”

Nelly’s Top Tip for Future Alitex Owners would be “Take your time to get it right for you – the right base, how it blends with your garden, the right colour, and the right layout inside. And do not forget a power supply!”

For Nelly Hall, her Alitex Mottisfont greenhouse is more than an elegant structure – it’s a space for growth, relaxation, and connection. From carefully choosing the colour and materials to embracing a sustainable gardening approach, her story is a testament to how a greenhouse can truly enhance both a garden and a lifestyle.