Chelsea Flower Show 2025: Thomas Messenger Lean-to Greenhouse

A classic Victorian design, crafted for modern-day growing

Showcased on our 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show trade stand, the Thomas Messenger greenhouse, in a Lean-to style at the show, represents the very best of traditional design and contemporary craftsmanship. As the centrepiece of our 63rd Chelsea exhibit, it was set within a romantic English cottage garden, a space designed to evoke the nostalgia of a British summer and the peaceful joy of growing.

A faithful tribute to Victorian innovation

The Thomas Messenger greenhouse design, inspired by the great Victorian engineer, was created in response to demand for an authentic replica of a traditional timber glasshouse. While true to its heritage, it incorporates modern materials and technology to ensure long-term strength. Working closely with conservation teams, we developed a aluminium alternative suitable for residential or listed settings. With a slightly larger profile than our Traditional and National Trust collections, it follows classic Victorian proportions, with all nuts and bolts discreetly hidden or capped. The timber-style aesthetic, both inside and out, complements what is, naturally, one of the finest growing environments available.

The Lean-to at Chelsea

At Chelsea, the Thomas Messenger greenhouse was built in a Lean-to configuration, measuring 2.912m x 6.377m. Powder coated in Downland Stone with bespoke green internal fittings, it sat gracefully against a garden wall, a position chosen to maximise the benefits of retained warmth and natural light throughout the day. As well as highlighting the timeless elegance of the classic lean-to style.

Cold frames on either side of the central double lobby provided additional flexibility and valuable growing space, ideal for hardening off young plants. Inside, the greenhouse featured traditional benching and strawberry board shelving, designed to offer optimal surface area for pots and propagation while maintaining airflow and order. Cast iron floor grates added to the period detailing, while also contributing to efficient drainage and ventilation.

To complement the functional layout, accessories such as a potting shoe and professional-grade propagator were included, all finished in the same bespoke green as the internal benching and structural pillars. These details created a cohesive and characterful space that combined beauty with purpose; a working greenhouse full of classic charm and practical growing features.

Built for gardeners, designed to inspire

More than just a beautiful structure, the Thomas Messenger greenhouse is designed to offer an exceptional growing environment. From propagation to mature plant care, or simply enjoying time under glass. It is a space where productivity and peace go hand in hand.

Now at home in the South Downs

Following its Chelsea stint, the Thomas Messenger Lean-to greenhouse has now been installed at its forever home – our Show Site in the South Downs. It is available to view year-round, offering visitors the chance to experience its quality, atmosphere and growing potential first-hand.

If our presence at Chelsea has sparked your interest in greenhouse living, we’d love to continue the conversation. Request a brochure, book a sales visit, visit us at our show site or simply give us a call.