The heart of the cutting garden at Netherwood Estate

At the heart of the Netherwood Estate’s cutting garden stands a Wimpole Greenhouse from our National Trust Collection. The free-standing structure measures 2.9m x 6.4m with an extended feature lobby, rising to 3.1m in height. For this project, the owners selected a bespoke dark blue finish and added cold frames to the front and rear of the greenhouse, expanding the growing space to suit their garden’s needs.

Why Alitex?

When planning their new greenhouse, the owners of Netherwood Estate sought something that was as practical as it was elegant. They wanted a structure that could withstand the demands of a hardworking garden while also being visually striking. As they explained, “that maxim of choosing things designed to be both beautiful and useful never fails, and our Alitex greenhouse fitted the bill perfectly.”

A greenhouse colour in harmony with nature

The very first piece to be placed inside was an old marble topped florist’s table, beneath which sits a dog bed. The family’s dogs are ever present companions in the garden and now enjoy curling up the greenhouse while their owner tends to plants. Positioned at the top of the cutting garden, the greenhouse has quickly become its crowning glory. It plays a central role throughout the seasons, from nurturing hundreds of seedlings in spring to overwintering delicate plants, extending what can be grown and enjoyed throughout the year.

A rescued Mandevilla, inherited from the owner’s late mother, now thrives in the warmth of the greenhouse, while a growing collection of pelargoniums adds colour and character. Beyond personal gardening, the greenhouse also supports the estate’s flower-based creative courses, which feature celebrated floral experts such as Shane Connolly, Sarah Holland and Polly Nicholson.

While the colour is often the first feature that draws attention, the greenhouse is also enriched by its interior details. The herringbone brick floor and grilles reclaimed from a church bring individuality and charm, making the structure both practical and characterful.

Enhancing the garden’s rhythm

Reflecting on how the greenhouse has changed their gardening, the owners describe the flexibility it provides as transformative. It has allowed them to extend the seasons and increase both the variety and quantity of plants they can grow and overwinter. More than a working space, it has become a personal retreat, a place to potter in any weather and to enjoy the simple pleasures of time spent in the garden.

Advice for future greenhouse owners

When asked what advice they would offer to future Alitex owners, they were clear: “consider the siting of your greenhouse carefully before you start your build to make the most of how it can enhance the look as well as the functionality of your garden.”

If the Netherwood Estate greenhouse has sparked inspiration for your own garden, we’d be delighted to help turn your vision into reality. Request a brochure, book a visit, or get in touch – your dream greenhouse could be closer than you think.