Greenhouses to swoon over
Discover Hartley Botanic greenhouses for both the green-fingered and amateur gardener
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Lancashire-based greenhouse and glasshouse manufacturer Hartley Botanic intertwines tradition with contemporary craftsmanship in its long-lasting and arresting structures. The company, founded in 1938, is thought to be the first to have used aluminium in its greenhouses, making a technically accomplished replacement for the wood and wrought iron structures favoured by the Victorians.
‘We handmake all our glasshouses in the north of England using the finest materials with unparalleled durability, safety, and beauty,’ says
Tom Barry, CEO of Hartley Botanic. ‘All of the aluminium sections have a structural purpose. Short cuts, such as “sticking” aluminium to glass for aesthetic reasons, are never taken. We are confident of their structural integrity and offer a 30-year lifetime guarantee.’
The greenhouses the company creates are classified as Victorian design, Heritage, or Modern Horticulture, a category which encompasses minimalist and intricately engineered structures abundant with light. Bespoke and one-off designs are also available, with customers able to design greenhouses to their exact requirements, even if an urban garden is the only space at their disposal.
‘At Hartley Botanic we have continuous conversations with our customers that inform the introduction of new designs and styles,’ Barry adds. ‘Our highly personalised approach also serves the development of our products, it means we stay very close to what today’s Greenhouse owner is looking for, both practically and stylistically. Tradition plays a role in some of our designs – our Heritage range, for example, features silhouettes that were popular when the business was founded. But more importantly, our tradition is worked into our commitment to craftsmanship and service.’
The company has embraced all eras of design in its 80-year history, with its recent stand at the Chelsea Flower Show showcasing key designs from the decades. Structures on show included a vintage semi-dodecagon greenhouse built in the 1950s; a greenhouse nodding to the suburban design codes of the 1960s and 1970s; a 1990s Victorian terrace; and a modern-day structure defined by a clean form and hidden engineering.
INFORMATION
Hannah Silver joined Wallpaper* in 2019 to work on watches and jewellery. Now, as well as her role as watches and jewellery editor, she writes widely across all areas including on art, architecture, fashion and design. As well as offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, Hannah is interested in the quirks of what makes for a digital success story.
-
Kunokaiku urns become everyday domestic objects to address the subjectivity of loss
Kunokaiku urns were created by photographer Marianna Jamadi with Mexican ceramic studio Menat, as a way to remember a loved one at home
By Sheila Lam • Published
-
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 and Book3 expand its ecosystem with speed and sophistication
Samsung’s new Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy Book3 Ultra are designed to deliver a premium computing experience
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Design, air filtration and sustainability meet in the ‘Air’ lamp
‘Air as design inspiration’: the ‘Air’ lamp by Adam D Tihany and Contardi puts ecological issues at the forefront
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Gardening tools to help you flex your green thumb
These gardening tools are a cut above - and the perfect festive gift
By Nuray Bulbul • Published
-
Landscape architect James Rose’s legacy explored in show at his midcentury New Jersey home
Green River Project and Object & Thing inspect 20th-century landscape architect James Rose’s legacy in a display of art, furniture and objects, both historic and contemporary
By Pei-Ru Keh • Last updated
-
Piet Oudolf’s Vitra garden opens in Weil am Rhein
Piet Oudolf creates a garden for all seasons at the Vitra campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany: we took a sneak first peek of the garden design project, now open to the public
By Tilly Macalister-Smith • Last updated
-
The Rich Brothers are designing their own garden from scratch
Looking for garden design ideas? The Rich Brothers are designing a new garden from scratch at their home in Wales – and you can follow the process step by step, from digging to planting
By Rosa Bertoli • Last updated
-
Piet Oudolf's advice on garden design and creating inspirational outside space
See these new photographs of Piet Oudolf’s private garden, and hear from the ultimate urban gardener on seasonal planting tips, success in small spaces, and crafting the Vitra HQ garden
By Tilly Macalister-Smith • Last updated
-
Wet set: ‘Three Isles’ birdbaths, by Teo Yang Studio and Huguet
By Blaire Dessent • Last updated