Hanbury Hall’s Gardens and Outdoors Manager, Neil Cook, shares his experience with Keder Greenhouses and why they are an integral part of this National Trust property.
Nestled in the heart of Worcestershire, Hanbury Hall is an architectural gem - a Grade I listed, early 18th-century stately home built in the William and Mary style. After being acquired by the National Trust in 1953, the property underwent extensive restoration, including the recreation of its stunning formal gardens. For the past 35 years, Neil Cook has overseen these magnificent grounds as the Gardens and Outdoors Manager, and his team has relied on Keder Greenhouses to support their horticultural efforts.
The First Keder Greenhouse
In June 2006, Hanbury Hall invested in its first Keder Greenhouse, a 4m x 10m unit installed on a concrete base. Designed as a dedicated propagation house, this greenhouse supplies plants not only to Hanbury Hall but also to nearby National Trust properties like Rosedene Cottage and Greyfriars House & Garden.
Seventeen years later, Neil says the greenhouse is still in excellent condition, thanks to its durable construction and thoughtful design, which includes drop-sided ventilation and protective netting.
Expanding Success with a Second Keder
Impressed by the durability and performance of their first Keder, Hanbury Hall invested in a second, larger 4m x 20m greenhouse in December 2009. Unlike the propagation house, this versatile unit serves multiple purposes:
Quarantine House - Currently housing lavender plants for a six-week quarantine period, meeting DEFRA guidelines. The drop-sided ventilation and netting ensure birds cannot reach quarantined plants.
Fruit and Vegetable Cultivation - Used to grow a variety of produce for the property.
Winter Shelter for Chickens - Provides a safe and warm environment for the property’s chickens during colder months.
Neil notes that despite housing chickens in the greenhouse, there has been no damage to the structure—an impressive testament to Keder’s robust design.
Why Keder Greenhouses Stand Out
Neil is unequivocal in his praise for Keder Greenhouses. Key advantages include:
Superior Insulation - Keeps plants protected during cold months while maintaining a stable temperature.
Effective Ventilation - Drop-down sides and through-doors provide excellent airflow, especially during increasingly hot summers.
Straight-Sided Design - Maximises usable space, allowing tall plants to grow right to the edges and providing more room overall.
Structural Strength - Supports plants effectively and withstands significant wear and tear with minimal maintenance.
"Fit and Forget"
Summing up his experience, Neil shared:
“They really are just ‘fit and forget.’ They do a great job, and I don’t have to worry about them at all.”
After nearly two decades of reliable performance, Keder Greenhouses have proven to be an invaluable asset to Hanbury Hall, enabling Neil and his team to nurture plants, support local National Trust properties, and maintain the historic gardens with confidence.
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