Expert Greenhouse Tips from Val and Hazel

Meet Val and Hazel, our greenhouse experts at Outdoor Living. With over a decade of experience, they’ve become the go-to sources for practical advice and recommendations. Their friendly, knowledgeable approach makes navigating greenhouse options simple and stress-free. We’re incredibly lucky to have them on the team — and our customers love their down-to-earth guidance and expertise in helping find the perfect fit for any garden.

We recently sat down with Val and Hazel to gather their expert insights on some of the most common questions customers ask. From choosing the right greenhouse to setting it up for success, they’re sharing their best advice to help you make confident decisions for your gardening needs.

One of the first questions on every customer’s mind is about the base needed for a greenhouse installation. Hazel and Val always recommend either paving slabs or concrete. These options provide a secure and stable foundation, essential for withstanding our unpredictable Irish weather, which has been marred by storms in recent years. By preparing for the worst, you’re giving your greenhouse the best chance, even in the harshest of weather.  

Choosing the right location is critical for the success of your greenhouse. Val advises against placing them in exposed areas. Ideally, your greenhouse should be surrounded by at least two to three border walls to offer extra shelter from the elements. This not only protects your plants but also extends the life of the greenhouse structure itself.

Trends may shift from year to year, but Hazel and Val have noticed that the 6-foot and 8-foot greenhouses remain customer favourites. Customers are investing more and considering higher price point greenhouses which offer stronger, more durable models. In particular, our exclusive wooden Heritage Emilia Greenhouse range has soared in popularity over the past couple of years, attracting those looking for premium outdoor structures that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. 

Hazel and Val each have a standout piece of advice for aspiring greenhouse owners: 

- Val: "Never install in an exposed area. Choose a location with as much shelter as possible. And don’t forget to lay down a paving or concrete base for maximum security." 

- Hazel: "Invest in toughened safety glass. It may be a bit extra upfront, but it pays off in durability and safety." 

It’s a popular misconception that greenhouses can also serve as cosy garden rooms or summer houses. However, Hazel clarifies: "Greenhouses are specifically designed for growing plants, equipped with adjustable louvered windows to create the perfect conditions for plant growth. They are not watertight, and using your greenhouse as an outdoor living space would likely result in water damage to any furniture or decorations inside." 

When it comes to accessories, staging is the top priority for most customers, enabling efficient plant potting and seed organization. Other popular purchases include glazing clips, thermometers, gardening gloves, and even watering cans. Due to high demand, we’re excited to announce that our range of greenhouse accessories will be fully available in-store and online very soon! 

If you’re keen on exploring greenhouses, our Glen of the Downs showroom is the perfect place to start. We have a comprehensive display featuring a wide range of models from renowned suppliers like Vitavia, Juliana, Halls, and Palmako. Our team, including Hazel and Val, is always available to offer personalised advice and answer any questions you may have about selecting the perfect greenhouse for your garden. 

We hope these expert tips have provided helpful insights as you embark on your greenhouse journey! For more information or to browse our extensive selection, visit us at OutdoorLiving.ie or stop by our showroom. Happy gardening!