 July - 2001 This month I have looked in depth at types of
greenhouses, summerhouses, ponds and decking...
Greenhouses
Within the protected environment of a greenhouse you will be able to raise
and grow plants and vegetables at any time of the year. There are several designs
available - traditional lean-to types, full span greenhouses, modular types, or the
inexpensive poly-tunnels. You will also need to decide whether to have wood or aluminium
construction. Before you go shopping at the "greenhouse  website" that I have found for you (address below,)
consider what use your greenhouse will get. There`s no point in buying a 12`x 10` model if
you only grow tomatoes and have a postage stamp size lawn. I only use my greenhouse for
about six weeks of the year, therefore I have a 6` x 6` octagonal cedar wood
summerhouse type, which I have painted blue... Browse at the excellent choice
of wooden and aluminium greenhouses at http://www.greenhousesupply.co.uk
Prices vary greatly so do shop around before you purchase. You could of course have a look
through your local paper and get a second hand aluminium greenhouse......
Summerhouses
 What better than a secluded summer house that`s stocked with
magazines and comfy chairs, tucked away at the bottom of a long garden, where you can go
and hide for a while from the chores of the day. If it`s not for you, perhaps your
grandchildren would love to be spoiled with a summerhouse. I seem to remember they are
great places for make believe and story telling.. Have a look at: http://www.waltons.co.uk for a great choice of
summerhouses for grown-ups and playhouses for children. Prices start at £129 for
playhouses and £549 for summerhouses. I have their full catalogue if you wish to
e-mail me, Rosemary for help...
Ponds
 No garden is complete without water, and nothing quite so restful as
sitting by a pond. Consider where to site your pond, then choose the size and style.
There is a choice of rigid moulded ponds, butyl pond liners or concrete lining. Plan
if you want to have moving water, either a waterfall or fountain, in which case you will
need to have an electric pump. For all aspects of building a pond, including safety, I
have found the following comprehensive websites, but as with greenhouses you should shop
around for bargains. Gardening magazines have sections at the back that advertise ponds
etc. Safapond pond safety
or http://www.water-garden.co.uk
Decking
 Timber decks are the latest fashion accessory for your garden, and an
alternative to a patio, offering a natural looking outdoor living space for dining,
entertaining or just relaxing. Decking materials are available from most garden centres,
DIY stores and builders merchants, and it is, according to the experts, easy to make a
deck... I would opt for a professional carpenter to do the job. Consideration needs to be
given to the aspect of the proposed decking, whether it is to be linked to your house or
free-standing, and if it will be enhanced with railings. Be aware that you will get what
you pay for, and the cheap unseasoned but highly preserved decking may last only as long
as it`s first coat of chemical preservative, whereas more expensive cedar decking will not
only last three times longer but is easier to maintain with just the occasional coat of
oil - and it ages more attractively...The following website will supply all your decking
needs and information: http://www.tda.org.uk
Have
a look at previous editions of
Gardener`s Diary
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