Buying a Greenhouse

[tonyg]

Slightly off-topic for alpines but can anyone help with advice on a greenhouse for my mums 80th  Birthday present.  We want to get something sturdy but she has only a small space and will not be growing specialists plants.
Can UK members offer advice on sourcing a standard greenhouse?  B&Q, Homebase, Argos, Norfolk Greenhouses?  Glass vs PVC.  ANy feedback welcome.
Thanks

[David Shaw]

I am quite satisfied with my B&Q greenhouse, Tony.
You say your mum will be 80. Is she steady on her feet or is she likely to take a tumble? I would bear this in mind when choosing a glassing solution.

[Diane Clement]

Can UK members offer advice on sourcing a standard greenhouse?  B&Q, Homebase, Argos, Norfolk Greenhouses?  Glass vs PVC.  ANy feedback welcome.
Thanks

Tony, take a look at   http://www.greenhousesdirect.co.uk/
they supply several brands to compare
Diane

[Greenmanplants]

Tony,

Also www.allotment.org.uk/greenhouse/Greenhouse_Ventilation/garden-555.html
for non standard extras at reasonable prices.

[derekb]

Tony I had one from Greenhouses direct about 3 years ago, I had toughend glass as I am nearly as old as your Mother, it is a very good firm to deal with.

Derek

[tonyg]

Thanks for the leads and feedback.  There does look to be something suitable there.

[Anthony Darby]

Isn't toughened glass a legal requirement now? I have a Robinson as it doesn't have those stupid little spring clips that pop out when the wind gets above a moderate draft. 

[mark smyth]

Never too young to fall. I fell in mine last week

[Anthony Darby]

By sheer coincidence Bushmills, the world's oldest(?) distillery, was on Breakfast television this morning Mark.

[Luc Gilgemyn]

 

[derekb]

Anthony, Not sure of the law now but 3 years ago you could get either.

Derek

[Anthony Darby]

My wooden leanto had 'Darbytuf' glass as standard in 1985. I know that Robinson now fit it as standard, but mine, which is post 1990, has ordinary glass in it.

[David Shaw]

How tough is toughened glass? Does it come in the same thickness as horticultural glass?
I am thinking of my cold frame lights that regularly get bounced by winter gales. I don't want plastic and wonder if toughend glass may be the solution.

[tonyg]

David - I have it in my access frame.  I broke a pane with a careless knock.  Not sure if it is stronger per se but of course when it shatters you get tiny cubes rather than lethal shards. 
Once had a pane of normal glass blow out from a greenhouse roof - found it impaled in the lawn ... intact!

[Susan Band]

David,
If you find that the glass is broken in 2 or 3 rather than shatered use some clear silicone sealer to mend them. It is amazing how it can hold full size glass (dutch lights size) together.
Susan