Growing hundreds of varieties of ferns from around the world in rural Suffolk could be a challenge for even the most enthusiastic pteridologist (fern expert). That’s why Steven Fletcher of Fernatix, the UK’s largest ferns specialist, chose a Keder greenhouse system to nurture and protect his amazing collection.

Fernatix supplies retail customers throughout the UK with interesting and unusual fern varieties, often hosting visits from horticultural clubs. The business regularly displays at gardening shows around the country, including Hampton Court, Chelsea and Malvern, and recently won its 60th consecutive gold medal from the RHS at the Malvern Autumn Show. It was at one of these shows that Steven saw the Keder greenhouse system, and thought it might work well for his growing operation.

Double layer protection

“I had seen them at gardening shows over several years, and liked the double layer of the material. A Cotswold wholesaler we know also recommended the Keder greenhouse system. I made the decision to buy a 22 x 18 metre structure, about 6 years ago. We were so pleased with the flexibility and protection the Keder greenhouse provided, we added a taller version to accommodate our larger display tree ferns.”

“We are in open agricultural land here, and have had temperatures down to -14 degrees. The double skin protects the ferns. In a normal polytunnel, if the fronds touched the sides on a cold night, they would freeze, and that would spoil the look completely. With the Keder greenhouse system, that just can’t happen.”

Fernatix grows ferns all year round, so installed back-up heating for winter, to ensure a minimum temperature of around 6 degrees.

Ventilation is important, too. “Our Keder has doors at each end, so we can walk right through, or leave them open for ventilation. We invested in the automatic side ventilation system, so when we are busy, or away at shows, we don’t have to worry- our ferns are getting the air they need.”

“Would I recommend Keder greenhouses? Yes, I already have. They provide a good reliable environment to protect our plants, and have stood up to the recent gale force winds.”

Growing hundreds of varieties of ferns from around the world in rural Suffolk could be a challenge for even the most enthusiastic pteridologist (fern expert). That’s why Steven Fletcher of Fernatix, the UK’s largest ferns specialist, chose a Keder greenhouse system to nurture and protect his amazing collection.

Fernatix supplies retail customers throughout the UK with interesting and unusual fern varieties, often hosting visits from horticultural clubs. The business regularly displays at gardening shows around the country, including Hampton Court, Chelsea and Malvern, and recently won its 60th consecutive gold medal from the RHS at the Malvern Autumn Show. It was at one of these shows that Steven saw the Keder greenhouse system, and thought it might work well for his growing operation.

Double layer protection

“I had seen them at gardening shows over several years, and liked the double layer of the material. A Cotswold wholesaler we know also recommended the Keder greenhouse system. I made the decision to buy a 22 x 18 metre structure, about 6 years ago. We were so pleased with the flexibility and protection the Keder greenhouse provided, we added a taller version to accommodate our larger display tree ferns.”

“We are in open agricultural land here, and have had temperatures down to -14 degrees. The double skin protects the ferns. In a normal polytunnel, if the fronds touched the sides on a cold night, they would freeze, and that would spoil the look completely. With the Keder greenhouse system, that just can’t happen.”

Fernatix grows ferns all year round, so installed back-up heating for winter, to ensure a minimum temperature of around 6 degrees.

Ventilation is important, too. “Our Keder has doors at each end, so we can walk right through, or leave them open for ventilation. We invested in the automatic side ventilation system, so when we are busy, or away at shows, we don’t have to worry- our ferns are getting the air they need.”

“Would I recommend Keder greenhouses? Yes, I already have. They provide a good reliable environment to protect our plants, and have stood up to the recent gale force winds.”

When your contract customers include local authorities, corporate headquarters and major tourist attractions across the country, you have one chance each year to get it right. Baginton Nurseries has been growing high quality ornamental bedding plants, hanging baskets and planted containers for more than 30 years, and relies on the Keder greenhouse system to deliver a consistent growing environment, year after year.

“We first got a Keder greenhouse about six years ago, when we wanted to increase the area we had under cover to bring on young plants“explained Will Lamb, Managing Director. “The main factor in our decision was its versatility. We wanted a greenhouse system and growing environment in which we could grow different types of ornamental plants for different customers. We also liked the way we could extend our original Keder structure, by adding modules. We have now increased our covered growing area, and it is working well.”

Cotswold Garden Flowers, based in the Vale of Evesham, bought their first Keder Professional Greenhouse 20 years ago, and it is still in everyday use. The specialist nursery now uses four “tunnel sized” Kederhouses, each for a different plant growing purpose.

Bob Brown, a renowned plantsman, speaker and garden writer, carried out extensive research when he first set up the nursery. He wanted a professional greenhouse that could provide summer and winter protection, while keeping the heating bills low. He chose a Keder Greenhouse system, and has been so pleased with the results, he has since installed three more.

Vital Veg is a Scottish company established in 2005 who specializein growing seasonal organic vegetables. The company is run by Dr. Wendy Seel (nominee in the BBC food and farming awards) and Dr. Anne Taylor.

The company are renowned for the supply of fantastic, organic, home-grown vegetables in mixed boxes, delivered straight to customers doors.

In 2008, Vital Veg purchased a Keder Greenhouse for growing in a protected environment 6m x 26m.

In 2009, Vital Veg initiated a Keder Greenhouse Expansion. The original growing environment was expanded to become a Twinspan Greenhouse, with the addition of an 8m x 26m bay.