Here at The Southwest London Gardener, we love nothing more than using old materials to create exciting new structures and hard landscaping elements. Not only is this great for the environment, but it also creates an effect that most new materials can’t replicate.
We recently came across an exciting project that exemplified our sustainable gardening approach, and we wanted to write a quick blog to tell you more.
Our Exciting Greenhouse Build
The Challenge: You need a stable, attractive base for a greenhouse — but you don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb in a carefully considered garden. Pouring new concrete feels like overkill, both in appearance and environmental cost.
The Solution: Use reclaimed bricks. They don’t just look better — they make better sense.
We recently repurposed a load of old London stock bricks salvaged from a dismantled chimney. If you take a look at the Instagram post below, some of the old bricks that are around the edges (the dark ones) are from the client’s own chimney and the rest – the ones in the car boot – were ones we sourced from a reclamation yard to put in the centre. These were in a much better condition and it was lovely to have part of the house in there with the chimney bricks but they were really falling apart so we needed more.
The result? A structure that fits right into its surroundings. No jarring materials. No bright, sterile contrast with the rest of the garden. Just a solid, good-looking foundation that does the job and respects the setting.
Modern greenhouse kits aren’t always straightforward to assemble — unless you happen to enjoy building Meccano as a kid. But if you’re patient and methodical, they come together well. This one now sits proudly on its reclaimed brick base, with power installed for winter propagation and a new bed prepped for a grapevine to climb.
In short: a smart fix, a tidy reuse of existing material, and a result that blends in beautifully. Reclaimed materials aren’t just about sustainability — they’re often the most aesthetically appropriate solution available.
Why Reclaimed Bricks Work So Well
Beyond aesthetics, there are real advantages to using old bricks. They’re often denser and more durable than modern equivalents, having been fired at high temperatures and tested by decades of exposure. They handle British weather well — they’ve already done it for years. Reclaimed bricks also reduce waste and carbon cost. You’re not fuelling another production cycle or adding to landfill. You’re just moving good material from one useful life to another.
Here’s why they’re worth the effort:
- Better quality, already proven
Older bricks — especially traditional London stock — were made to last and have already stood up to years of weathering. If they’ve held a chimney together for decades or been used and picked up for a reclaimed yard, they can certainly manage the base of a greenhouse. - Cost-effective and resource-smart
New materials come with manufacturing, shipping, and disposal costs (even if hidden). Reusing what you already have — or sourcing local surplus — often saves money while reducing your project’s environmental footprint. - Visually appropriate and naturally aged
Reclaimed bricks have character. Their tone and texture blend in effortlessly with mature gardens and natural landscapes, unlike new bricks that can look harsh or artificial until they’ve weathered for years.
Used wisely, they’re one of the simplest ways to add integrity, warmth, and a sense of place to any garden structure.
Natural Gardening with The Southwest London Gardener
Repurposing those old bricks wasn’t just a clever workaround — it was a reflection of how we approach every garden. Use what’s already working. Respect the materials. Build with intent, not just convenience.
At The Southwest London Gardener, natural gardening isn’t a trend or a marketing term. It’s how we solve problems. Whether we’re designing a new layout, assembling a greenhouse, or deciding whether something gets composted or reused, we always start by asking: what already makes sense here?
We’ve learned that the best gardens aren’t forced into being. They’re coaxed, shaped, and supported — using materials that belong, plants that thrive locally, and structures that serve a purpose without shouting for attention. That’s why we’ll keep reaching for reclaimed brick, locally sourced wood, and compost made from last season’s prunings.
Because the most beautiful gardens aren’t just built. They’re grown — thoughtfully, sustainably, and with a bit of practical imagination.
If that sounds like your kind of approach, we’d love to help you build something that lasts.
Want to see what we can do with reused materials in your home? Get in touch today.
