IT is quite easy to assume the basics of gardening, but not realise what uses some aspects of the hobby and the equipment, processes and facilities actually have.

Gazette reporter Aaron Sims spoke to Leister Simpson, landscaping manager at Almondsbury Garden Centre.

While I was looking around the garden centre recently, I noticed the summer houses and wondered why they would be on sale this early in the year. It turns out the name is quite deceptive.

“The great thing about summer houses is that they can have so many uses, it’s not like a shed which is predominantly used for storage,” says Leister.

“One of the most popular uses is as an office space, as it is quite easy to set up a desk and computer inside, and it gives you some peace and quiet to work.

“Having that solitude is one of the main reasons people get them, we have also had people invest in a summer house as a place to use as a man cave for computer gaming, an outdoor room to entertain guests, or even as a bar

“Then there is the option of smaller summer house for the children, like a playhouse, which is always popular.”

He added: “Having the option to double glaze has really changed how people see summer houses, they stay warmer and are then no exclusive to a certain time of year.

“They also add value to your home and make a great centrepiece to the garden.”

There are 10% discounts on all TGB Summerhouses this month at Almondsbury Garden Centre.