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Then & Now: The Evolution of GHE Direct

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Then & Now: 25 Years of The Greenhouse Effect

Welcome to Then & Now: 25 Years of The Greenhouse Effect, a nostalgic look back at the journey we’ve taken over the past quarter-century. From modest beginnings to becoming one of the UK’s trusted names in hydroponics, it’s been a story of steady growth, rooted in innovation, hard work, and a genuine love for what we do. A lot can change in 25 years, but some things, like passion, dedication, and the love for all things green, grows stronger with time.

In this blog, we’re taking a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come. The original shop floor, lined with handwritten labels and a handful of essentials, has transformed into a modern, fully equipped hydroponics showroom. Our early grow rooms with smaller more modest setups, now having evolved into a cutting-edge demonstration space packed with the latest tech in lighting, climate control, and nutrient delivery. Even the plants tell the story. What began with a few hardy greens has become a vibrant variety of thriving crops, grown bigger, faster, and better than ever before.

We’ll also take a look at the people who’ve helped shape The Greenhouse Effect, from long-time staff and familiar faces to the newer team members who are driving things forward. Over the years, the buildings have changed, the shelves have expanded, and the tools have become smarter, but the heart of the business has always stayed the same.

From where we started to where we stand now, this post is a celebration of progress, persistence, and plants.

Here’s to 25 years of growth, and to many more still to come.

Then & Now: The Staff

A lot has changed over the years, and that includes the team behind The Greenhouse Effect. What started as a small but passionate crew of family and friends, has grown into a thriving team of over 12 dedicated staff members.

Then: This photo is from our 3rd shop 10 years ago.

Now: Here’s the full squad at the moment.

Then & Now: The Buildings

The face of The Greenhouse Effect shop has changed a lot too. Before moving into our current unit, we operated out of much more humble spaces. We don’t even have an outside shot of our oldest shops but here you see our third shop was this barn – functional, but a far cry from where we are today. Fast forward to now, and we’re proud to call a large, purpose-built warehouse unit our home. Take a look at how far the shop itself has come.

Then: This is our third shop in Wavendon.

Now: This is our current warehouse unit.

Then & Now: The Shop Floor

The shop floor has seen one of the biggest transformations of all. From a compact setup with just the basics to a spacious, modern retail space packed with products, displays, and dedicated sections, the difference is night and day. What was once a humble layout is now a well-organised, fully-stocked hydroponics hub, a place where beginners and pros alike can find everything they need, all under one (much bigger) roof.

Then: Humble Beginnings, inside our very first shop.

Now: Hard work pays off, our current warehouse space.

Then & Now: The Trade Counter

Even the counter has had a serious upgrade. What was once a small, no-frills desk tucked into a compact space is now a bold, custom-built counter that anchors the shop floor. With more room, better displays, and a fresh new look, it’s a perfect example of how much things have scaled up over the years, while still keeping the same great service at the heart of it all.

Then: The trade counter in our previous location.

Now: The trade counter in our current shop.

Then & Now: The Stock Levels

Our stock levels have come a long way, too. Back then, our modest shelves could hold most of what we had to offer. Now? Our shelves stretch the length of the warehouse, stacked with one of the largest ranges of hydroponic products around. From nutrients to lighting to growing media, we’ve expanded every aisle to meet the needs of growers at every level.

Then: The shelves in the first shop.

Now: The great wall of nutrients now.

Then: The nutrient shelf from third shop.

Now: Fully stocked warehouse at the current shop.

Then & Now: The Grow Room

The grow room has come a long way, too. In the early days, we had a basic setup – just enough to test a few products and show the basics. Now, it’s a fully kitted-out hydroponic grow space, packed with the latest tech, lighting, and systems. It’s not just a few plants in a room anymore, it’s a proper showcase of what’s possible with the right gear and a bit of know-how.

Then: The plants in the old shops.

Now: The fully branded grow room in the current shop.

Then: The grow room in our third shop.

Now: Inside the current grow room.

Then & Now: The Animals

Even our pets and shop dogs have changed over the years. Some of you might remember Mars and Coco, the original four-legged legends who were part of the furniture back in the early days. Though they’re no longer with us, they’ll always be part of The Greenhouse Effect story. These days, Scooby and Polly have taken up the mantle – bringing their own charm (and a bit of chaos) to shop life.

Then: Mars (RIP), Coco (RIP)

Now: Scooby and Polly

Then & Now: The Family

Time really flies in a family business. When The Greenhouse Effect first opened its doors, the next generation hadn’t even been born. Now, they’re right here working alongside us – helping run the shop, bring in fresh ideas, and keep things growing. It’s been amazing to see the business evolve while the family has grown up around it.

Then: Kath, Tom & Mars in the second shop.

Then & Now: Tom in the second shop and current shop.

Then: Kath & Adam at the first shop.

Now: Adam, Ben, and Tom manning the trade counter.

Here's to the next 25 years...

Looking back has been a reminder of just how far we’ve come – and how much we’ve grown, together, it’s been an incredible journey. Here’s to the next chapter, and hopefully we’ll be doing this all over again in another 25 years.

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