Garden Sheds - More Than Just Storage

You may already have a garage or shed in your garden or backyard and its possible that you haven't even considered the prospect of adding a garden shed at all. Any garden implements could easily be stored in the garage or utility area. However, a garden shed is so much more than just an every day storage area, as it can have a character all of its own. It can serve many purposes other than practical ones.

A garden shed can be used as a place to plan and plot your garden's development or just as a place of sanctuary and contemplation. A garden shed can also be used to add depth and character to a garden or even as the focal point with the garden designed to complement the shed. For the uninitiated a garden shed is just another shed. However, there are many different styles, which can add their own individual charm and character to your garden.

The first thing you have to do before adding a shed is to obviously decide its location. The location of the shed will help determine the size and style of the shed. You need to consider many different things such as ease of access, how the shed will look in the chosen area, security, practicality and so on. When the location has been decided and the size of the shed determined then the next thing to so is lay the base. You can use a layer of gravel or build a concrete base. Whatever the base though, it should be level. Do not contemplate adding a shed straight onto the grass. While this may seem obvious people will do it ! It is important that the wooden shed should not be contact with the ground to avoid the wood rotting. Another alternative is to lay the shed on timbers.

The type of shed is the important decision. The choices are simple metal, plastic or timber. Whatever the structure in your garden these are the three basic materials used and the characteristics remain the same for each. Wood provides the classical look, plastic is cheaper and metal is stronger. At the end of day, if the shed is in general view then wood is the preferred solution. An ugly looking plastic or metal shed can ruin he look of a garden.

Another important decision is whether to build the shed yourself or get a professional to do it. Although shed kits usually give you a substantial discount, they require much more time and energy. Some kits even require you to cut the timber to size before you can start building. Having said that the decision is relatively easy if your honest with yourself about your DIY capabilities.

Once, the shed is in place you need to give the wood some protection. While the materials will come with a gaurantee, you should still regularly add a protective coating. If you are putting together a kit, a good tip is to paint as much of the shed as possible before assembly, since it is much easier to paint some parts of the shed before assembly, rather than standing on a ladder to do it.

Unless you are getting a particularly large or unusual shed, it is unlikely you will need planning permission, but always check. You don't want to be moving a full sized shed several feet, so you want to be sure you have it in the right place to begin with.

The typical garden sheds are either apex sheds or pent sheds. These come in many sizes starting from 2 x 1 metres or 5 x 3 feet upwards. A good idea also is to use the sloping roofs to capture water, which is essential through long hot dry periods.

Matthew Anthony has contributed articles sheds and garden furniture.

---

Five Tips For Garden Sanctuaries

The design of your garden has an amazing affect on... Read More

Make Your Fresh Cut Roses Last Longer!

Women adore getting flowers, most especially roses, as it is... Read More

Orchids Plus More Newsletter - December, 2004

Newsletter Name Change?After several of you made suggestions to me... Read More

Lawn Edging

How do you make those flowers bloom where they are... Read More

Garden for Birds #3

Well, another week is passing us by.I want to thank... Read More

Garden Statuary - Time for a Fresh New Look

Spring is coming, and now is the time to get... Read More

Cat Repellent or How to Keep Cats Out of Your Garden

Do cat repellents work? How to stop a cat from... Read More

Growing Organic! Herbs, Flowers and Fruit

Creating no dig gardens on top of the soil gives... Read More

Butterfly House in the Flower Garden

Whenever you decide to look for a butterfly house for... Read More

Plan for Winter Plantings

Part four in a seriesIt's hard to think about winter... Read More

Bare Root Roses, What To Look For When Buying

The first thing to look for is the plant's grade.... Read More

Tuscan Garden Design

If you're looking for a beautiful, old world garden style,... Read More

Making Memories with Flower Gardening

Flower gardening is not only about the present, but can... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening - An Introduction To Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners (Part 3) Lighting

THE BASICS OF HYDROPONICS.An Introduction To Indoor Plant Grow Lights.There... Read More

How to Grow Apples

The first thing you need to grow apples is a... Read More

How to Create a Zen Garden

When you hear the term "Zen Garden" the picture conjured... Read More

Spice up Your Garden with Rare Flowering Bulbs

Any experienced gardener knows the secret to a beautiful garden... Read More

How to Grow Asparagus

Asparagus is a perennial plant with erect, edible stems and... Read More

A Storage Bench Provides Much Needed Outdoor Space

If you are like most of us, there are two... Read More

History of the Adirondack Chair

If you were to travel to Blue Mountain Lake, New... Read More

Growing Your Own Herbs for Tea

If you love herbal teas, as I do, you know... Read More

Water Ponds and Wildlife - How To Attract More Animals to Your Backyard

Wildlife require water just as humans do. Water is essential... Read More

A Teak Chair - Create a Livable Outdoor Space with One

When creating a comfortable, usable outdoor space, nothing could me... Read More

A Look at Planting Flower Bulbs

Flowers are a favorite of many backyard gardeners. Thanks to... Read More

A Teak Bench: The Perfect Complement To Any Outdoor Space

Are you searching for that perfect bench to set off... Read More

Fake Grass

The history of artificial or fake grass is to say... Read More

Garden for Birds #4

I would like to know...WHO STOLE SUMMER???What did you do... Read More

Growing Vegetables in Containers - The Compact Solution

Container vegetable gardens are a great alternative for those that... Read More

10 Tips for Successful Rose Planting

Planting roses isn't actually complicated, as long as you have... Read More

The Ivy League

Parthenocissus tricuspidata is commonly known as Boston Ivy, Cottage Ivy,... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening verses Organic Gardening: Which Grows the Best Cannabis?

Copy-write 2005 Jan Money.Hydroponics gardening offers many advantages to the... Read More

Easy to Grow Roses

There are many different types of roses. If you are... Read More

Why are Adirondack Chairs & Adirondack Furniture a Cottage Favorite?

With summer right around the corner, it's time to sit... Read More