Ideas for Garden Sheds

Size Matters

• The first and perhaps most important thing to consider when choosing a shed is the size you need or are able to fit into your yard. Make a list of items you plan to store in the shed and think about whether you want to be able to use the space for any other purpose. If you have landscaping equipment to store, look at sheds that are primarily open spaces on the interior. If you plan to use the shed to pot plants, work on projects and store equipment, choose a shed large enough to hold a lawn mower, tiller and snow-blower and one with a worktable and shelves for storing empty pots. Small sheds that only house a few tools are often sold pre-assembled and can be placed directly in the yard with little prep work.

Complementary Style

• Attractive garden sheds are considered an enhancement to a property. Choose a shed that complements your house's architectural style, color, or era if the shed is to be placed where it can be seen from the house. For example, if your home is Colonial, choose a shed that mimics the main materials, style of door, windows and even shutters. Choose a shed in a complementary or matching color so the shed appears to be an extension of the original house.

Hidden Garden

• If your property size and landscaping plans permit, consider a hidden garden shed design. This is simply a shed that blends into the background of your landscaping, as if the plants, trees and bushes simply grew up around it. Natural wood, especially cedar, enhances a yard filled with wrought iron or antique hardware. Consider planting vine-type flowers like clematis or morning glory near the base of the shed, so they grow up the walls conceal it in the landscape.

Focal Point

• Make your shed a focal point of your garden by choosing a model of a striking architectural design, perhaps one completely different from anything else on your property. Position it away from the house, blocked from the view by a turn in a path or large shrubs. A five-sided design or Victorian gazebo creates a memorable atmosphere in any garden, for example. Add to the authenticity by planting era- or style-appropriate flowers, trees and bushes that reflect the look you have chosen.