Don't hide an ugly shed! Make it look beautiful instead. Inspiring shed ideas

[@tara5742]

“Can you tell me a little bit, but actually, not too much about…” haha! I love it.

[@jeffreypigeon]

I spent a little too much money having a shed built to match my white weatherboard house. My carpenters salvaged a massive 1920's lead light window from another property and also a glass door to let as much light in. So many people said I was silly for not buying a cheap premade shed and just hiding it, but with a relatively small backyard that would have looked terrible and hardly been hidden. Now it's the focus of the garden and everyone loves it. I love it!

[@anthonyhollands8004]

I like it that you reflect diversity of people, ages and orientations in your videos.

[@irairod5160]

"Sigh!" is all I can say---no space for a shed. But, if I had one, I fantasize it'd be covered by a vine on one side, and it would have window boxes and a little sitting space in front, with painted iron chairs and a very small table, just big enough for a book and a drink. Thank you for another delightful video! The weather is spectacular where I am today, so I'm putting my walking shoes on and taking a stroll through the neighborhood to see what's peeping out of the ground in other gardens!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! And an imaginary shed can be sometimes almost as good as a real one...

[@kerrydunbabin8380]

Dear Alexandra, I loved your shed episode. Just thought I'd tell you that when I was 16, I was writing to my boyfriend from Hobart to the Northern Territory. I'd just moved into a house, and told him how happy I was that it had three sheds. He said he didn't think that was very romantic. It was in 1976 . . . I learnt to write better love letters after then. Cheers from Tasmania.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Tasmania is beautiful - three sheds or no

[@louiseaa7609]

"We renovated the whole house, so it would not look ugly in the garden"🤣🤣🤣 I love it!

[@pennyjones4451]

I added a dark red shed with charcoal trim and a charcoal tin roof to my yard last summer. I love it and don’t know how I managed without it. It is so nice to have all my gardening tools in one place. I added a gravel path from the patio to the shed and I am pleased with the result. I live in Canada and it was a long winter, I went out to my shed last week and just looked around to get inspired for the upcoming gardening season. I am itching to get started but it is still too early, I have pruned and fertilized my hydrangeas. As soon as I start seeing some insects in the garden I will know it is okay to tidy up the dead leaves. This video inspired me to try growing some type of vine on the shed. Thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm gald you enjoyed it. Dark red and charcoal trim sounds lovely.

[@paigeturner165]

That first house was divine as was the chap’s accent 😍

[@Life-trip]

We inherited two ugly dark small sheds. We painted them white/cream inside for reflected light, and 2 shades of blue with cream trim outside. They now look like charming places you’d want to explore, and add to the view from the windows

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sounds beautiful

[@seanjamescameron]

I will have to 'borrow' that idea for the potting bench, makes a lot of sense.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I thought it was genius

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Fabulous video Alexandra - thank you for including us - and we LOVE Richard's potting shed - even more atmospheric and gorgeous in the flesh!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It was such fun to do - and all three sheds are so pretty!

[@tara5742]

It would have never occurred to me to get potting shed inspiration. What wonderful noteworthy ideas. The subject matter of this channel is such a joy.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@theacripps8099]

Oh I just love the apothecary chest as seed storage idea! We are going to build a garden shed in the next year or two and it would be a joy to incorporate such a piece in our own shed for the same purpose. I just love it!

[@giennefarcais6834]

I was having an extraordinarily crappy day until I watched this video. Now I am inspired and refreshed. I had seen small potting sheds online and I think properly decorated and surrounded by plants they will be the best finishing touch for my garden, so thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it and hope your day continues to improve.

[@DalhiaSun]

Well I’m glad you let us know where you are. I wondered in other videos because it’s not like you took a quick trip next door …

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

We went to Australia for three weeks, just back. But it's southern Australia so the gardens have lots in common with European, UK and North American ones.

[@mt2766]

I have a “medium-small” garden and keep my gardening tools in the garage. I would love a small, good-looking garden closet or lean-to for the larger gardening tools. I bet Matthew will come up with something practical and beautiful for his garden that I could learn from.

[@patriciaplat4663]

It’s so inspiring and motivating to watch this video and listen to these passionate gardeners. Much food for thought so thank you very much!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@allisong6]

Spent first few moments thinking a bee was in lounge, happily it's enjoying their garden hah

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's very happy there!

[@beckyscheller9358]

I have a res shed with white trim. It matches our red 102 year old barn Also best idea was a hay basket flowers box and barn light added over it. The light also matches ones on the near by barn. I enjoy the light at night over the flower box. Especially at Christmas I decorate it

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That sounds beautiful!

[@bluesky7226]

I have been dreaming of a she-shed/potting shed/greenhouse for years. Loved this episode, as always!💝

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

I've built a bunch of sheds.......however after seeing this video......I need to get the tool belt out and get started building a proper shed. A fantastic video, please tHank your guests for all the ideas. Have a great weekend all!

[@catherineengle4196]

I love that succulent roof....beautiful! God bless

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It is gorgeous!

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

How’s your day going with you Catherine?

[@doyoueverstop]

Firstly, on my way to the station last week, you were standing at your gate, I said "good morning " and complimented on your show, it was very early and I apologise if I startled you. I am currently in the middle of redeveloping the bottom section of our garden, we've only been in the house for 20 months but the bottom section was a blank canvas and it will be a nature haven, we are planning to install a large(ish) shed, we don't t have the budget to have a top end designer shed but we do plan on using a fairly local shed maker, who produces nice sheds at an affordable price, we're then planning to install a corrugated tin roof and paint it in a linseed oil based paint. We own a property in France and our barn has 2 oak church windows that ironically originally came from a church in Kent, they have not been installed well and frankly look out of place in a French barn but would look lovely in our English garden shed.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It was a pleasure to meet you, and I was delighted to hear that you enjoy the Middlesized Garden. It was quite dark so if we bump into each other again, I may not recognise you, but do say hello! And do consider opening for Faversham Open Gardens - it's at the end of June and the contact is [e-mail]

[@jcking6785]

Lovely video! Lovely sheds!

[@yvonnehall544]

Thanks again for another interesting video.

[@mariadias8959]

Alexandra, today i had a dejä vu moment. It was more of a dejä heard 😀 because i have been following you since the pandemic and today your voice Gave me a nostalgic and warm feeling of beeing acompanied and also of learning about things i love and have been wanting to do all my life. Big hug to you and thanks for your great work (and graceful voice ) 👃

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@russelwellard2217]

I found your channel recently, I really enjoy the content it's really informative and helpful, I have a project to refurbish my garden now that I have retired I am looking forward to future films Regards Russell

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Great to hear!

[@Josh_Stuchbery]

Nice video and I hope you've enjoyed your time in Australia. I live in the South Gippsland area (South-East of Melbourne) and also run a nursery.

[@jucjuc314]

I am so happy to see you made it over there! 😍 I have been there and visited Dicksonia Rare Plants and got to meet Stephen Ryan personally, sadly not You and Matthew too! And here you all are, all my garden heroes on the screen! 😍 ❤️ Greetings, Judit

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That's lovely to hear, thank you!

[@francineh.7825]

I absolutely loved these garden sheds!!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

So glad!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

You all are having way too good of a time! Quite enjoyable video.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm still hopeful we can lure you across the pond to see some English gardens some day!

[@dougkelley2781]

Well, I’ve not managed to build them yet, but I’ve long had plans I’ve sketched up for a pair of garden sheds, to bookend what is a long perennial border. The border is the slope at the edge of a raised grass terrace off the main side lawn, and the shed would be at the top on each end, with natural stone foundations. I have in mind sort of carpenter gothic, foursquare, with steep gabled ends on all sides that would require cruciform roofs, topped with wooden crocheted finials. Sounds complex but I think the small size will make them doable, and I’m fascinated by beautiful geometry in buildings. We shall see...

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It sounds like a very good idea, hope it goes well.

[@pragueinbloom1110]

That´s a really interesting topic, I am currently in the process of decluttering our shed so it gives me a lot of inspiration for the future, thank you!

[@maryruud9566]

My shed looks like a tiny cottage. Arched door, divided light windows, shutters and window boxes. And as much as I like it now, this video has inspired me to add a cupola on top of the roof.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That sounds lovely.

[@dougkelley2781]

Few buildings cannot be improved by a cupola. Great idea!

[@adrabruzzese7610]

Thank you Alexandra, such a great video. I love architecture, the sheds are beautiful.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gardengatesopen]

Oh my gosh! The shed ideas I've been dreaming up, (with a zero dollar budget I might add) have been so extreme!! But that's kinda how my imagination works. I start big, even outrageous, and then proceed to pare it down to reality. ▪︎ First, I too want a live roof! Although, I haven't pinpointed the type of plants to grow on it yet. I'm guessing it will probably end up being wispy Wildflowers. We get random, moderate freezes in winter, otherwise, a succulent roof would be DREAMY!!!! But probably not very practical. Plus, one side of the shed's roof is in full sun all day. Between the full sun, and freezing temps, I don't want to have to replace plants every spring. Also with the roof, I would like to change the shape of it. Bcuz, why not! Right now it's kind of rounded over on top, like some barns are made. It's NOT cute. It's GOT TO GO. So let's make a normal, pointed ridgeline, and raise it a bit higher to have a steeper roof line. This is to help make it look less squatty. Right now it's quite boxy looking. And one more huge roof detail, I want to curve the ends. This is to give it more character, but it will also catch, and direct rainwater to the rear of the shed, where rain barrels will be waiting to hold that water. It just seems perfect! I'm telling you, I've got it all worked out! My shed is all metal. (And VERY ugly!) So I want to paint it charcoal black, to make the plants on the ground around it, pop. Plants such as papyrus in sunny spots, and foxglove in shady spots, etc. I might even paint a barely visable faux wood grain on the walls. It just depends on how hot it gets at the point of painting! (I'm in Texas, so all work will be done only between October and April.) On the front side, I want to extend the roof to make a covered porch. Not a huge porch. The front of the shed is only 9 feet wide. So the porch will extend about 4 feet out in front. The porch will also need a floor. Right now it's simply a dirt ramp that goes into the shed. (Boring.) I've pictured EVERY type of floor man has ever made, and who knows, I'll just have to see what happens at the time! This glorious shed porch will have bifold doors, all on hinges, going all the way around it, so when winter is over, the doors will all be folded back against the shed, leaving the covered porch open on all 3 sides. Now, here's the coolest part: All the bifold doors will essentially be made of glass! (Except for the frames - obviously!) So when they enclose the front porch, it becomes a mini greenhouse!! This way I have a small place to store my potted, frost tender perennials, during cold snaps! We can install a mini ceiling fan up top too! And to make it even more extra, I would like the top row of glass in the doors to be louvered. And mechanized!! (Solar powered - of course.) So that whenever the temperature inside the little greenhouse gets too hot, the louvers automatically open, and cool the place down!! Only yesterday I saw this exact thing, well not EXACT bcuz it was actually a pre-built louvre window, and it was mechanized, made for greenhouses. I wasn't even LOOKING for it, it just popped up in front of me and started waving! (as if!) Anyway, it was $400. 😳 Boy, did my heart sink! There's NO WAY I am spending that on my shed! However, we are big DIY-ers, and I'm SURE there's a less expensive way to do this!! Although, I have no idea what that is. Let's just see what the universe has to offer at the time! (Unexpected items that come my way during such projects are sometimes very inviting!) While we're at it, let's add some randomly placed stained glass to those bifold "greenhouse" doors! Probably flowers! Perhaps Daffodils & Bluebonnets? Maybe some wisteria? Not too many panels of stained glass, though. Just a couple, maybe one on each side? We'll see. I also have a wisteria in a pot. It has been growing in the shade for about 10 years. This keeps its growth in check. But it also doesn't flower. It NEEDS to flower. It WANTS to flower. I WANT to LET it flower! But I don't want to wrestle with keeping it in check. So there's that. I've yet to figure out where its best location should be... And I daydream of having that wisteria planted on one side of the remade shed, outlining the roof line. Letting it live its best life! How cute would the flowering season be on ANY shed outlined in wisteria!! Ahhhh, it's just dreamy... ! Unfortunately, we all know wisteria don't stop growing at the 12 foot point. And I'm just not sure I have the energy to keep up with a mad-cap wisteria!! So... we'll see. One more dreamy addition... It would be great fun to create a sculpture of finials to run across the top ridgeline! About 12 inches tall, running down the length of the shed roof. This would basically only show during winter since the rest of the year the plants on the live roof would be covering it from view. But what a treat it would be to have that to look at during the dull winter months!! So yeah, that's basically it. Just a few small tweaks, and Voilà!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

You've got lots of great ideas there, and it's so helpful that you're good at DIY, too. Someone has since pointed out that since Stephen did his sloping green roof, there have been lots of kits available for vertical walls and these could be easily adapted.

[@gardengatesopen]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden good idea! I'll check those out!!

[@texasgeeg5972]

Loved this video, Alexandra. Your videos are always so inspirational…so now I “need” a garden shed.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@lynnrumsey3296]

I loved this video. A lovely shed is on my wish list. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@carrlinewhitfield5282]

Good video on shed’s

[@carolferencz1922]

Brilliant episode. Thanks Alexandra💐

[@rik80280]

I just wish I had a shed.

[@NishantKumar-yr6mj]

Hello, can you please talk about the advantages and disadvantages of using nematode for controlling slugs?

[@mariemccoubrey7463]

Brilliant video

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

How’s your day going with you Marie?

[@ThreeRunHomer]

Instead of a shed, I have an ugly garage with a storage area attached. If I paint it dark gray, will that make the garage recede and become a better background for plants (following the principle of painting fences dark colors)? The ugly garage is currently painted white.

[@sandy_carpetsthesecond5013]

I mean, Honestly, I'd just suggest putting plants on, in and around it. Climbing hydrangeas are great for framing the top and sides of your windows if you have a window box, it really brings a cottage core aesthetic to the house.

[@silencedogood9747]

I would say paint it dark like you said and also use lots of plants as the other commenter suggested.

[@anneworks]

I have a very dark green shed and all plants looks lovely against it, even green ones. Grey probably has a similar effect. Go for it!

[@pansepot1490]

Very dark grey (even black - since it often fades and tends to look grey anyway under sunlight) is an excellent idea. Makes the color of plants in front of it pop. Pinterest is a good place for images for inspiration and ideas. Another good alternative if one has a big ugly garage wall is to paint a mural on it or try and turn it into a feature in a similar way. Bunny Guinnes has a breathtaking example of such solution in one of her videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYm6ZHl7bK2gotE

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm with the majority of commenters here - a dark background such as dark green, dark blue or dark grey should make it recede and covering it with climbers will sort the rest.

[@littlevoice_11]

Do you have any videos on how to hide sheds and messy working areas with a screen or similar?

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

In the garden in this video, they have grown a hedge in front of it, allowing the garden to appear to curve in kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYDbdapnlL2qfKc Also depending on the size and shape of the garden, you could also consider a hedge or trellis, perhaps with an arch, dividing the garden into 'rooms', with one room being the practical side. There are a few more screen ideas in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joTWlYxqrMylm68 although it's rather an old one, so I hope to update it soon.

[@ellie.l6585]

Any tips on how to keep spiders out? I'm terrified of them and would love to enjoy using my shed but so scared of one coming in 😔

[@dougkelley2781]

Try growing peppermint around your shed or hanging some in corners. Mint will run away on you so be careful of it. Also maybe cedar chips on your shed floor, and I’ve heard spiders are averse to cinnamon. Not sure about that... invite them to tea and serve cinnamon toast? 🤷‍♂️

[@ellie.l6585]

@@dougkelley2781 thank you ☺ certainly worth a try. Just wish they would all turn into butterflies 🦋 🌷🦋

[@MiAnge1ito]

so glad for this vid you really don't want to see mine right now 😂

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

ha, ha (can never find the emojis on my keyboard!)

[@kerryjean2223]

Oh no... That first segment, don't change the house colour which I think is absolutely gorgeous. The shed colour too on the inside beautiful but the outside.... Lame.... sorry, no disrespect intended x 💚🐛🌻

[@lisanorwoodtreefarm]

Im laughing so hard in zone 5, hearing her call zone 9 a place that has winter. That's tropical!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

There is snow. Very occasionally!