For more information on garden buildings, visit www.gardeningthoughts.co.uk.
Garden buildings have been popular for centuries and were associated with luxury gardens during the Renaissance. The concept of garden buildings then spread north of the Alps and into the United Kingdom, and they are now very much part of the traditional English landscape.
Garden buildings remain popular in today’s garden, such as: garden sheds, summerhouses, or log cabins. They come in variety of shapes of sizes to fit any household need. The size of garden building you opt for isn’t necessarily related to cost, but to how much available space you have in your garden. Ideally you should have a clear space of least 18” wide on all sides of the building to ensure easy access for installation and future maintenance.
Garden buildings are usually made from wood, but metal or heavy moulded plastic is also an option. Wooden garden buildings can blend into the garden or stand out as an attractive addition. The wood will need protecting from the elements, termites, mould and damp, and therefore a good wood finisher needs to be applied once a year to protect the garden building. Plastic garden buildings are durable, will not degrade and hardly need any maintenance. Metal garden buildings often do not come with a floor. Consequently it is advisable to mount metal sheds on foundations to reduce rust problems, insects and ground water seeping into the building.
Small garden buildings, such as sheds, are often used for storage: garden tools, work tools, bicycles, and anything else that can’t find a home in the house. Sheds and men have often been associated together, but the traditional viewpoint has to change: women have recently discovered the joy of ‘shed time’ and subsequently the sale of sheds have increased.
Larger garden buildings, for example: sheds or log cabins, are extremely versatile. No longer are they regarded as just somewhere to store the gardening equipment. A popular option for a larger garden building is a home office. The smallest size for an office is generally 8’ x 10’ and the most popular sizes are 12’ x 8’ and 12’ X 10’. There are companies that specialise in garden buildings for offices and they can advise on such matters as: planning permission, location, foundations, and utilities. Large garden buildings can also be used as a workshop, to house a whirlpool or as children’s playroom/playhouse. There are purpose built garden buildings for children, and manufacturers have let their imagination run riot. There are castle playhouses, mini-home playhouses with four windows at the front, a door in the middle and an upstairs! There are playhouses on top of climbing frames, jungle huts, and playhouses in the shape of a rocket – how fantastic is that! They will keep the children amused for hours.
Garden buildings are ideal for entertaining friends, colleagues or family at home, when space is lacking in the house. Summerhouses make an ideal option, and they are also great to relax in on a warm day while the pesky insects buzz around outside. Summerhouses are attractive and can be tucked away in the corner of the garden if space is limited, or act as focal point for the larger garden. They start from a small and simple design, through to a large, hexagonal summerhouse containing a built in stove, vent and chimney; therefore you could barbeque any time of the day, whatever the weather – and you’ll have the most popular garden in the street!
It is hard to find a garden without a garden building because they are useful, practical and versatile. Furthermore, some garden buildings can increase the value of a property – another reason why a garden shouldn’t be without a garden building.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Cellar Conversion - Work house to Leisure Room
- House Cleaning Tips
- House Extention
- Importance of Adding Conservatories to the House
- Packers and Movers Inida: a best way to relocate your house
- How Do Free Foreclosure Listings Really Work?
- Comparing In-house Work and Outsourced Work
- Comparing / Contrasting In-house Work Versus Outsourced Work




The "Hardiness" of Marijuana
By: joyce | 01/01/2010Why Marijuana is destined to become a super weed
Much to Do in Southern California Gardens--Even in Winter
By: Bill Camarillo | 31/12/2009While many trees and plants go dormant in January, warm, sunny days can entice Southern California gardeners into their backyards where much can be done even in winter.
Helping Winter Wildlife during the Cold Spells
By: Richard n Williams | 31/12/2009The cold snowy weather can keep many of us in during the winter months but these cold spells can be even more harsh on the local wildlife. Not only do many of our native animals and birds struggle to find enough to eat during the winter months they also struggle to find shelter.
The Money Plant Tree - The Tree That Brings Prosperity
By: Barbara N | 31/12/2009A plant that will bring prosperity to your home or business? Why the money plant tree is a popular gift idea for yourself or someone special.
How to Compost
By: Joe Cline | 31/12/2009Fall is composting season and that means it’s time to make the most of the garden waste and food waste that you normally get rid of. Composting not only helps your garden the next spring but it also reduces the amount of organic waste that you send to the landfill, thereby lessening your impact on the environment. If you’ve never composted before, the process might seem intimidating. With a few simple steps you can have your very own backyard composting station. To start composting, you need to
Decorative Garden Flags - Revel in the colors and vibrancy of decorative flags
By: Justin Brown | 31/12/2009In today's world, a 'happy new year' or a 'thank you' - however courteous and sincere they may be-- are often considered just a drab, flat and inadequate expression of joy, thrill or gratitude. No wonder then, gifts have come to play such an important role in the expression of our feelings.
Winterizing Roses
By: Annelie | 31/12/2009Roses provide beauty and fragrance throughout the spring and summer months. However, if you live in a climate where the winter months are chilly, your roses will require a bit of winter maintenance to ensure they’ll return the following spring.
Guide to Landscape Gardening
By: High Position | 31/12/2009Landscape gardening is about creating harmony with the surroundings and the home. It is like a dream picture with beautiful lawn, trees and garden area around a house.
When Building a Log Cabin There are Some Major Cost Factors
By: Sara Lungley | 15/09/2008 | GardeningWhen having a log home built or you, there are some major cost factors you will want to take into consideration. There are several things you can do to reduce the high cost of your cabin while still maintaining the incredible design and uniqueness of a cabin home.
Methods for Building a Garden Shed Base
By: Sara Lungley | 25/06/2008 | GardeningWhen constructing a garden shed base, there are three methods you have to choose from; concrete, paving slab and timber bearers. While each is different in its own way, there are benefits and downsides to each.
Garden Sheds: How Do you Treat Yours?
By: Sara Lungley | 07/09/2007 | GardeningGarden sheds aren’t just for storing things. They can provide many years of enjoyment and refuge when treated with the right kind of care and attention.