2. Contemporary. The modular design and horizontal wood slats give this shed a more modern look that would work well for contemporary gardens. This particular structure is designed to house two side-by-side storage units, each accessed by sliding doors. In front, the door slides open to reveal a potting station and garden tools.
Organization Tips Store most-used items like garden shears where they’re easy to reach: hung from a hook, tucked in the top drawer or placed nose-down in an empty pot. Gather together loose ends, such as plant labels, waterproof pens and reels of twine, in empty terra-cotta containers, glass Mason jars or bins. Group similar-use items together so that you’ll know where to find them. For example, put all drip-irrigation supplies in one bin. Keep the workspace clear. Put away tools as you leave the garden or finish a project and sweep the work surface clear of potting soil. Reserve the lower level for storing large pots and bags of soil amendments, such as chicken manure, bone meal or granite dust. Put the amendments and fertilizers in bins with sealed lids to keep them dry and out of reach of young children and animals.
Mosquitoes. In most areas mosquitoes are a major issue in the summertime and can hinder outdoor activities. They thrive in areas with a regular water supply and can multiply very quickly into large numbers if left unchecked. All of your garden's water features should have movement on the surface of the water. Mosquito larvae can survive only in stagnant water, so if a pump is installed in a water feature, mosquito colonies are less likely to survive. Introducing fish into a pond is also a great way to combat mosquitoes, since they eat the larvae before they hatch. Goldfish, minnows and betta fish (also called Siamese fighting fish) are all great options for controlling mosquitoes. Finally, there are several plants you can add to your garden to help repel mosquitoes. Catnip is a natural mosquito repellent that grows in most areas as an easy-growing perennial. Marigolds also have a distinctive smell that is unbearable to mosquitoes. Try planting these annuals in pots around your patio and next to windows, and the smell will prevent mosquitoes from hanging around.
How stormwater planters are constructed. Stormwater planters have constructed sides — most often made of reinforced concrete. They contain the same plant types used in rain gardens, soil to at least 18 inches deep, a filter fabric and a drainage layer of about 10 inches of rock at the bottom. The planter can act either as an infiltration mechanism, by letting water seep into the ground below, or as a water cleansing mechanism by filtering water through the its layers and then allowing it to drain into a subdrainage system, as shown in this diagram. The type of planter you choose will depend on the infiltration rate of the soil on your site. If infiltration is poor, as is the case for many urban lots, your planter should cleanse stormwater before sending it into a drainage system. Diagram courtesy of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the Bayou Land Resource Conservation & Development Council
Plastic. The light weight of plastic tanks makes them a popular DIY pick, especially because they come in all kinds of colors and shapes and are available at most home improvement stores for low prices (small ones can be found for under $100). Make sure to stick with the darker ones, so that sunlight can’t reach your water and cause algae blooms. And keep in mind that there are many different kinds and qualities of plastic barrels, so it may serve you well to check consumer reviews first.
Plastic. The light weight of plastic tanks makes them a popular DIY pick, especially because they come in all kinds of colors and shapes and are available at most home improvement stores for low prices (small ones can be found for under $100). Make sure to stick with the darker ones, so that sunlight can’t reach your water and cause algae blooms. And keep in mind that there are many different kinds and qualities of plastic barrels, so it may serve you well to check consumer reviews first.
Plastic. The light weight of plastic tanks makes them a popular DIY pick, especially because they come in all kinds of colors and shapes and are available at most home improvement stores for low prices (small ones can be found for under $100). Make sure to stick with the darker ones, so that sunlight can’t reach your water and cause algae blooms. And keep in mind that there are many different kinds and qualities of plastic barrels, so it may serve you well to check consumer reviews first.
Steel. This is one of the most common materials for tanks, due to the sleek look and low cost. Some steel tanks even have vinyl “bladders” (sacks) inside them, which actually hold the water. They often come in sizes much larger than the one pictured here, and can be more difficult to find at home improvement stores. You may want to search online for “tanks” as opposed to “barrels,” if you’re interested in this material. In general, metal barrels will stand up to heat a bit better than plastic.
Wood. Wooden barrels are one of the most attractive DIY options, with that rustic look. Watch out for leaks, though, because when the wood dries out, it shrinks a bit, leaving gaps in the barrel. The price of a new wooden barrel can be a few hundred dollars, but often you can get used ones online for much less. Just make sure you know what it was used for and consider any contaminants.
love this house overall
craftsman
craftsman
square - but nice lines
square - but looks good
outdoor shower - deck flooring, anteroom for changing and keeping stuff dry
screening for propane, etc?
shingle an straight siding
love the window, love the tile floor
windows 4 over 1 or 6 over 1
Knee braces
big numbers - help t he blank space out front?
9. Colorful. Use a garden shed with a coat of bright paint on the sides, door, window box or trim to cheer up a plain corner of the backyard or tie in with colorful garden beds. Warm hues like red, terra cotta, orange and tawny gold look particularly inviting in colder climates or those with frequent rain and overcast skies. Vibrant blues, violets and lime green also work well as accent colors, and they can complement garden beds of almost any color.
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