Table of Contents
Who: My oldest son and husband started building our garden shed a little under a year ago.
What: A little blue garden shed/guest cottage built in our backyard.
When: It was constructed late July into early August of 2024.
Where: The shed is positioned in our backyard by our vegetable garden.
Why: We desired a place to store all of our gardening supplies.
Our New Blue Garden Shed/Guest Cottage!
For some reason the need for more storage always seems to be a desire for our household. With a garage overflowing with tools, decorating bins and garden/yard supplies it has definitely been on our bucket list for many years now. When we acquired this property over 18 years ago there was a tin shed in the far backyard, but unfortunately we had to tear it down years ago due to safety concerns. As our backyard garden grew, so did my dream of having a garden shed sitting next to it
As our son’s time living with us and working his construction job was coming to an end we decided to go ahead and build the shed while he was here to help. He had spent the prior two years working in construction building garages, decks and sheds. It was so fun to watch father and son working together so nicely.
Originally, the project began as a simple small garden shed to store gardening supplies and other storage items. We chose the size based on the empty space that was left when we tore the old one down. Eventually, we decided to go a bit bigger because we have the space for it and let’s face it you can never have enough storage!
The project began late July/early August of last year 2024. It took them about 2 weekends to shell it, shingle it, and then side it. They popped up a quick front deck as a last touch before we hit the road to send our son off to college.
The blue shed is positioned on a private place on the perimeter of our property. It is right next to a fire pit area, which is a work in progress, and our fenced in vegetable garden spot. It is so nice to have all the tools and materials needed for gardening just steps away from our raised beds.
Admittedly, this project started as a simple garden shed and has morphed into something a bit more, as often our projects do. As they started shelling it up, it quickly became clear to me that it had the makings of a guest cottage, complete with living room area, sleeping loft and a small kitchen area. The interior has a long way to go to be complete but I keep dreaming of what it can be.
This shed is a work in progress. When our son visited us in May, I asked him if he could work with his dad again and build a decorative awning off the front over the front door. He could hardly say no as it was Mothers Day weekend! It turned out great and I can already see the Christmas garland and lights hanging around it in a few short months. I have a tendency to always look ahead!
With the 4th of July just around the corner I draped some decorative red white and blue bunting around the awning. Also, my husband sprayed some old milk cans we have had for years a fresh colonial red color. Adding in red pots with impatient plants and mini flags finished off the look on the deck.
Choosing the color of the shed was a difficult choice as I am very indecisive and change my mind easily. We decided on this blue shade because we figured it would hide dirt somewhat easily, pairs nicely with the yellow siding on our house and other outbuilding and would be fun to decorate around.
Finishing the interior, landscaping around the firepit area right next to it and decorating it seasonally are all the action items for this space. For right now, I am very appreciative for what it is and what it will be in the future!