Jenni Ferreira has a keen interest in propagating rare and unknown plants from seeds and cuttings. So she sought a place out of the path of the southeaster where she could nurture her seedlings and cuttings until they rooted before she planted them. Because her husband loves gardening as much as she does, convincing him to revive the old afdak on their plot wasn’t difficult. And it wasn’t long before walls had been constructed to enclose the afdak, old windows and doors found at junk shops and building sites had been installed, and the roofing sheets replaced with fibreglass to allow just the right amount of light in.

Why A Garden Shed?
Jenni reckons the need for a sheltered workspace in the garden is all part of the global ‘back to earth’ trend. With so many of us growing our own food and embracing slower living in contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life, a shed is almost a must-have. And gardening requires tools, containers, plant materials and other equipment that is best kept out of reach of children and pets.

This workspace affords Jenni the opportunity to live out her love for gardening all year round. Here she can make cuttings, care for pot plants and sow seeds to her heart’s content, irrespective of the weather. It’s where she stores her seed packs and bulbs for the next season and where her garden gloves, garden boots and hat are at hand. Everything has its place and she knows exactly where all her tools are. A garden shed also offers the perfect storage solution: It keeps your supply of firewood dry during the rainy season – and it’s a great domestic recycling depot.

Jenni’s Tips For Creating Your Own Workspace

• Ensure there’s maximum light, but also sufficient shade.
• Work surfaces must be at the right height.
• Plan for sufficient storage as well as hanging space.
• Easy access to water is important.
• Keep everything neat and tidy.
• Where possible, install underfloor heating for winter.
• Position your compost heap and earthworm farm close by.

What Do I Need To Build My Own Shed?

• A few square metres of space in your yard.
• Consent from the local municipality.
• Bricks and mortar, or wood rafters from alien plants for the walls.
• Beams and sheeting for the roof.
• Enough time and a love of gardening so you’ll utilise the space to the max.

Text and image: Home