In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through our garden shed Spring refresh and share some tips, tricks, and unique storage solutions that will help you maximize space and functionality.
Whether you're looking to revamp your own shed or simply seeking inspiration for creative garden storage, join us as we explore innovative ideas for both the aesthetics and practicality.
before
before
Let’s get this project started!
The Furniture Update
We took everything off the porch and gave it all a good scrub. I painted the chair and table blue approximately two years ago, and over time, they began to show signs of fading and chipping.
I used a wire brush to remove the chipping paint and then spray painted them white. They were originally white when I thrifted them so we have come full circle!
Nothings says “come sit a while” like a white wicker chair! Right?!
before
The table was cleaned and the pots and baskets got a fresh coat of black paint.
after
The table was then moved into the garden for extra work and planting space.
Moving the table off the porch allowed the chair and table to sit under the window which gave easier access to the front door.
Surface Refinishing
The front of the shed was looking a little tired and the steps were very mossy and treacherous! We removed the moss by sanded the deck and stairs, and then applied a coat of oil stain.
I also stained the front peek of the shed to protect it from the weather.
The screen in the door was falling out and the wood was fading so we sanded the frame and gave it a fresh coat of stain. Wow! What a difference!
The screen was challenging to replace…truly a test of patience and perseverance!
Eventually it was reinstalled and tested for fit. The frame was slightly warped and did not close with that “thunk” sound that we love. So…it got a shave with the planer and now makes that beautiful sound again!
Cleaning and Organizing the Inside of the Shed
Things seem to pile up during the winter in the shed. So…the piles were organized, tools were returned to their designated spots, and the floor got a good sweep and vacuum.
Storage Ideas
I’ve tried several systems to keep our gloves organized, easily accessible, and have air-flow for drying. None of them have been very successful.
So…this year I’m using a basket that hangs on the door to the shed. I can reach them without going into the shed and when they are protected from weather when door is closed.
For overflow glove storage I have a wire basket that hangs on the wall inside the shed. We can easily see the gloves and the open wire weave allows air-flow to wet gloves.
Plant stakes are stored in metal containers or clay pots in the window or..
…hang on the wall with iron hooks.
Vertical Storage
If you have wall space, install hooks and clips to hold tools and other garden items.
We found this hanging system to be very valuable. The clips and rails came from Walmart and they were about 1/3 the price of other box stores. They are still holding up after several years.
Seed Storage
Think outside the box when storing seeds. I found this cabinet at an antique store in Idaho. I think it was used to hold time cards “back in the day.” The slots are perfect for seed packets.
it also has a drawer for overflow and extra large seed envelopes.
These small snap boxes are from The Dollar Tree and make great seed collecting vessels. I saved seeds from some of our plants last year and they stayed organized and dry all winter. They have snap lids and nest together in a stack!
Handy Tools
I also found these clips at Dollar Tree. I keep them in my garden apron and they are perfect for training climbing plants, holding packets of seeds together, and holding plant covers when the weather frosty.
Outdoor Tool Storage
The next time you are thrift shopping watch for containers with lids. I use this metal box to store small tools that I use frequently in the garden. It is water-proof and sits nicely under my work table.
The box holds clippers, scissors, twine, clips, and Lysol for sterilizing tools. It is probably the most used storage container in the garden!
The Garden
No respectable garden themed blog would be complete without a few flower images!
These beautiful ranunculus bloomed today!
A traditional ranunculus
Pulling spent daffodil bulbs
Soooooo much lettuce!
I hope you found a few inspiring ideas for your outdoor spaces here and will share how you are infusing personal touches and functional flair to your garden in the comments below!
Here's to cultivating beauty and utility in every corner of your green oasis!