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On A Limb / February 2008
Garden Buildings
Garden buildings have been popular for centuries and were associated with luxury gardens during the Renaissance. The concept of garden buildings spread north of the Alps then into the United Kingdom, and they are now very much a part of the traditional English landscape, says Sara Lungley.
Sara explained, “Garden buildings remain popular in today’s garden, such as: garden sheds, summerhouses, or log cabins. They come in variety of shapes and sizes to fit any household need. The size of garden building 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 molded 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 elements such as, termites, mold and dampness; 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 rusting, infestation of 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 specialize in garden buildings for offices. A large garden building can also be used as a workshop, to house a whirlpool or as children’s playroom/playhouse.
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 range from small and simple designs to large, hexagonal summerhouses containing built in stoves, vents and chimneys; 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.”
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