This is the perfect time to start preparing for the new year in the garden, cleaning and tidying away plant pots and sorting the shed out.Reviewing packets of seed, throwing out any that are past their viable date or are more than 2-3 years old. It also provides a chance to think about what to grow next year and what new plants could be added to the garden. Adding racks to a shed are a great way of clearing space on the floor.

Shed improvements

The maintenance of the outside of the shed is importance as well, securing the roof felt so it is not likely to let any water in over winter. Checking the woodwork for any signs of damp or rot, painting or adding wood preservative to the shed will prolong its life and keep the damp weather out. The range of colours available is vast whether using wood stains or exterior paint, colours can help the shed blend in with the rest of the garden, make it seem further away or even make it a focal point.

Nigel Dunnett’s RBC Rain Garden, Chelsea Flower Show 2011

A green roof can help merge a shed into the garden and makes a great alternative to the traditional felt roof, it will encourage wildlife into the garden particularly bees and insects. A green roof will need several layers including waterproof lining, insulation, root membrane barrier, a drainage layer, filter layer and growing medium for the plants normally all held together in ‘a tray’. The growing medium can be a lightweight material such as perlite or rockwool, to a depth of 5-15cm. The shed needs to be able to take the weight of the green roof, the lightest option is to have a system using a ready made sedum mat. However the options with the right support for the roof in place are endless – how about some wildflowers?