Potting Shed Project Part Deux

Paralyzed With Indecision

It’s been a long, cold winter during which Beloved Husband has occasionally asked me “Have you given any thought to what you want to do with the shed?” Gulp. Yes, I’ve been giving it a lot of thought. I knew exactly what to get rid of — essentially everything including scraggly rose bushes and a small holly tree which was too big for its spot. That was the easy part. And now I am faced with this…THE DREADED CLEAN SLATE:

What you see on the side of the potting shed are the remnants of English ivy. I’m not convinced that stuff has been eradicated, but we’ve done our best. Highly invasive!

Okay, my options are many. I can do fencing, boxwood borders, small trees, tuteurs, a pergola over the front door for climbing something, an espalier on the sunny side of the shed, or any combo thereof.

Goals:

Symmetry. What I do on one side for hardscape is going on the other, for the most part.

Low Maintenance. The fussy roses that were there asked for countless hours of work and never merited the real estate they took up in the garden. Black spot, disease, etc. Whatever goes in, needs to be easy to take care of and nothing that needs chemicals and fertilizers.

Functionality: I will still use this shed to house my tools and supplies. So whatever goes in will have to allow me to still use it easily.  I can’t have vines growing over the pergola which inhibit me opening the door. I say this because I’ve already done that once and learned that lesson the hard way!

Welcome to Rosedon: As you drive up our long driveway, this is the first structure you see. It sits smack dab in the middle of our big parking area. I want it to look welcoming.

So now that the warmer weather seems to be making its way into Virginia, I will need to make some decisions. Dear friend, D., who is an extraordinary gardener (and a less extraordinary photographer) sent me this shot out of Virginia Magazine. It’s sort of what I’m going for minus the topiary tree. Nothing fussy here at the Barn.

What is that on top….a little dovecote? I do like that idea. My roof pitch is different but I wonder what could go on top. Weather vane, perhaps?

Any other thoughts? I’m going to have make decisions soon because that person I live with is growing impatient to finish this project. Or at least get going on it.

Oh, and look who decided he wanted to pose for me this morning. My sweet Westie boy, Max!

Now seriously, how cute is this little guy? One garden ornament that is staying for sure!