• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Blog
  • Reno Projects: House by House
    • Colonial Revival Cottage Reno (our current home)
    • Old House Reno (our last home)
    • Coastal Cottage in Maine
    • Aaron and Melissa’s 1970 Redo
    • Condo Renovation (a client’s home)
  • Details
    • Before & After
    • Holiday & Seasonal Decorating
    • Gardens
    • Details about House Parts
      • Interior Windows
      • Mantels
      • Details on Creating Tablescapes, Vignettes and Hanging Pictures
      • Lighting and Lamps
      • Closets and Storage
      • Furniture, Antiques & Accessories
    • Chalkboard Art and Hand Lettering Projects
    • Travel to Inspiring Places
  • DIY, Tutorials & Tips
  • My Favorite Shopping Links
  • e-Decorating Consultation
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Reno Projects: House by House
    • Colonial Revival Cottage Reno (our current home)
    • Old House Reno (our last home)
    • Coastal Cottage in Maine
    • Aaron and Melissa’s 1970 Redo
    • Condo Renovation (a client’s home)
  • Details
    • Before & After
    • Holiday & Seasonal Decorating
    • Gardens
    • Details about House Parts
      • Interior Windows
      • Mantels
      • Details on Creating Tablescapes, Vignettes and Hanging Pictures
      • Lighting and Lamps
      • Closets and Storage
      • Furniture, Antiques & Accessories
    • Chalkboard Art and Hand Lettering Projects
    • Travel to Inspiring Places
  • DIY, Tutorials & Tips
  • My Favorite Shopping Links
  • e-Decorating Consultation
  • Contact

The Potting Shed

May 9, 2020

I asked my husband for a garden shed and this is what he gave me.

Okay, well, that’s sorta how it went. Since last fall I decided that I really needed to get my gardening stuff out of the space my husband and I were sharing. His way of ‘organizing’ is very different than mine and I couldn’t seem to find my tools when I needed them. Instead of nagging that he should organize my way, I thought it’d be healthier to part ways, (in the garden tool storage sort of way).

A friend of ours was selling his small log cabin bunkie with accoutrements, (can you say composting toilet?!) It was a terrific bargain, comparing cost and quality of this log building with a new actual garden storage shed.

Before my husband just brought home a log cabin and outhouse though, he did get my full approval. I admit at first I drug my feet a bit. It felt too nice for just my tools, and I didn’t think our yard had space for it. I eventually came around and have fully embraced it! In fact, one could say ‘I’m obsessed’!!

I’ll give you a quick tour.

VIDEO at end of this post: “The Tree Coming Down and Cabin Moving In”!

To take one of these beautiful Norway Spruce trees down took some convincing. But in the end, he was right, and it all fits in really well. After the tree was removed, and the ground leveled, they added a nice bed of crushed limestone in preparation for the cabin and outhouse to set on.

Then it was move-in time!

The outhouse was moved in first.

It really did have a composting toilet in it!! I listed the toilet for sale and sold it the same morning.

Back when this outhouse was in the woods in its prior location, a squirrel found its way into the toilet, apparently through the roof vent. The dang thing found its way down the vent pipe into the composting toilet, and proceeded to build a nest in the toilet. It actually chewed the toilet seat a bit to get in and out. Can you imagine having to ‘go’ and finding a squirrel in the toilet?!! The ever-gnawing-rodent chewed through the crescent moon cut-out on the outhouse door for an easy escape.

Well, the toilet… and rodents… are gone! The garden tools are in.

But, hold on… I’m very happy to say the outhouse isn’t the main feature here, LOL!

After the outhouse was in place, a little log cabin came into our driveway.

Even though we are in town, (it’s a small rural town in Wisconsin) we have a double lot with those huge Norway Spruce trees on the other side of the driveway.

The tiny Amish built log cabin fit into the setting just perfectly. (My husband wants to take full credit for that, so I’ll let him!)

The house movers knew exactly what they were doing. From start to finish, it was a short day’s work for them to clear the land and place the new log cabin potting shed.

Watching that side of the driveway transform from basically unused space to this new potting shed set in a woods, all within a few hours, was sorta magical! With a project like this, it was super relieving to have someone so familiar with the project and clearly know what they were doing. I could just sit back and watch.

Once the cabin was in place, I set to work cleaning the interior of it as my head spun with design ideas how to connect the log cabin with the house visually.

It is just across the driveway from the house, but at first it looked very brown with a bright green roof compared to a white house with black doors. Fortunately the front porch of our house has big wood beams so that sort of fits with wood log part of the potting shed.

The white chairs on the front porch were the first additions and they instantly connected visually to the white house.

Yay!

I’ve had fun the past couple of weeks looking for fun stuff, mostly from my own junk, to use inside and outside the potting shed.

Some of the pieces I bought too. Like the ‘Potting Shed’ sign. I thought that was a worthy investment, just in case someone questions what this log cabin really is.

Inside I have a couple of surprisingly comfortable wicker chairs I’ve had for years. They’ve been in storage since we moved and I’m glad to use them again.

There were some pine cabinets that came with the log cabin. To add to that I found this super old blue and white hutch for $30! I love it. It’s perfect to hold small pots and planters.

The green folding wash tub holder is just waiting for the wash tubs. I couldn’t find any square ones in the vintage market, so I purchased a pair of new ones. My plan is to keep potting soil and orchid mix in them.

I have lots and lots of vintage garden collectibles from many years of gathering. Many have been in storage since we moved and renovated our house the past 2 years. So it’s been super fun to treasure hunt from my own collection.

The view out the potting shed window almost feels like you’re in the woods at the lake.

The loft above is going to be fun for our grandkids to play in I think.

This clipboard collection is where I plan to hang sketches I’ll do of the flowers and plants I have in our landscaping.

As I’m writing this, I have someone working on painting the roof. I thought I could take the green, by basically ignoring it, but that thought was quickly dissolved the very first morning after it was moved into place. The sun was shining on it and from the house it was such an awful hunter green begging to go back to the 1980’s… so I sent it packing! Next week we plan to get the landscaping looking a little better.

**UPDATE**

It’s funny to write an ‘update’ on a brand new post, but I actually wrote this post last week. In that time the roof painting has been completed.

I LOVE the new color!!

Here’s a tip: To be sure the new paint color sticks, I got this bonding primer for an undercoat before this wonderful farmhouse grey paint finish went on!

We both are really loving our little potting shed. I’m excited to start ‘potting’ in it, as well as share it with our grandkids creating some fun memories with them.

Here is the Video: “Tree Coming Down and Cabin Moving In. (At about the 1:45 mark or so, that white car really did almost get hit!!)

Brrr… It’s been chilly a few nights this spring. I just ordered this thermometer to be able to see the temp inside the potting shed, where I have some annuals. I like that this thermometer has a few different sensors. That way I can see from inside my house the temps of the potting shed, the front garden, the lower garden, etc.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Please feel free to follow and share this blog with your friends, as well as on MeWe, Facebook, Pinterest, Flipboard, Bloglovin, YouTube and Instagram! I appreciate you reading along.

Did you know I now offer decorating and DIY coaching? I can help you with your decorating needs via email, without having to step foot in your home. If you’re interested in more information, visit me at Frame and Frills. I’d love to help you with your project!

Here are more gardening and landscape posts I’ve written about:

Dry Stack Stone Planter
DIY Compost Bins
Potting Shed
Backyard Boat Pond
DIY Simple Deer Proofing
raised bed container gardening title
before  after front garden landscaping
How to Prune a Peegee Hydrangea
before  after circular garden
before and after front terraced garden
we had to cut down 13 trees
1-in the garden with water walls and cloches
Ingenious Tips to DIY this Planter
Turtles and Window Boxes
install this arbor and fence in one day
DIY Brick Edging
Transplanting Stella D'Oro Daylilies
spring-planter-arrangement
Garden & Landscape Inspiration
moving-a-screened-gazebo-onto-the-property
2 pergolas  garden update
Humidity Tray for Orchids
Creative-Planters
Window-Boxes-inside-a-2nd-story-porch
rooftop-garden
Creating-an-Oasis-with-a-Water-Fountain
snug-harbor-farm
Tips on Forcing Bulbs Indoors
The-Story-of-a-Blue-Jay-Title-Page
The-Beauty-of-Fences1
What-is-this?
How I re-did these Concrete Lions
Before and After Landscape and a DIY Pergola
DIY Window Well Installation
Growing Grass in a Vintage Scale
DIY Hanging Terrarium
Kid's Craft DIY Miniature Fairy Garden

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rhonda Barlow says

    June 14, 2020 at 10:15 am

    I love your potting shed, my husband is wanting to build me one……. yours looks like the perfect size!! Could you please share dimensions….. greatly appreciate!! 😊

    Reply
    • Liz says

      June 14, 2020 at 1:04 pm

      Thanks so much Rhonda! You’ll love having one too!! Ours is around 14 x 20.v

      Reply
  2. Sandi Magle says

    May 9, 2020 at 7:07 pm

    What an adorable building. It looks old, but still fresh and usable inside. I think it may become the garden cottage, perfect for guests, company or grand kids.

    Reply
  3. Marilyn Peplau says

    May 9, 2020 at 6:45 pm

    Love your potting shed. Lovely! Cheryl will want a new she-shed!

    Reply
  4. Donnamae says

    May 9, 2020 at 9:31 am

    Wow! I like it! And it’s perfect in your setting…although I did like that green roof. It’s yours though…not mine. Lol!! You did a great job on the interior, too. Great view…I think it’s the perfect get a way place. And it’s right in your yard, Cute story about the outhouse…that squirrel! Stay safe!! 😉

    Reply

Share Your Thoughts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Our Whole House Renovation: Mid-Century into Colonial Revival Cottage Style

SimpleDecoratingTips.com Basement Apartment Progress
Tiling the 2nd bath floor
Front Entry Portiere
SimpleDecoratingTips.com Progress Report on our Whole House Renovation
Creating a Built-In Faux Fireplace
SimpleDecoratingTips.com
front porch addition mostly done SimpleDecoratingTips.com
SimpleDecoratingTips.com How to tips Window Well Installation
SimpleDecoratingTips.com How I Made Curtains without a Sewing Machine
SimpleDecoratingTips.com Luxury Vinyl Planks
SimpleDecoratingTips.com From a Tub to a Shower
SimpleDecoratingTips.com How to Change a Door Lock
Main Floor Completion Celebration Giveaway SimpleDecoratingTips.com
Wall Mounted Pot Rack
SimpleDecoratingTips.com Renovating a Whole House is a Lot
Simple DIY Curtain
SimpleDecoratingTips.com Surface Mounted Suspended Ceiling
Antique Inspired Kitchen Island
Dining Room Progress SimpleDecoratingTips.com
Fireplace Renovation SimpleDecoratingTips.com
Re-Thinking the Living Room Furniture Plan
How to Install an Interior Storm Window SimpleDecoratingTips.com
Repurposing Vintage Screen Door
Before and After Living Room Renovation
Vintage Window Awning Redo SimpleDecoratingTips.com
SimpleDecoratingTips.com Adding a Front Porch
SimpleDecoratingTips.com Repurposing Cabinets
hall closet into library simpledecoratingtips.com
Before and After Front Entry Renovation SimpleDecoratingTips.com
how to install a vintage ceiling light fixture simpledecoratingtips.com
Incorporating Vintage & New Light Fixtures SimpleDecoratingTips.com
SimpleDecoratingTips.com Basement Apartment Bathroom Renovation Done
SimpleDecoratingTips.com Renovating Update Post
SimpleDecoratingTips.com Door & Window Decisions
Hang a Group of Pictures with even spacing SimpleDecoratingTips.com
SimpleDecoratingTips.com Renovating the Basement Apartment
SimpleDecoratingTips.com we had to cut down 13 trees
SimpleDecoratingTips.com Cedar Closet Lining

Footer

Shop Decor Steals

AntiqueFarmHouse

Have you noticed this site is faster?! It’s because I switched to SiteGround!!

Web Hosting

My Household Tips and Tutorials for You:

How to Remove Pet Urine Stains
Five Ways Hardware made a Difference
DIY Natural Simmering Potpourri simpledecoratingtips
Hang a Group of Pictures with even spacing
How to hang a window box SimpleDecoratingTips.com
How to Mount a Door Knocker in a Hollow Steel Door
How to Clean Spilled Wax
Housekeeping Naturally
DIY  natural sachets
7 Simple Hangers and How to Use Them
how to naturally clean silver
Make your own Natural Potpourri
Packing & Moving Tips
First Aid Remove Sticky Residue
How to Remove Carpet Depressions
how to install a vintage ceiling light fixture simpledecoratingtips.com
Plate Hanger
How to Avoid a Greasy Mess when Frying on the Stove
How to Hang a Wall Mounted Lamp
how to install a floating shelf

Gardening Tips

rooftop-garden
Kid's Craft DIY Miniature Fairy Garden
How I re-did these Concrete Lions
before  after front garden landscaping
2 pergolas  garden update
Humidity Tray for Orchids
Growing Grass in a Vintage Scale
before  after circular garden
DIY Hanging Terrarium
install this arbor and fence in one day
Turtles and Window Boxes
Before and After Landscape and a DIY Pergola
How to Prune a Peegee Hydrangea
spring-planter-arrangement
Transplanting Stella D'Oro Daylilies
What-is-this?
moving-a-screened-gazebo-onto-the-property
Creative-Planters
Potting Shed
Dry Stack Stone Planter
we had to cut down 13 trees
Backyard Boat Pond
Creating-an-Oasis-with-a-Water-Fountain
snug-harbor-farm
DIY Window Well Installation
DIY Simple Deer Proofing
Garden & Landscape Inspiration
The-Story-of-a-Blue-Jay-Title-Page
raised bed container gardening title
Window-Boxes-inside-a-2nd-story-porch
Tips on Forcing Bulbs Indoors
1-in the garden with water walls and cloches
The-Beauty-of-Fences1
before and after front terraced garden
DIY Brick Edging
Ingenious Tips to DIY this Planter
DIY Compost Bins


Disclosure Policy: According to FTC guidelines, I want you to be aware that some of the content of this blog may be a source of income and therefore may be used to promote products, services, or other businesses. I will only choose to promote products/services/businesses that I feel will be beneficial to my readers. While I hope to generate a small profit for my time and effort to create this blog, I hold myself to the highest standard of integrity. I appreciate my readers, and make it my goal to deliver quality, honest material on this blog through each post. Thanks for reading along, Liz

Copyright

Sharing is great! Please feel free to share this blog with your friends, as well as on Facebook and Pinterest and Flipboard and Houzz and YouTube the more the merrier! I appreciate you stopping by. But please remember that all photos, images, text and content are owned by SimpleDecoratingTips.com. So anything you share, please be sure it always links back to my original post it came from. Please do not remove watermarks, crop or edit anything without written permission from me first.

Disclosure Policy: According to the FTC guidelines, I want you to be aware that this blog is a source of income and may occasionally incorporate endorsements or testimonials and shopping links. It is important to me to disclose this to you. The content of this blog is a source of income and therefore may be used to promote products, services, or other businesses. I will only choose to promote products/services/businesses that I feel will be beneficial to my readers. Products provided to me by my advertising partners for my review are given to me free of charge with no cost to myself. This does not ensure a positive review of the product in any way. While I hope to generate a small profit for my time and effort to create this blog, I hold myself to the highest standard of integrity. I appreciate my readers, and always make it my goal to deliver quality, honest material on this blog through each post. Thanks for reading along, Liz

Graphics Fairy

Graphics Fairy

Feedspot

Feedspot

Copyright © 2021 · Genesis Sample Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • Blog
  • Reno Projects: House by House
    • Colonial Revival Cottage Reno (our current home)
    • Old House Reno (our last home)
    • Coastal Cottage in Maine
    • Aaron and Melissa’s 1970 Redo
    • Condo Renovation (a client’s home)
  • Details
    • Before & After
    • Holiday & Seasonal Decorating
    • Gardens
    • Details about House Parts
      • Interior Windows
      • Mantels
      • Details on Creating Tablescapes, Vignettes and Hanging Pictures
      • Lighting and Lamps
      • Closets and Storage
      • Furniture, Antiques & Accessories
    • Chalkboard Art and Hand Lettering Projects
    • Travel to Inspiring Places
  • DIY, Tutorials & Tips
  • My Favorite Shopping Links
  • e-Decorating Consultation
  • Contact
↞
↠
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.