Renovation Diary: Potting Shed Update

The holidays are long gone, but I haven't gotten back into a blogging rhythm, Lord knows why.
However, the renovation is moving quickly at Rattlebridge. One project is almost finished: the potting shed.

Do you remember how this part of the yard looked "before?"

 

By late December, the potting shed was 85% finished. 



 We ordered the plans online and asked the framer to make the shed taller and wider. He also modified the roof so that it wouldn't be top heavy. Then he followed the plans perfectly, which called for lattice windows, herringbone bricks, and a "witch hat" roof. The windows will eventually be fitted with Plexiglas. Right now, we're debating whether to paint, stain,
or just let the shed "weather" naturally.
 

 Inside, we'll probably seal the wood (clear, no stain).

 

We decided to cover one window because I'll need a place to hang tools.

My GC, Mike Cox, put up a board and moved it from window to window, so

we could study the light.

 

I love the "Stay Out" sign (below). Here's the history behind it: Mike had propped the sign on the garage door, warning folks that the interior floors were being refinished. I ended up taking the sign home and using it for a paint sample. Quite a journey for one little piece of wood.

We talked about the electricity and lighting, too.



 Mike had a few suggestions for the floor. We could stain the concrete, leave it alone,
or do a brick floor (pavers or just fill with sand rather than mortar), etc.

But first, we needed to eliminate a window.
It wasn't easy. Sunlight looked so pretty as it streamed through the lattice...which window had the least light? The North. But this decision was complicated by the placement of the shed. The door is at an angle, facing the potager and the driveway. Wouldn't it look odd to cover one of the "front" windows?

We made Bandwidth walk around outside the shed, holding a board up to each window.

We finally chose one that faced the backyard.
A word about the lattice. From the outside, you can't see
inside the shed. When you're inside, the view is clear.



 

What a joy to look up and see rafters.

I've never had an opportunity to play with vertical decorating,

but it'll be fun.

 

A barn pendant will provide the main lighting.

Source: Restoration Hardware

I couldn't resist string lights--they'll add a touch of whimsy. (This type of bulb won't be

made anymore, so I bought extras.) I can totally see these lights in the shed.

Source: Ballard Designs

 I'd had my heart set on a Dutch door.

 I showed the framer a photo of a JELD-WEN Dutch door. Over the holidays, he made one

just like it in his workshop.

 

A view of the door, shaker shingles, and a copper weather vane. We're looking for a stone slabs to use as a door step. Meanwhile, the garden sleeps under a snowy crust.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend!

 

 

 

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Progress on the Potting Shed and Courtyard Steps

Renovation always reminds me of molasses running down the blade of a knife.

Dr. Will is facing surgery later this year, and he feels an urgent need to wrap up the garden projects. However, construction is booming in our area, and sub contractors are busy with new houses: framing, wiring, painting, landscaping. Some things are just beyond our control; but a Zen attitude goes a long way to reduce stress when the process moves slowly.
The great wheel of life is unstoppable. When you aren't looking, the molasses turns into fast-running water, and your project rushes ahead, much to your delight.

 

In addition to the Renovation Diary updates on the blog, I keep a handwritten journal, where I ponder molasses. I also jot down paint colors, ideas, choices, worries, and a timeline of events. It's a tool and a stress reliever. I can't remember a time when I wasn't scribbling in a grocery store notebook.

 

Timeline for Potting Shed and Courtyard Steps:

7-29-13:     Discuss potting shed with GC. Search begins for a design plus blueprints.
8-12-13:     Ordered plans for shed ($19.95)
8-20-13:     GC getting bids for shed
9-16-13:     Waiting for bids.
10-1-13:      Blog Update on steps and shed
10-20-13:    Blog Update on Potting Shed
10-21-13:   Meet with framer to discuss shed. Shed staked.
10-23-13:   Meet with landscape architect; shed placement revised
11-1-13:     Gravel delivered for shed. Demo begins for steps.
11-5-13:     Footing for potting shed and courtyard steps.

As you can see from the last two entries, the much-anticipated construction has begun on the potting shed and courtyard steps. Here's a peek at the in-progress construction.

 Part I: The Potting Shed

The trees were still in leaf when I met with my GC, his assistant, and a local framer.
With the blueprints in hand, the men staked a possible building site.

 

Please excuse my terrible Photoshopping. But this is the general idea. The shed will be angled, so the door can be seen from Will's garden. 

Strings and flags mark the spot, awaiting the landscape architect's approval.

 

A few days later, I met with the GC and the LA, who suggested the shed be moved ten feet to the right, to fit in with future plans for this area.

 

A week-and-a-half later, the gravel arrived. My GC's assistant, Medana, sent me a photo because I was, and still am, down with a bad cold. But seeing the gravel made me feel better. When the gravel arrives, it means the project is picking up speed. 



 

Just a few days later, the footing was begun. As a side note, look how the trees have

changed color. Fall is finally here in middle Tennessee.

 

If you stand in Will's garden, you will have a view of the angled shed. The LA said that you always want the eye to keep moving in a garden: from the potager to the shed and so on. If he hadn't pointed that out, I would have totally made the door face the driveway.

The shed won't be a total copy of the inspiration picture.

 

For example, the shed was only 8 feet wide, so we added 3 feet. This affected the pitch of the roof.

The shed will still have the fanciful "witch hat" roof, but it won't be quite as tall. We're adding a Dutch door, too.

image source

 

 

A closer look at the footing.

The builder suggested that I decide where to put the windows after the shed has been framed.

At this time, I will sit down with my GC and we'll pick out all of the materials, so he'll be good to go.





Part II: The Courtyard Steps

 

One day Bandwidth and I arrived early at the house for an appointment. As we walked

around, we talked about the black-top courtyard. My thoughts turned to garden parties--wouldn't it be lovely to walk down steps (votive candles would be everywhere)?

 

My GC liked this idea a lot. It would be good timing to build the shed and steps, since

the equipment would be there anyway.

 

Here's the courtyard from a distance.

 

 A closer look at the brick wall before the bricks were painted, in 2011.

 

After painting.

 

 The steps will be a smaller version of the front porch steps.

The steps will be limewashed, and the border will be painted, so it will be somewhat less expensive to use mismatched bricks.

 

Demo day on November 1st. 

 

 

The center part of the wall went down.

 

The footing is being prepped. I love how wide these steps will be.

A look back at the two "in progress" projects.

Part III: Dr. Will's Garden Steps

 We are still waiting for the bluestone steps to be installed at Dr. Will's potager garden.
The projected date was September 1st, but it's been moved back to mid-November, as the
LA is still waiting on the bluestone. 

 

Here's the sketch:

8-8-13:     Discuss bluestone steps for Dr. Will's potager garden.
8-28-13:   Sketches received for steps. Projected installation: 9-4-13
10-23-13:  Copper lights have been made. Waiting for delivery of bluestone.
11-5-13:   Still waiting on bluestone. Installation moved back to 11-16-13.

That's it, folks. I hope you've enjoyed the update.

Have a great day, and I'll see you tomorrow at Foodie Friday.

Potting Shed Image Source: Old English Potting Shed

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The Anniversary Potting Shed

Today, Will and I are celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary.

We were married in my parents' living room on October 20, 1978. My sociology professor

conducted the ceremony, and a shaggy-haired musician played the guitar and sang "Annie's Song."

I borrowed a wedding gown, and Will rented a gray tuxedo.





Will is the gardener in the family. I have a black thumb. Opposites attract, right?
It took him thirty-five years to get me in the garden. This summer, he noticed that our Jeep had turned into a mobile potting shed, crammed with tools, fertilizer, gloves, Round-Up bottles,

and various types of deer-repellent.

And dirt.

 

Will likes those things, no matter where they're stored. However, the Jeep had shrunk. It held only two passengers and minimal groceries, requiring some creative shuffling when the family went to see Gravity.

 

Earlier this summer, I found plans for a whimsical shed.

Old English Potting Shed

 

Just what two gardeners need.

 

 

Of course, I imagined a cute shed, filled with clay pots, glove boxes, and whatnots.



source

Will envisioned a place where twisted bags of soil were lined up along the wall. A place filled with power tools and hose pipes.

After 35 years, we have adjusted to our different styles. Girly vs the rough 'n tumble Big Guy.

 

Speaking of tumbles...

One evening, Will went up to look at his garden and fell down the hill.

It wasn't a big hill, but the ground gets harder every year. 

A tricksy incline wasn't the only problem.

Chiggers and ticks lurked in the small patch of grass that lay between the driveway and garden.

 

Not a biggie.

 

Unless the tick gives you an icky case of Lyme Disease.

Or a night-time tumble down the hill results in a herniated disc.

 

Will and I kept gardening through rain, infirmities, bugs, bruises, and rabbit-attacks. We weren't giving up. Our harvest has been puny, but when we drive up and see a majestic deer on the hill, we don't chase it off, we take pictures.

 

"Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better."

--Albert Einstein.

 



We decided to commemorate our anniversary (and my milestone birthday) with

garden steps and a potting shed.

 

 

The Steps:

Bluestone steps with a broad landing.

Lighting.



 

Construction on the shed starts tomorrow, weather permitting.

(Prompting me to check the 7-day forecast every hour.)

 



Gardening isn't for sissies (me) or weaklings (me again),

but it gives you back ten-fold, even if the deer eat your tomatoes and you must buy Romas at Publix.

 

Digging in the earth is life-affirming.

 

 

"God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures."

--Francis Bacon, "Of Gardens."



Shared at Metamorphosis Monday

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