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Eastside Journal - Thursday, June 1, 2000
The rebirth of the
lowly
Garden shed
No
longer the dark domain of spiders and cobwebs, garden sheds are being
redesigned to be enjoyable work areas
By
Rebecca Jones
Scripps
Howard News Service
A garden shed is to a garden what a kitchen is to dinner - a place of
possibilities, of beginnings, of earthly aromas and work-smeared hands,
where ingredients are mixed and marinated.
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And like good cooks everywhere, Denver gardener Mick Eagleton yearned for
more space for his craft. He detested the "pathetic, spider-
infested shed" that passed for a work space in his back yard.
A garden fanatic, Eagleton wanted plenty of room
for his tools and ample counter space on which to operate. He wanted
easy access to running water, heat to protect plants during winter and
light to allow him to putter long after the sun goes down.
Calling his resulting garden shed a
"shed" is quite an understatement. In the Kingdom of the
Sheds, Eagleton's is the grand pooh-bah. It was a $15,000
construction project, completed four years ago.
Among the shed's amenities: plenty of storage
shelves and drawers; galvanized metal cabinets; a pullout storage bin for
potting soil; a double-wide sink with hot and cold running water; and
cupboards designed to house patio- furniture cushions and umbrellas during
the off-season.
Eagleton is not alone in his desire for a more
attractive place to hang his tools. Garden Solutions, a Woodinville |
based
business that specializes in designing and constructing garden structures
, is now the largest independent builder of garden buildings in
Washington. It holds the registered name "Mini Barns,"
which has become synonymous in the industry of garden storage buildings.
The sheds, which are assembled by the company's
employees on the homeowner's site, start at $1,200 and are designed by
combining the features and materials offered from a list of basic
accessories. Customers can then add customized features which increase
the cost; the average garden shed sale last year was $2,900 at Garden
Solutions.
According to Michael Gruskin, the company's
owner, the demand for improved appearance, materials and durability has
driven the changes he has seed in the last five years. "I get
all my best ideas from my customers," he said. "Customers
are looking for garden sheds that will compliment their homes, express
personal style- and last."
The typical "barn" design of just a few
years ago has given way to "country cottage," "Tudor
gatehouse" and other popular styles that complement the garden and
home rather than detract from it. Metal fabrications have given way
to quality wooden structures with architectural details and amenities to
suit many needs. Thermal windows, secure doors of several styles,
and multiple choices of siding and roofing materials can be
specified. Customers can also opt for transparent panels that create
a greenhouse bay in any building. Window boxes and shutters,
cupolas, porches and decks can adorn exteriors. Interiors can be
fitted with potting benches and shelves, pegboards and even lofts.
Although the majority of garden sheds are still
used for storage, "we're seeing a growing trend in alternative uses
of these structures," Gruskin said, adding that his company has
constructed sheds that are used as playhouses, home offices and
workshops. One customer, an amateur astronomer, customized his
"garden shed" for use as an observatory, complete with
retractable roof.
For further details about all of Garden Solutions
products, call 425-398-0566, or
800-839-1584.
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