Cottage Garden Shed Patio
Today's "Dear Angela" letter comes from yours truly. I have been longing for summer and longing for my old English Cottage garden, and have been really struggling with how to make an impact this season since we have so much to do in the new garden. So I decided to ask myself how I might turn a neglected corner of my backyard into a cottage garden I can love.
The garden as it looks now.
Dear Angela,
I moved to a new home this summer, and I have set aside a back corner of the garden for a romantic cottage-style garden, but I am having trouble envisioning what I might do or how it might look. Especially with that ugly shed in the middle of it all.
I also have to put in a fence along the green hedge to keep the neighbors dog out. The dog is very polite and well-behaved, but he has a habit of using my lawn for his morning constitutional. A low fence should suffice, but I can't picture how to put a fence with the arborvitae hedge there.
Can you help me?
Longingly,
~Self
The garden after digital enhancement.
Dear Self,
I spent some time with your photo, and as you can see I got a little (a lot) carried away. But even though this plan is somewhere in the realm of fantasy, I still think that it will help spark some ideas to get you going in the practical realm.
I started with the shed, giving it a virtual fresh coat of paint, French doors and coach lamps, Next, I found myself wanting to add trees. And plantings. And a patio. And a pathway. I also included a picket fence to solve your dog problem. Since you don't need a tall fence, this should work fine, and I like how the white pickets stand out against the dark green arborvitae. They also provide some additional structure for the blowsy cottage style perennials that I know you are looking for.
I hope this helps give you some ideas! And whatever else you decide to complete, I hope you include some climbing roses, like the "New Dawn" I envision clambering over the shed. You can't beat climbing roses for a cottage garden. Beautiful and fragrant, they are a must have.
Sincerely,
"New Dawn" climbing rose adds a lovely cottage style.
Comments (39)
Photoshop and gardening. What a combination. Gardens only limited by imagination. Unlimited by budget and you can make all the flowers bloom at the same time with no disease. If only it were so easy in real life...
Posted by Jim | January 10, 2008 4:07 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 04:07
You are brilliant!! I think I will definitely seek your advice when I go to figure out just how I am going to fit a playhouse and swingset in the remaining miniscule corner of my garden.
What a great job you did on your own!!
Linda
xoxo
Posted by linda | January 10, 2008 5:10 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 05:10
How did you do that? It's amazing - technically and visually!
Posted by Lorraine | January 10, 2008 5:21 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 05:21
Wow, you are amazing! That is some impressive photoshop work! I love your ideas too! I love climbing roses. I'm thinking of buying an "Eden" climbing rose this year.
Posted by cindy ~ my romantic home | January 10, 2008 5:38 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 05:38
Very cool the way you do this! I put a climbing rose on my shed the problem has been trying to find an inexpensive way thats strong enough to support the rose both on the side and on the roof. I also have some yellow jasmine growing on it which is pretty because it's evergreen - is that something you can plant in your zone?
Manuela
Posted by The Feathered Nest (Manuela's) | January 10, 2008 5:50 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 05:50
What fun! That would be a beautiful cottage look for your back garden. I envy you the Photoshopping software you have to play around with. And it's generous of you to share it and your talent with your readers. I look forward to your next digital makeover.
Posted by Pam/Digging | January 10, 2008 6:31 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 06:31
I absolutely love it!!
I can't wait to get working on the outside of our house! I'll definitely come to you for ideas. You're fabulous!
Posted by Emily | January 10, 2008 6:43 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 06:43
G morning Miss Magpie,
first off, I am seeing the teeny tiny print under your last photo, stating 3:26 AM??? Girl get some sleep!!!sheesh..
second- that is LOVELY! you certainly have a very imaginative and lovely brain in your head.
You dont need any help, youve got it nailed.
come see me, have a question posted and wonder what you think!
Lisa
coastal nest
Posted by Lisa | January 10, 2008 7:25 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 07:25
Now this is some inspiring photoshop work! You certainly give yourself great advice! :) Seriously, I'm inspired by these. I gradually, tiny bit by tiny bit work in my yard each spring. I'm hoping my ventures will eventually have a cumulative affect and one day it will suddenly all come together and be 'done.' Ha. :)
Posted by Anonymous | January 10, 2008 7:56 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 07:56
It is amazing how you do that! I am scrambling trying to find some photo to send you, but I think you and your photo shop could lead to me spending a lot of money :)!
Lovely to see flowers in the middle of winter too!
-Jennifer
Posted by Jennifer P. | January 10, 2008 7:57 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 07:57
This loks great. I'm impressed with the digital enhancement!
Jen R
Posted by Jen Rizzo | January 10, 2008 10:06 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 10:06
I am impressed, too! The ideas are beautiful. You make me want a shed in my garden!
Posted by Amanda | January 10, 2008 10:17 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 10:17
Wow, you are an amazing visionary!! It reminds me so much of my old neighbors cottage garden... I have a little pic you can look at. They transformed their garage into a very cottagey back house.
Posted by kathleen | January 10, 2008 10:36 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 10:36
Hi Angela. That computer picture of your plan is great! I like what you have planned for the space. It is going to look very charming. I noticed you have New Dawn roses rambling over the grey shed. I have that rose and it is great and will get very large quite quickly.
Rhondi xo
Posted by rhondi | January 10, 2008 11:08 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 11:08
Amazing transformation. My yard and yours have a few things in common. Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement to use these blah winter days to dream, plan and envision what could be. Have to go - I have things to dream up! ~Adrienne~
Posted by Adrienne | January 10, 2008 11:11 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 11:11
What a transformation! You've done an amazing job with Photoshop too. I've just discovered your blog and I'm so glad I did! I'll be back to visit often. ~ Lynda
Posted by Lynda | January 10, 2008 11:57 AM
Posted on January 10, 2008 11:57
Wowee, that looks great. What a great little place to hang out, even if it just a picture...for now. :) You should photoshop yourself in a chair with a friend and a cup of tea. :)
Posted by cindy | January 10, 2008 12:12 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 12:12
You are amazing!! I'd love to have this in my backyard!
Posted by Kaylyn | January 10, 2008 12:24 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 12:24
Oh Angela I love your ideas for the backyard! I am in the process of sprucing mine up or at least getting it ready to spruce up in the Spring. You have given me some good ideas. I love your before & afters you're helping folks with. Keep it up!
Posted by Donna | January 10, 2008 12:53 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 12:53
love it Angela! You should start tilling now!! He he!
Posted by ellen Crimi-Trent | January 10, 2008 1:11 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 13:11
Hi Angela!
WOW what a fantastic job you did I'm very impressed! You go girl! And I got my BEAUTIFUL pillows, and THANK YOU for the second one, now that was a treat for sure. I already put the red floral on my bench right by the front door. Dummy me left my camera at the office today, so I can't post pictures until tomorrow - darn! Hope you're having a nice evening.
Rose
Posted by Rose@Classic Charm | January 10, 2008 4:39 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 16:39
Hi Angela, fantastic makeover, love this photoshopping and love the result, the climbing rose adds such charm! We look forward to your weekly makeovers! Still trying to figure out the times diffrences!! LOL Will email soon :) Jenn and Jacqui
Posted by Jenn and Jacqui | January 10, 2008 4:48 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 16:48
What a beautiful blog! Thanks for sharing.
Kindest regards,
Darly
Posted by Darly | January 10, 2008 4:59 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 16:59
Angela,
I was sure I left you a comment on your brilliance this AM, but guess I was dreaming again. Anyway, great job on your garden, love the french doors in the shed, no less. Please stop by, I have something for you.
Janet
Posted by janet | January 10, 2008 8:02 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 20:02
That's a fabulous makeover, and now you've got to MAKE IT HAPPEN. What a great space that will be. And wow, whatever magic you're working with pixels and files and stuff, it's awesome. Can you tell I'm completely computer illiterate? By the way I still have to take a photo of my dazed and confused family room so you can help.
- Suzanne
Posted by the farmers wife | January 10, 2008 8:06 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 20:06
I am going to have to learn to live in photoshop! It's a perfect world!
Amazing creation. WONDERFUL!
Posted by Anne | January 10, 2008 8:55 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 20:55
What an incredible job of digital enhancement! I might send you a project idea - if the rain here ever stops long enough to take some sort of picture.
Posted by Lorrie | January 10, 2008 9:25 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 21:25
Angela, I think you did an outstanding job for Self. I'm sure she is very grateful. I will have to submit something for you to work on as well. You are such a generous gal!
Posted by Jen | January 11, 2008 4:27 AM
Posted on January 11, 2008 04:27
Angela, How do you have time to blog and do all that you do? I have photoshop elements and was thinking of doing this to design some new beds in my front yard. When I first saw your pics I didn't realize that they were digi. Where did you get the pics of the flowers ect. to design your space? Please tell. I want to do this so badly.
Chris
Posted by Christine | January 11, 2008 4:54 AM
Posted on January 11, 2008 04:54
Dear Angela, that looks lovely. I wish make-overs could go so quickly in real life too. ;-)
Looking forward to the next digital make-over!
Have a lovely weekend!
Posted by yolanda elizabet | January 11, 2008 5:36 AM
Posted on January 11, 2008 05:36
ya know, I think I'll take you up on some idea for part of my back yard. I'll hae to take some pictures (it is gray and rainy here right now--but I think I will try. I have an area where an old shed used to be , but we took it down long ago and we have a cement spot in our back yard. ...need some ideas. My daughter does the photo shop stuff on her house to give her ideas too!! I'll try to get some pics! Kim from nannykim
Posted by nannykim | January 11, 2008 7:33 AM
Posted on January 11, 2008 07:33
Yowza, wowza. You're a photoshopping design queen.
This looks absolutely beautiful and I don't think it loook beyond practical. I think it actually looks pretty doable. What a beautiful transformation. Just a pefect country setting.
Angela, you have a fantastic eye!
Posted by Lisa | January 11, 2008 3:38 PM
Posted on January 11, 2008 15:38
Angela,
Stop on over to pick up your award and also enter my giveaway.
Janet
Posted by janet | January 11, 2008 7:13 PM
Posted on January 11, 2008 19:13
Absolutely amazing!
Posted by julie fink | January 11, 2008 7:42 PM
Posted on January 11, 2008 19:42
Angela,
Stop on over to see where I've put your beautiful pillows!
Hugs,
Rose
Posted by Rose@Classic Charm | January 11, 2008 9:10 PM
Posted on January 11, 2008 21:10
Angela . . . I have been wondering . . . do you have a special program that you use to redesign spaces like you did for this post? If so, would you mind sharing your source with me? Thanks, Julie Fink
Posted by julie fink | January 12, 2008 11:28 AM
Posted on January 12, 2008 11:28
I have a lot of catching up to do!! I love the transformation you've envisioned for that back corner. I also love that you are addressing yourself.
New Dawn is such a wonderful climber!!
Posted by Angelina | January 13, 2008 9:17 AM
Posted on January 13, 2008 09:17
okay that was awesome!
that is true talent.
-meg
Posted by megan duerksen | January 17, 2008 7:00 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 19:00
I wish I could climb into the picture and live there!!! It's stunning!! Love the climbing roses!!!
Michele
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
Posted by Michele | May 31, 2008 4:28 AM
Posted on May 31, 2008 04:28