No Space? Create a Garden Room

No space? Create a garden room. You could spruce up a conservatory or summerhouse, ensuring electrics and lighting are safe. If removing old sheds, check for nesting baby hedgehogs (they won’t leave for up to 8 weeks after birth). Site new sheds to face north or east, for good morning light (this also keeps wood dry and avoids too much heat in the afternoon 0 avoid fan-heaters near wood, they heat up too quickly). Hug at Home makes good recycled rubber mats, ideal to stop muddy foot/paw prints from tracking in and out.

See plants & trees to avoid near pets (avoid cocoa/pine/rubber mulch & fresh compost near pets). Use humane safe slug/snail deterrents and safer alternatives to netting for wildlife. Many plants (inc. yew & oak trees) are toxic to equines. Also see how to grow herbs.

If growing near houses or in greenhouses, keep plants away from pets (cats may knock them over). Never place plants near windows, as this confuses birds. See how to stop birds flying into windows.

1. If you have DIY skills, learn how to build a shed. This detailed book offers a better option than cheap, badly-made and freezing cold sheds, but not the cost of a luxury ready-made version. Clear instructions and illustrations show how to source materials, choose the right tools, and build your dream shed on a budget, even if you’ve never used a hammer. Stain with non-toxic Lifetime Wood Treatment or natural house paint.
2. She Sheds is written by and for women. Men have their man-caves, now you can have your hen hut! This guide profiles she-sheds worldwide including an artist’s studio, an old-soul shed (with weathered wood and vintage flea market finds) and backyard getaways to rest, think or hide!
3. Small Garden Style is a beautiful design guide for outdoor rooms, a collaboration by a garden designer and lifestyle writer. Ideal for urban patios and tiny backyards, determine your style, then use every inch of space to create the garden of your dreams. Projects include an instant mini-orchard and faux fountain with cascading plants.
4. This solar orb garden light (also in a smaller version) can enhance your outdoor space for al fresco dinner parties, without need to plug into the electric socket. This stunning and contemporary orb not only provides beautiful ambient lighting but also changes colour, when the daylight fades. Perfect for table tops and borders, this is practical and easy to set up. The orb gives up to 6 hours of light per day, and include a USB cable to charge for 20 hours of operation for year-round use, just in case the sun is never out! A ground spike is included, to secure safely in position.