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Gardens come in all shapes and sizes. The days of the quarter-acre block as standard may be over, but glorious gardens can flourish in just about any space: courtyards and balconies can be transformed into cool oases and rooftops can be converted into lush retreats. Size may not cramp your style, but it will cut into your storage space. A shed is the ideal purpose-built solution, but it requires more space than many can spare. Yet proper storage of tools, seeds and other materials is essential.

The basic requirements are largely commonsense: a damp environment will cause tools to rust; seeds need to be protected from the elements to prevent spoiling; while fertilisers, insecticides, herbicides and other poisons must be kept out of reach of children. An old kitchen dresser that has outlived its usefulness can make an excellent shed replacement; it will also look very pretty in a courtyard or on a balcony. Provided the dresser is placed under an eave or shelter, it should... read on below advertisment



weather the elements beautifully.

The structure of a traditional dresser translates easily from kitchen to garden: the high shelves designed to protect precious china allow you to place poisons out of reach; drawers and cupboards make organisation easy and protect implements and organic materials; while the wide preparation bench offers an excellent space for potting seedlings or arranging freshly picked flowers.

Gardening essentials and extras:

The basic garden must haves can be broken down into four categories;

Tools:

1. Secateurs: pruning is the number one way to keep your garden in shape and plants thriving. To prune effectively you need a good pair of secateurs. This is one purchase that you shouldn’t economise; good secateurs that can be sharpened are worth the investment.


2. Trowel: for beds, baskets and pots as well as planting new plants and seedlings, you can’t go past a trowel.


3. Spade: for any garden bigger than a courtyard a spade is a must-have. Choose a model that’s the right height for you and feels comfortable in your hands to save your back from too much wear and tear.


4. Fork: Soil needs to be turned and aerated regularly to keep it in tip-top condition. Invest in both a small fork and pitchfork if you are tending a larger patch.


5. Rake: trees equal leaves which equals mess! Whether or not your trees are deciduous you are going to find yourself clearing garden beds and lawns of leaves and other organic matter. 


6. Trimmers: hedges and topiary need a firm hand in order to stay in shape. Hedge trimmer are your best bet for small areas but you might want to invest in an electric pair for larger gardens.


7. Gloves: insect bites, cuts and chemicals are just some of the dangers lurking in the garden. A good pair of gloves is, therefore, an absolute must. We love the new Sprout range of gloves and accessories.


8. Handcream: it might seem like a funny necessity, but gardening can take a huge toll on you skin. Crabtree and Evelyn have a great range specifically designed for gardeners.

Photography: Sam McAdam. Styling: Alexia Biggs.