story & photos by Joan Perry | Contributing Writer
The quote often printed for garden lovers is, “Into the garden I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” Social distancing reminders of the pandemic inspired us to make better use of our outdoor spaces. We looked for space heaters and fire pits to extend garden use through the winter, while fans, soaking tubs and splash pools allowed us to enjoy socializing outside through the summer.
We eyed utility sheds with ideas to make them more usable escapes and to expand our living space. Online Pinterest boards are full of dreamy images of garden sheds with charming accents and features not always practical for our homes.
I knew I had the cutest shed in town but as I was invited into our West Ashley neighbor’s gardens, I was more enchanted with each one I saw.
Marlene Rotter invited me into her beautiful garden overlooking the Ashley River in the Moreland neighborhood. She designed her shed and had it built by workers as they completed an addition to their home. Furnished with a door and window repurposed from Habitat for Humanity, they made the inside functional with a window air conditioner. The pandemic inspired them to add insulation and it has become Marlene’s craft and jewelry making studio. 
Lindsey Chambers’ adorable elven “Zen Den” was tucked away in the corner of their yard when they bought the property. It has a curved roof line and wood shingle siding. She personalized it with a stained glass window, a desk inside, and splashes of purple paint, creating a comfortable spot to read, work and listen to music.
I fell in love with Casey Thompson Odell’s garden in Northbridge Terrace with its stone paved paths and lush plantings. Her tree house was in place when they bought the property and was originally equipped with a slide for children’s play. The children have grown and the structure is now a peaceful retreat tucked away in a mini bamboo forest where they enjoy being in nature. The comfortable furnishings were either donated or repurposed to create a magical space where the family has watched baby owlets grow, flowers blossom and enjoyed the company of friends.
My little blue shed in the East Oak Forest neighborhood may be purely a utility shed but I took advantage of the opportunity to include a thrift store stained glass window and tin roof. It serves its practical purpose while adding to my delight in my yard.
For upcoming columns, let me know if you have the coolest garden shed in the neighborhood or a collection of interesting items of any kind to feature. Westashleywanderer@gmail.com
