Landscaping Inspiration for Shed Exteriors

Whether tucked beside the house or standing alone in the backyard, sheds benefit from thoughtful landscaping. Strategic plantings and hardscaping elements can transform the area around a utilitarian storage structure into an inviting outdoor space that complements the overall landscape design.

Framing a shed with trees, shrubs, flowering plants or vines serves multiple purposes. Landscaping provides security by obscuring view of stored items. It offers privacy for homeowners who use sheds as outdoor offices, craft rooms or hangout spaces. Plantings also help define the boundaries of the shed area and visually connect it to existing garden beds or lawn spaces.

Benefits of Landscaping Around Your Shed

Investing time and effort into shed landscaping pays off in terms of aesthetics and functionality:

• Complements the overall backyard or garden design for a cohesive look
• Creates curb appeal and visual interest to showcase the shed
• Provides security and privacy for items stored inside the shed
• Defines the shed area within the boundaries of the yard
• Softens and blends the shed structure into the landscape

Whether building a new shed or sprucing up an existing one, landscaping is key for transforming the space into an integrated part of the outdoor area.

Landscape Design Considerations for Sheds

When planning landscaping around a shed, consider these key factors:

Sun Exposure and Drainage

Note the number of sunlight hours the area receives daily. This determines appropriate plant selections that tolerate partial shade, dappled sunlight or full sun exposure. Proper drainage is also crucial--observe how rainwater flows across the site and pools in certain spots. Choose plants suited to the soil moisture levels.

Size and Style of Shed

The shed's dimensions and architectural style impact the scale of landscape plantings. For example, a small garden shed looks best framed by flower beds and shrubs, while a two-story barn shed can anchor an entire grove of trees. Match plants to the height and width of the shed.

Coordination with Existing Landscaping

Blend the shed area into your current landscape theme. Repeat certain plant varieties from other parts of the yard, and echo hardscape materials like garden edging or pathway gravel. Create cohesion through consistency.

Natural Features and Topography

Incorporate any slopes, rock outcroppings, mature trees or water features into the design. Use plantings to accent or obscure these elements as needed. Layer screening vegetation to soften view of the shed from the house.

Balance of Plant Types

Achieve visual interest by mixing heights, textures and seasonal displays. Contrast broadleaf evergreen shrubs with delicate ornamental grasses. Balance flowers with foliage. Hardscaping elements like trellises, decorative fencing and pathways also add appeal.

Choosing Plants for Shed Landscaping

Certain plant characteristics make varieties ideal for shed landscaping projects:

Low-Maintenance Native Plants

Native species naturally suit the climate, soil, moisture and sun exposure of your region without much upkeep. These hardy plants enhance sustainability.

Shade Tolerant or Sun Loving Plants

Match the plant's preferred light levels to the shed location--shaded northern exposures or open southern areas that receive more direct sunlight.

Year-Round Visual Interest

Combine evergreen and deciduous plants to maintain seasonal appeal. Foliage, flowers, colorful stems and fruit offer multi-season displays.

Plants to Frame the Shed

Choose compact or columnar plant varieties to flank shed corners without impeding opening the doors. Use vines to cloak walls or trees to canopy the roofline.

Pest Deterrent Plants

Incorporate plants like lavender, garlic, mint and citronella whose strong scent naturally repel insects and rodents that could access a shed's interior.

Hardscaping Ideas for Shed Exteriors

Beyond plants, integrate hardscape elements to finish the shed landscape:

Gravel or Stone Pathways

Define walking areas and shed access points with loose stone, crushed gravel or pavers.

Retaining Walls

Terrace steep sites that slope away from the shed using stacked stone or masonry retaining walls planted with cascading greenery.

Boulders and Decorative Rocks

Incorporate medium-sized boulders to create planting niches or edging. Use pea gravel as organic-looking mulch around plant beds.

Privacy Fences or Screens

Install wood, bamboo or reed fencing to partition the shed area from other outdoor active zones like play areas.

Garden Accessories

Benches, planters, sculptures and other decorative features transform the utilitarian shed into an inviting garden retreat.

Finishing Touches for Shed Landscapes

Special details put the final polish on an artfully designed shed landscape:

Exterior Lighting

Illuminate pathways and plantings to extend enjoyment of the space into the evening. Strategically placed lights also boost security.

Water Features

The tranquil trickle of a fountain or small backyard pond enhances the shed area with soothing sights and sounds.

Weathervanes and Garden Sculpture

Mount a decorative weathervane atop the shed's roofline, or tuck whimsical metal animal sculptures among plant beds for an element of surprise.

Birdhouses, Feeders and Baths

Invite birds and butterflies to visit the landscape with shelters for nesting plus food and water sources.

Connect rain gutters and barrels to harvest precipitation for irrigating the landscape plantings.

This once-itarian structure transitions into a delightful garden focal point with a thoughtful landscape design. Carefully selected and positioned plants not only beautify the exterior space year-round but also promote privacy and security with strategic screening and perimeter definition. Whether using the building for storage, an outdoor workshop or just an aesthetic asset with charming curb appeal, landscaping establishes the shed as a valued addition that expands a property's possibilities and livable footprint.