Build This Dreamy Backyard Potting Shed

While we can never overstate the value of the kitchen or dining room, outdoor spaces are truly the heart of Southern homes. It’s where our favorite porch swings and rocking chairs reside, it’s where we have enjoyed countless sweet teas, and it’s the site of oh-so many memorable barbecues, meals, and al-fresco celebrations. With these uniquely Southern experiences in mind, the builders and designers of our 2023 Idea House brainstormed a truly magical outdoor escape for the future homeowners.

While every corner of our Nashville home is thoughtfully designed, the backyard has especially captured our hearts. A serene pool sits center stage, accompanied by comfy seating, a charming fire, and several blooming beds that make up a flush garden near the edge of the yard—brimming with farm to table potential. The icing on the cake of this paradise however, is Mary's Garden Folly at the edge of the property.

“We put the garden folly to the very corner to define the edge of the hill and create this nice intimate courtyard which really celebrates backyard living,” says plan designer Bill Holloway of Lake and Land Studio. 

It’s just 107 square feet, but for such a small structure, the shed packs purpose into every inch. This includes 23 feet of countertop space wrapped around the shed’s interior, plenty of shelves to display prettily potted plants or impressive tools, and a trove of under counter storage space for gardening goods and well-loved but less sightly tools. Thanks to full plumbing and water capabilities, as well as heating and cooling, the garden folly is a prime space for potting, planning your day spent in the thick of the garden, or giving your favorite containerized plants a break from extreme weather, too. It’s a potting shed, gardener’s haven, and anything in between. One thing it isn't, however, is a greenhouse. 

“It’ll never get a ton of sun like a greenhouse,” explains builder Mary Hatcliff. “It doesn’t have a glass ceiling or roof. It has a cedar shake roof, but it has windows all the way around so it gets nice sun.”

Buy the Plan: Mary’s Folly (SL-2099) at houseplans.southernliving.com

For every bit of function, however, this multipurpose shed matches in charm. White oak abounds beautifully on the trim, walls, and vaulted ceiling, and far-reaching windows allow you to work away while enjoying the view of the garden and backyard (or keep an eye on the kids playing outside). A Kohler under-mount sink has been installed to add both purpose and beauty and is complemented by a matte black faucet. The exterior also stuns in white (SW7011) with a pleasantly pointed wooden roof. Once erected, all that’s needed to complete the folly is a collection of potted plants to bring life to the many shelves, which will also shine through the windows as decor to complement the entire backyard.

“It’s got so much character,” says Hatcliff. “It’s the perfect little spot. I love plants, and I could see myself going out every morning to see my little plant babies. I want one of everything! Lots of orchids, lots of different kinds of ferns.”