If you have a small garden where do you keep your tools?

[McLurkin]

If we got a shed, it would take over half the garden (well not quite, but there's really not room for one).

I have just ordered myself a border spade (just getting started with this gardening lark) and wondering where to store it, along with the outside brush, trowel and fork I already have, and assorted gubbins I will do doubt accummulate as time goes on.

The garden itself is on a slope, and is a small patch of artificial lawn, bordered by a hedge and two wide borders, so I don't think anything can go there but we have a patio (about 4m x 5m I think), where we could put a small storage place.

Is it worth investing in something like this? www.greenfingers.com/superstore/product.asp?dept_id=200406&pf_id=DD4475D (Quite attracted to this one on an initial google as DP would prob appreciate the extra bike storage space). Or are there alternatives to this kind of thing I haven't thought of?

Also, if you have a mini shed/storage thingo already, greatly appreciate tips re good/bad ones, things to think about etc.

Thanks!

[ComeIntoTheGardenMaud]

I have a small garden and ::euphemism:: a mini shed that used to be the outside loo. I'm going to extend the patio so that I can have a proper shed, but for your situation that store seems like a good option. Alternatively, there are garden benches that double as storage chests - have you got space for one of those? It'd hold a lot of stuff, although obviously not the bikes.

[McLurkin]

Ooh garden bench storage - that sounds like a good idea. I will check it out, thanks.

[ComeIntoTheGardenMaud]

Yes, dunno where u saw it but several websites/catalogues have them. You need to check how waterproof they are, if you'll be storing delicate stuff in them.

[MooncupGoddess]

I have a big outdoor storage chest, probably a metre or so long. It's great.

[ComeIntoTheGardenMaud]

What's your chest made of, Goddess? Is it wooden or one of those plastic crate-type things?

[MooncupGoddess]

It's thick green plastic, Maud, inherited from my predecessors. Wood would be nicer, and I am fantasising about a wooden lean-to greenhouse if I ever get round to redoing my side return.

[ComeIntoTheGardenMaud]

Maybe, but wood needs more maiantenance.

I had promised myself a wooden cold frame/grow house once the patio is redone, but that's now deferred to 2013 so I'm thinking I might get one anyway, and especially if I can find a winter bargain.

[PigletJohn]

hang stuff on walls, takes less room and is more accessible than thrown in a heap.