Bygone images of gardening often centre on an area of life that was predominantly the male preserve. Growing fruit and vegetables for the family reigned supreme but more importantly for men perhaps, was the opportunity to enter what was considered their domain - the garden shed, a place to 'escape' from potential or actual domestic wars of words, the children or both! It was also the site for contemplation, potting up plants or for chewing the fat with the next door neighbour whilst sharing a tipple or two! Even today, with life's hectic pace, the garden shed is still as popular as ever, perhaps not for putting the world to rights, but as a place for storing tools, lawn equipment, raising seedlings and whether we like it or not, still essentially a male retreat!

Although shed usage is predominantly the same as it always been, the choices and styles of sheds available in modern times has significantly widened, suitable for most tastes and requirements.

At the garden centre sheds are available, which are built to exacting standards with some designs having tongue-in-groove boards in the roof and floor adding strength and stability. After all, buying a shed is a considered purchase and it is always wise to buy the best you can afford.

If the shed is going to be utilised for growing a variety of plants select one that has windows extending along one side, ensuring plenty of light and warmth. Perhaps a 'Dutch' style timber greenhouse or a beautiful wooden lean-to on a sunny side of the house would be ideal and would not only add that extra dimension to your property, but would bring a lot of pleasure for your garden enthusiast.

With Father's Day rapidly approaching these are just some ideas with which to surprise the man in your life. However should these not be enough consider a summer house, built to robust standards with a choice of different styles and materials to suit.

Summer houses have all the advantages that come with a garden room. They are also suitable as an 'office' situated in the garden or indeed at your place of business and because they are made in a myriad of designs they can be accommodated virtually anywhere!

Gardening in the 21st century is obviously not just the domain of the family man but where new and innovative designs and accessories appeal to men of all ages and domestic situations.

For example a striking range of cascading copper water features are now available and are not only far removed from the usual water ornaments but are visually stunning and superbly contemporary. Ask a man to cook the Sunday roast and you may well be met with a raised eyebrow, but ask that same man to cook outdoors and you'll have great difficulty getting within 10 feet of the barbecue!

Alfresco dining has never been better with the range of gas barbecues available at the garden centre. Forget having to wait up to an hour before the coals are ready to use or finding that they don't heat to a high enough degree.

Our gas barbecues can come with unique features such as adding a side burner, griddle or a lid which allows for roasting whole joints of meat, chicken or even the Christmas turkey when oven space is at a premium! Each one comes with a 5 year guarantee on the gas burners and are all designed with a hardwood base or trolley for a stylish finishing touch. Some models can be built-in to the deck, becoming a integral part of the overall design - as can many other features.

For example how many men would be able to resist a multi-gym, an outdoor shower and a sauna incorporated into the garden? Saunas for example, are no longer the sole preserve of the commercial health club and where many people include them either in or out of doors. Made from Spruce or Hemlock, each sauna can be tailored to suit personal preferences and where some cabins can have a fibre optic option, which gives the impression of the sky at night - what a way to relax!

Despite the fact that the emphasis of the garden may have changed from production to consumption it is still a place that many men feel belongs to them but that doesn't mean that we woman can't enjoy these features too!