Matt McFarland stands in the empty potting shed he helped build, pointing first to the future home of shelving, then switching his focus a
couple of feet to the left, when he explains his plan to install Dutch doors. For the Hartland High School senior, the potting shed is much more than simply a project for his building trades class. Rather, it’s a fully functioning structure that will soon find a place at a lucky person’s home. It’s one of four sheds he and his classmates will offer to LACASA to raffle off during its annual fundraising Garden Tour, set for July 11-12. “It’s been very rewarding, knowing somebody’s going to get use out of it,” McFarland said. These “green” potting sheds are just as sophisticated as structure designed and built by the pros. They include elements such as rain barrels, storage space for tools and shingled roofs, decks, reclaimed windows and passive solar power. Most are 8 feet by 10 feet to 8 feet by 8 feet. A group of master gardeners approached John Naughton’s architecture students and Mike Schmidt’s building trades students several months ago about constructing four potting sheds that would be raffled off to benefit LACASA, Livingston County’s nonprofit organization for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. “Initially in the (building trades) program, they used to build these and tear them back down and throw them out, so we tried to get a project the kids could get involved with and take some pride in,” Schmidt said. Naughton noted that students had a great opportunity to present their designs to tour officials, while receiving feedback and making adjustments as necessary.
“The best thing is they can actually see their drawing come to life and see it actually built and know it goes to a good cause,” Naughton said.