We finally found a use for the awkward space behind the fencing and gate: it is now home to my new potting bench.
Yes, I now have a potting bench! Gavin built it for me out of redwood and pressure-treated lumber. It took him a few weekends, and the results are wonderful!
The potting bench is replacing the two plastic containers I got from Walmart in 2001 to house my stuff over winter break at college, they were unlikely to survive another winter out in the elements on the side of the house.
The gate keeps the kids out, and the bottom shelf keeps my bags of potting soil and mulch off the ground. I have a few other pots on stands along the other side wall, and while I have not yet potted anything on it, I am quite pleased with the results.