Most of my readers probably realize I'm a huge fan of Potted, in Los Angeles. I've visited the store several times, and wish they were closer — they're just so GOOD. I've known there was a Potted book in the works for a couple of years now, since Annette asked me for a photo to include in the book (more on that below). To say I was excitedly anticipating holding it in my hands is an understatement...
![]()
The book briefly touches on the origins of Potted and we learn that tile-inset-pavers, and perfecting the technique of creating them, were the impetus behind Mary and Annette opening the store. I took a photo of a few of those pavers in the hellstrip in front of the shop when I first visited back in 2012...who knew? I just thought they were fabulous.
![]()
Anyway, the book...
In the very first paragraph Mary and Annette (henceforth referred to as "the authors") acknowledge that "outdoor planters are seductive and sultry as they lure you in with their rich colors and clean lines. You can hardly wait to add them to your garden — until you see the price tag, which can be out of reach for many budgets." How refreshing is that? The owners of a high-style retail store are acknowledging that many of us can't afford to purchase the items they sell. And yes, before anyone has to point it out I do have two Circle Pots and a Point Pot. All of which I hold near and dear, but. But those were splurges, special focal points. I should also be able to find (or make) less expensive options that don't lack for style, right? That's just what the authors show us how to do...
The projects (23 total) are broken into sections based on the materials used to create them: concrete, plastics, metals, terra-cotta, and organic materials. I love this way of classifying, you can read them all for inspiration but then hone in on your favorite materials. Like metal, you know I'm a lover of stock tanks and they show you how to customize the look, in case "all silver" isn't your thing...
I think we're all familiar with the cinder block planter wall originated by the ladies of Potted (see an Anthropologie version here), but for the book they've jazzed it up with painted nooks accented with candles.
What I find most useful about this book (and Handmade Garden Projects, by Lorene Edwards-Forker, which is listed in the "further reading" section at the back of the book) is the inspiration the projects provide. You may not replicate a project exactly as it's done in the book (which has amazingly detailed materials lists and how to photos) but you'll be inspired and learn techniques that will enable you to take off in your own direction...
Case in point? Their "Flying Saucer Planters"...
Inspired by my dish planters...
![]()
The authors couldn't find the exact materials I used but that didn't matter, they created their own version...just like you can do with the ideas in the book. For example I'm crushing on their PVC planter. I could do something like this with the metal fence posts I use for the base of my dish planters...
Are you thinking you need to own this book? Well you're right, of course. If you're in the L.A. area I'm sure you can pick it up at Potted. It you're not you can purchase it from the Timber Press website (note: Hardy Plant Society of Oregon and Pacific Horticulture members get 35% off the list price of Timber Press books!) or from Amazon.
AND...Timber Press has generously supplied me with a copy to give-away! Just comment below to be entered to win. Of course I'd love to hear about any containers you've DIY'd, or hope to learn to DIY, but any comment will get you entered to win — as long as (and this is IMPORTANT) you include a way for me to get in touch with you (a link to an active blog or an email address) and you're in the contiguous USA. All comments left before midnight July 26th will be eligible. The winner will be announced on Thursday the 27th. Good luck!
Weather Diary, July 19: Hi 82, Low 56/ Precip 0
Photos of POTTED book projects used by permission from Timber Press. All other material © 2009-2017 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
The book briefly touches on the origins of Potted and we learn that tile-inset-pavers, and perfecting the technique of creating them, were the impetus behind Mary and Annette opening the store. I took a photo of a few of those pavers in the hellstrip in front of the shop when I first visited back in 2012...who knew? I just thought they were fabulous.
Anyway, the book...
In the very first paragraph Mary and Annette (henceforth referred to as "the authors") acknowledge that "outdoor planters are seductive and sultry as they lure you in with their rich colors and clean lines. You can hardly wait to add them to your garden — until you see the price tag, which can be out of reach for many budgets." How refreshing is that? The owners of a high-style retail store are acknowledging that many of us can't afford to purchase the items they sell. And yes, before anyone has to point it out I do have two Circle Pots and a Point Pot. All of which I hold near and dear, but. But those were splurges, special focal points. I should also be able to find (or make) less expensive options that don't lack for style, right? That's just what the authors show us how to do...
The projects (23 total) are broken into sections based on the materials used to create them: concrete, plastics, metals, terra-cotta, and organic materials. I love this way of classifying, you can read them all for inspiration but then hone in on your favorite materials. Like metal, you know I'm a lover of stock tanks and they show you how to customize the look, in case "all silver" isn't your thing...
 |
| photo © Potted, used by permission |
I think we're all familiar with the cinder block planter wall originated by the ladies of Potted (see an Anthropologie version here), but for the book they've jazzed it up with painted nooks accented with candles.
 |
| photo © Potted, used by permission |
What I find most useful about this book (and Handmade Garden Projects, by Lorene Edwards-Forker, which is listed in the "further reading" section at the back of the book) is the inspiration the projects provide. You may not replicate a project exactly as it's done in the book (which has amazingly detailed materials lists and how to photos) but you'll be inspired and learn techniques that will enable you to take off in your own direction...
Case in point? Their "Flying Saucer Planters"...
 |
| photo © Potted, used by permission |
Inspired by my dish planters...
The authors couldn't find the exact materials I used but that didn't matter, they created their own version...just like you can do with the ideas in the book. For example I'm crushing on their PVC planter. I could do something like this with the metal fence posts I use for the base of my dish planters...
 |
| photo © Potted, used by permission |
Are you thinking you need to own this book? Well you're right, of course. If you're in the L.A. area I'm sure you can pick it up at Potted. It you're not you can purchase it from the Timber Press website (note: Hardy Plant Society of Oregon and Pacific Horticulture members get 35% off the list price of Timber Press books!) or from Amazon.
AND...Timber Press has generously supplied me with a copy to give-away! Just comment below to be entered to win. Of course I'd love to hear about any containers you've DIY'd, or hope to learn to DIY, but any comment will get you entered to win — as long as (and this is IMPORTANT) you include a way for me to get in touch with you (a link to an active blog or an email address) and you're in the contiguous USA. All comments left before midnight July 26th will be eligible. The winner will be announced on Thursday the 27th. Good luck!
Weather Diary, July 19: Hi 82, Low 56/ Precip 0
Photos of POTTED book projects used by permission from Timber Press. All other material © 2009-2017 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.