Angelenos are among the fortunate few who can enjoy their outdoor spaces all year long, so its just as important to decorate outdoors as you would the interior of your home. Here’s where Potted comes to the rescue! As an outdoor lifestyle destination, Potted has everything you need to redecorate your outdoor spaces with unique designs and custom products.
We caught up with Mary Gray, who opened Potted (Los Feliz/Atwater Village location) in 2004 with longtime friend Annette Gutierrez. This creative duo has a knack for curating spaces, and incorporating your garden into your living space with an array of colorful and stylish planters. Potted has recently partnered with Lazybones in Santa Monica to breathe new life into West Side living spaces.
How long have you lived in Los Angeles?
I moved to LA from NYC in 1985. My first place was on Descanso Drive in Silver Lake. Back then when I told people I lived in the Silver Lake area they would have a blank stare. It wasn’t really on people’s radar. Millie’s was the first place I every had a meal in LA! It was an outpost.
What are your thoughts on how the Eastside is changing?
I have mixed emotions about the changes. I love that the area is so dynamic and lively with lots of design and art. I love that people from all over the world make their way to this area. I am sad that this gentrification has pushed out some of what gave the area its personality and eclectic vibe. I know it’s the nature of the beast and everything is always changing. My hope is that it can retain its roots as it grows.
POTTED: Indoor Style for Outdoor Living
Do you own or rent your home?
I owned a home in Silver Lake for about 15 years on Micheltorena. My kids went to Hilltop and played sports at Bellvue and Silver Lake Rec. About 6 years ago I moved to Adam’s Hill in Glendale.
We love the concept bringing the indoors out and the outdoors in. How did the store idea first come about?
Potted came about serendipitously. My business Partner Annette and I were working with tile and cement, making decorative garden steps one summer in her back yard. Both of us wanted to change careers and I think we were exploring making things we liked. Hmmm, how to turn that into a business? Anyway, Annette walked into our current Los Feliz location which was at the time a pottery shop that had been around since 1945. The guy said no but he was selling his business if she was interested. 3 months later we opened Potted.
What are your favorite local spots for dining and relaxing in Los Feliz?
There are so many great choices these days it is hard to narrow down. Of course, Village Bakery is a go to for yummy treats. I love Little Doms and Speranza on Sunday evening. The Trails is a little gem. Such a great place to meet friends for lunch after a hike.
POTTED: Indoor Style for Outdoor Living
Are your vendors local and/or where are your designers from?
We make a point of carrying pieces from local designers. Some of the handmade artisan items we carry are from local folks in our neighborhood. We have many, many vendors from just about every corner of the world. We also design products and have them fabricated in the US.
What are some tips that you would advise Angelenos for keeping their greenery green, during this intense summer heat?
Making sure they are watered. Water in the morning or late in the day. Not when the sun is out in full force. If your potted plants are struggling in the summer sun, move them to a place with shade during the middle of the day.
Do you see any big trends right now in gardening? We are seeing vertical gardens everywhere these days!
I see a lot of people really focusing on bringing the outdoors in. Houseplants are a great way to extend your outdoor living indoors. Collections or arrangements of pots and plants are popular as well.
POTTED: Indoor Style for Outdoor Living
What are your top 3 favorite pieces in the store at the moment?
Heather Rosenman, a truly gifted artist just brought us a new collection on her pots. She is a gifted potter and we are so grateful to have her work in our shop.
We also have these new rustic modern garden bells and birdfeeders made by Arizona landscape architect, Margaret Joplin which are pretty great.
I’m a textile-o- phile so I’d say I’m crushing on these out door throws made from sunbrella fabric. So soft and yet they can be left outdoors and easily tossed in the wash. So brilliant.
We hear you offer classes, what are they about and can anyone attend?
We’ve had many different workshops at Potted. It is a great way to have fun and learn something new. We’ve done a wide array of workshops from building terrariums and kokedamas to making macramé plant hangers for Shibori dying.
Is it true that talking to plants keeps them healthy and happy?
I can’t confirm or deny but it couldn’t hurt. It’s probably more therapeutic for the human.
POTTED: Indoor Style for Outdoor Living
You always hear, “I can’t keep a plant alive to save my life” – what advice do you give these people and what plants do you recommend for them to begin their gardening journeys?
If you’re new to plants and gardening or just owning plants, I suggest you start simply. I usually recommend for indoors hard to kill plants such as the sanseveria aka “snake plant” and the zamioculous or “zz”. Of course, we love succulents at Potted and find their variations amazing. Many varieties are easy to care for when you’re a newbie to plants. The bottom line is that they are plants. If you don’t have success, put it in the green bin and try again!
What inspires you?
I am always inspired and humbled by the creativity of so many of the people I am surrounded by. Whether it is our plant guru Cristina and her beautiful combinations in her succulent plantings or the many of the artisans whose work we have carried over the years.
POTTED: Indoor Style for Outdoor Living
Visit Potted at its Los Feliz/Atwater Village location:
3158 Los Feliz Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
M-Sa 10-6, Sun 10-5
Potted @ Lazy Bones
2929 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
M-Sa 10-6, Sun 11-6
Your Los Feliz Realtor
I’m a local real estate agent, and It would be my pleasure to help you find the perfect property to call home in Los Feliz CA, or if you’re thinking about selling a house, condo, or multi-family building in, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Glassell Park, Mount Washington, or Downtown Los Angeles, it would be a privilege to help you get top dollar for the sale of your property.
Lets chat sometime. 310-913-9477 or contact me.
