Through the time speckled dust , hand hewn beams and our determination to offer a selection of uncommon goods inspired by our passion for gardens and interior we forged the initial chapter of Hort & Pott.
Times were really great for us in Oak Hill. Ideas, concepts and a new culture proliferated. Certain challenges persisted though and it was our joint determination that we had outgrown our space and so we initiated a whole new journey onto an abandoned farm outside of the village of Freehold NY.
Through a foreclosure listing we discovered the old Becker Homestead, once a dairy farm which had lost a bit of it’s lustre over the decades. Now post renovation we call the property ‘Arkwood.' It's a play on the idea of the ark and some prominent arch designs discovered.Upon first glance at that old boarding house, built in the 1920’s, we had found our match. Let the renovations begin.
We would convert the 16 room structure into a work//shop, studio, inventory housing and offices…and invite the curious from near and afar to visit & experience our installations that celebrated seasonal displays of beautiful uncommon handcrafted and botanical goods for the home + garden.
I’m saying fewer yeses and giving out nos like it’s peanut butter on a cheat day.
Forging ahead and sharing our process was the most clear way to express the underlying concept of the lifestyle brand…which is about celebrating beauty and enlivening spaces with distinction. Still, somewhat challenging of a business model to convey to others.. We decided on an open studio - work//shop visit model.
Sometimes we’ll use the expression
“Better Experienced than Explained.’
Only when we really started honing in on new facets for the business did the demands of tackling a full gut renovation on the adjoining circa 1890 house arise and stir deep within us a longing for a more permanent transformation.
And so began the deconstruction of walls, history, expectations , and our sense of self. It’s been said that undergoing the process of revitalizing a historic home comes with it’s own trials and struggles, a possibly ‘noble’ pursuit which unlocks inside the owner the girth and grit of character. It was time to join the countless others who embarked on the same journey,, emboldened by the smoldering desire to craft a life concurrent with a creative vision, blinded by naivety on the reality of the process, and empowered by the inspiration of all who have come before and crafted such staggering beauty.
And like that so many hours were spent in the annals of history, seeking answers to age old questions.
Turning the past inside out. Embarking on the battles with nature and time.
But over the last year, juggling both business and renovation, we completed the task and are so grateful to have had the privilege to undertake the project. We still owe more creativity and uncommon goods to everyone, to celebrate and to make.
That brings us here, to fall.
So, to repeat.. We are taking a small hiatus from our standard retail model this season and will not be regularly opening the work//shop.
Our drive, creative passion and desire to share with all of you retains all the vigor and excitement as before, the story is still in the telling.
We are present and are taking this time to explore new territories, ideas, concepts and creative ideas.
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This chapter is about recharging- not rest, not retreat and not retraction..but rather
reclamation, re-invention and reimagining what the future looks like for Hort & Pott.
So hopefully, this not-so-brief update could let some of you into our world view and process.
We have some upcoming collections in the works that will be available for shipment and we will be taking pick up appointments direct from our work//shop in Freehold, NY.
CONCLUSION
We're moving into the season ahead with gusto, new ideas on the board and some upcoming collections right from the studio made add an uncommon touch to your space.
Two upcoming creative workshops will offering a gathering for the curious at Arkwood for some hands on learning experiences and memory making.
And we are re-imagining a new model for Hort & Pott and promise to share more with you as we develop the exciting next chapter.
Good morning , it Seems like summer’s just getting warmed up..literally. This arrangement in graphic above was collected together from remnants of our floral scape workshop with Justin…we love an eclectic gathering of botanicals..
Peonies Peaches and Dragon Fruit…
Lately we've been hard at work in the garden, bringing life and horticultural nuance to the grounds, painting the landscape with both native and cultivated species of plant life..watching blue butterflies and birds, the sparkling sun light drawing beads of sweat down our backs while we dig the dirt to realize our vision of refined but relatable upstate NY living. But we have some intriguing plans for the later half of summer…
How can we immerse people into the H&P aesthetic and provide an even more memorable experience ? ……
Todd and I have been thinking of more ways to cultivate experiences at Arkwood Knoll beyond the work/shop and thought about hosting a special ticketed culinary and botanically driven gathering designed by Chef Melina Hammer. We're also inviting Claire Bandfield of ‘apotspot’ to come teach a sculpting workshop.
We've partnered with author, chef & friend Melina Hammerwho has offered to design a spectacular feast merging flavors from around the world through a family style dining experience, in a lush and moody environment that we will build to host an evening exploring atmospheric moods inspired by visions of Indochine, exotic lands, jungle foliage and lost paradise.
Todd is working on a new ceramic dinner wear collection for us to dine from inspired by themes of everlasting mystique: the lost feast - the gritty textures of ruins and buried artifacts, rough earth an rising relics, amidst a table set with similarly inspired concrete castings and emerald glassware. As is our custom, expect full floral displays all in the sublime new natural style you’ve come to know us by and setting a sultry summer mood for the event.
We appreciate all of our newsletter subscribers being part of Hort & Pott and we're grateful that we've gotten to connect with you over the last few seasons. It’s our vision to create the feeling of summer through this exciting feast, both culinary and sensory and visually inspired by an adventure deep into the foliage canopy...
The dinner will be on August 3rd, on the earlier side…at Arkwood Knoll, in Freehold, NY. We expect this to book up quickly…
This hands-on experience will cover basic material comprehension, origins and techniques and then move into the poetic aesthetics of form and sculptural approach using ready made objects as molds for the concrete mixtures.
Ever since we re-located from NYC to the mountains, embracing the garden lifestyle, we strove to create a beautiful outdoor shower experience. A way to connect with the elements and provide relief and clarity amidst the “Jungle." 7 years later we finally made it happen. We found this shower head from Etsy in copper tones, our favorite metal for use in exterior environments. Hooking it up is another story…
Well we discovered this large collection of cut stone while excavating during renovation and decided it was finally time to put them to use, puzzle like and organic in fashion. Believe me when I say there was no arguments when moving these big heavy pieces into the perfect arrangement… :)
PLANTING
After extensive grading, placing and setting the stones on compacted gravel and sand, we could finally start exploring the horticultural side of the project. Since this is a shade garden with a proclivity for wetness, we decided to use a plethora of ground covers and some interesting jungle tropicals to lend a lush and inviting look into this new garden room.
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The plantings ground this corner of the structure..prior to this garden, this area just felt lackluster. It had no life, flow and or call for anyone to visit. We needed to activate it- As you can see there are copper vents for both our fireplace intake and a laundry exhaust.
We chose copper once again because of how it's natural patina just fits seamlessly into the exterior environment. It's going to be a pleasure to watch this garden grow.
Our next steps involve creating a privacy screen with a trellis to encourage vine growth and create an even more intimate sanctuary for bathing and being in nature.
Until next time, we'll be back in the garden. We can't wait to share the evolution of this, and other, gardens with your this summer. We hope some of you can join us for dinner, a workshop or a late summer open studio.
this weekend kay schuckart is showcasing new pieces at h&p,she creates elegant ceramic vessels for flora. alongside her pieces todd carr will debut complementary porcelain ware perfect for setting your tables with the best flowers the season has to offer..
We’re very excited to re-introduce workshops back into our offerings. From floral design to pottery, our workshops offer a unique opportunity to learn and create in a supportive and vibrant environment. We hope you will join us for a memorable workshop - or all of them! We are positive you will learn, grow and have a great time doing so with us at Hort & Pott.
As the lingering chill of winter persists, sun peeking through just enough to lighten our spirits, we find ourselves drawn to the garden, eager to breathe new life into the landscape and embark on fresh design ventures. Todd has been immersed in ceramics crafting, fueled by the possibilities of our new kiln, while Carter delves into innovative molds for our concrete castings. Alongside these endeavors, we've unearthed captivating artisans and products that give promise to help in the mission of bringing the outdoors in.
Amidst the bustling energy of the upcoming year, we're thrilled to unveil a diverse array of offerings—from captivating guest workshops to the unveiling of a clandestine summer soiree and the anticipated release of our signature gardener's soap. While the prospect of these ventures fills us with excitement, we remain mindful of the limitations of a single newsletter. For now, our focus remains on forthcoming opening dates and the unveiling of our workshop lineup. As the sweet promise of spring beckons, we extend a heartfelt invitation to experience the magic of Hort & Pott.
Spring is on our minds…are you feeling it too? We're pretty deep into the winter season and relishing in our creative hibernation, cultivating new work, decorating and thinking of the exciting year ahead. “Hibernating” for us seems to mean going to bed early, rising even earlier and getting our hands wet with clay and molding supplies. The joy of creating in anticipation of the vernal season carries us forward when our gardens are dormant and we yearn to see green once again. Hopefully you are embracing winter too!
Todd has been conjuring visions of galanthus, spring creatures and exploring themes of growth and rebirth in a burgeoning ceramic collection spanning vessels, decorative slipware and unique sculptural forms for displaying the new seasons blooms and blossoms. We'll be releasing pieces online from this collection on March 7th, after first debuting them in person at the ‘Galanthus Gala’ this upcoming coming weekend. Carter is creating new molds for this year's concrete castings. Expect a panoply of new containers, sculptural entities and one-off oddities for enlivening and adding to your garden living this year.
Warming Up with winter
ephe-
mera
Our creative pursuits keep us engaged in the winter months, and we've been diving into the perplexing task of personalizing our home which has been a construction zone for three years. Who knew how overwhelming trying to find and coordinate furniture, finishes, textiles could be? We'll take a landscape and garden project any day…but we are excited for the opportunity to decorate a historic house in our new natural style, incorporating some of our pieces and sharing how the Hort & Pott interior style looks with all of you.
⍠
For those of you who might not know, Hort & Pott stands for Horticulture and Pottery.
We've been so swept up in the exciting journey of building a small business and having started a new life in Catskills of NY that we have not spent too much time elaborating on ceramic design.
It feels so great to put the Pott back in Hort & Pott and we're sure you'll discover some beautiful new collectible heirloom pieces.
We finally invested in our very own kiln, opening a new chapter of functional and sculptural possibility. We are excited about creating and sharing a whole new series of uncommon goods.
Winter is finally here in the Northern Catskills.. & we are settling into a property we've been renovating for the last couple of years, a place we've named Arkwood.
This beautiful snow dappled photo is three years in the making. In 2020 we purchased a foreclosure, the old brookside dairy farm… It was once the Becker homestead, founded by Great Walter Becker himeself.
We're finally slowing down from the wonderfully busy 2023 and holiday season to appreciate all of our renovation work and beauty that became of this 18th century Italianate style home, one of the initial settlements in the locality.
Thefruitsoflabor
Aseasonal affair…
Over the holidays the first holiday housewarming and fruitful feast was thrown at Arkwood. It was a mad dash to finish so many of the details of the home and also deck these bare halls in our signature lush and maximalist style before guests arrived for our first affair. It's hard to believe what an amazing holiday season it was! And it's wild that it's (been) over already- it's always an ever present thought for us and we are happy to keep our trees up for just a little longer…
First let us thank you all for being part of the story, part of our journey.Hort & Pott would not exist without the support and excitement you give us. We are forever grateful!
Second - thank you for appreciating and seeing beauty with us..At times we ask ourselves if we should strive to be more commercial…to run our practice more like a business and less like the organic expression of seasonally inspired ideas that we love to nurture. Reflecting on both this new year and looking back at the past 6 years of Hort and Pott has allowed us to be feel fine with that. It's unconventional; better experienced than explained, and it's constantly evolving. I'm sure the folks at ‘Shark Tank’ would love us…
But what's most important is our dedication to cultivating and crafting uncommon goods for your homes and gardens, concepts and creations rooted in originality and a dedication to embracing the seasons. So we're taking a deep dive back into our studios this winter, conjuring fresh ideas and concepts for the Spring season and returning to "the source.: So if it seems like we're a bit under the radar for the season… Consider it Creative hibernation if you will….
INSPIRATION , painted by : jan davidsz de deem
Always feeling inspired by dutch still life painting…rich, maximal, visceral and almost tangible…
The deep dried remembrance of the year past, set into the still winter spell…
Thank you for growing along with us,
Todd + Carter
Nostalgia
for the
Season
Thanks has been given,
trees cut & decorated, ornaments are pulled
from their
s l u m b e r
to glisten in the radiant glow of a
thousand lights -the joyous luminance
of the holiday seasonto guide us
through The Season
ONWARD
&Into the Spirit
It's always an exciting and bustling time for us; and we're sure it is for many of you too. The beating pulse of our communities gathering, decorating, purchasing… The real thrill for us is being able to share our holiday vision with you. We hope always to deliver some enchantment..
We're thrilled to offer a small glimpse into our holiday fantasy through this short film by the talented Mia Allen. Embrace the season with the feels of “Wintertide”, a video to transport you behind the curtain.
This coming weekend, we are elated to partake in a uniquely special affair hosted at the elegant space of our dear friend Form + Light. Sarah, a steadfast companion and collaborator since the inception of Hort & Pott.
Anticipate an assembly of some of the most imaginative creators ; a portion of the proceeds will be directed towards charity.
Indulge in a winter market experience that promises delight!
We had an absolute blast with Laurel + Ash farm last week. Ashley brought her mixology A-game serving up Maple Syrup old fashions and cranberry shrub and Maple Vinegar sours. We're so thrilled to have their absolutely gift worthy products in store and online.
Thank you for growing along with us, it's our hope that you find these letters insightful and inspiring. We truly appreciate your time and support, let the holidays roar onward!
Hello Dear Readers, in the transient beauty of Fall, we embrace the impending winter spirit. Amidst the tidying of the garden, migrating plants indoors and the ever unfolding holiday preparations, there's a clarity that arises, an order from the entropy of the seasonal shift that we embrace and use to fuel this year's inspiration and creativity…Things around the work//shop are getting festive as tell tale signs of winter and festivities, reveal themselves. We are looking forward to sharing more with you.
Visit, experience and take part of Hort & Pott. We're concocting fabulous and resplendent new displays for this years Holiday season…Referencing nostalgic poppy chromatic hues of yesteryear, dazzling golds whites and silvers and of course a signature woodland inspired theme drawn from the timeless appeal of nature. The work//shop is an ever evolving carousel of displays designed to reflect the season and enliven your spirit.
In our creative journey, we draw inspiration from a sensory symphony—capturing the essence of sight, sound, smell, and touch. However, there are certain pleasures that elude our craft, and foremost among them are the exquisite delights of LIBATIONS. As the holiday season approaches, we are delighted to foster an exciting collaboration with some esteemed guests.
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We have extended a warm invitation to some of the most talented culinary artisans we've met over the years who will grace our work//shop, imparting their expertise and enriching our creative tapestry with their own perspectives.
EVENTS
we are pleased to host a few select co-creators at the work//shop this season
NOV 18 + 19
Coopers Daughter
Tasting + Purveying
Bespoke line of bourbons, whiskeys, vodkas, and liqueurs creatively utilize the harvests of each season.
NOV 24th
Laurel + Ash Farm
Tasting + Purveying
Handcrafted limited batch maple syrup; Tapped, wood-fired and bottled in the Hudson Valley.
DEC 9 + 10
Nine Cakes
Tasting + Purveying
Special in season creative cakes that are as delicious as they are beautiful. Join in the festive spirit of these confectionary delights and sweets.
DEC 10
Melina Hammer
Book Signing
"A year at Catbird Cottage"
An expert recipe developer, food stylist, and food photographer, discover this beautiful cooking book.
We are elated to partake in a uniquely special affair hosted at the elegant space of our dear friend Form + Light. Sarah, a steadfast companion and collaborator since the inception of Hort & Pott, has graced this event with her thoughtful and stylish touch. Anticipate an assembly of some of the most imaginative and grounded creators, and with a noble gesture, a portion of the proceeds will be directed towards charity. For those in the vicinity, indulge in a winter market experience that promises both delight and giving!
We hope it's been a great season for you... The bittersweet moment of the first autumn winds arriving mingles with the joy of the peak gardens, blooms, blossoms and towering exotics engulf the paths as they reach for the sky. So let us celebrate together!
AUGUST 26 + 27
We’re joyed to Introduce 'Zinnia Days' an enchanting collaboration with our dear, talented friend Caitlin from Flora Farm Design Celebrating the late summer floral harvest in upstate New York.
Hort & Pott will transform into a haven of horticultural secrets and floral finery.
in the captivating world of Zinnia Dayz with fresh-cut zinnias & dahlias from Caitlin's farm, gracing the shop, infusing it with vibrant hues and Infusing it with vibrant hues and intoxicating bouquets, with displays dedicated throughout focused on floral harvesting and arranging with vintage vases, handcrafted flower holders and other unique tools to add to your collections.
Set your intentions for a symphony of nature’s finest for the final weekend of August on the knoll.
This past weekend we had the lucky opportunity to visit Caitlin for a beautiful afternoon exploring her gorgeous farm filled with billowing homegrown blooms. Caitlin is a not only an amazing flower farmer but she definitely has the most joyful soul you’ll ever meet. She’s an educator thru and thru and taught us so many new things in the short visit as well as sharing some encouraging & insightful flower farming tips.
VISIT
Caitlin is truly an inspiring woman and someone everyone should get the chance to meet, and that’s just some of the many reasons why we’re so excited to have her flowers and her presence at the shop this coming weekend for Zinnia Dayz.
She will be offering discussions, fresh cut flowers and a lovely insight into her work at the farm. Come and take part of the floral festivity ….!
" O summer, how you fly so fast.. And now the fields yield their treasures, ripe and true, Bounty aplenty in every hue. The earth's generous table, a feast for the heart, In this late summer dance, we can all take part."
FRUITS OF LABOR
September 2 + 3
A dip into the first days of fall
Enjoy the fruits of the summer season…in all their forms.
& discover the first bits of autumnal decor..
FRUITS
Thank you for growing along with us,
we're so excited about the end of summer celebrations and hope you can join us here and celebrate autumn’s gentle awakening on the knoll.
We hope your spring has been a glorious one, and with its conclusion here in Upstate NY, we have the incoming sultry days of summer to look forward to. Over the last few months we undertook various gardening projects and accomplished property development goals. The advent of Easter, Mothers and Memorial Day have swept through the calendar and many wonderful guests came out to visit the work//shop as we celebrated the beautiful ephemerality of the vernal season. Both online and in person, we thank you all, near and far! We're excited to share upcoming summer plans with you…
Join us for a weekend of Independence Day themed display. Glean a new natural inspired treasure for your next table scape or gift for your host… Vintage reds, blues and brass tones help set a lively table here at the work//shop. Fine tune your festivities with a uniquely uncommon approach to the holiday.
caught in the feeling
We're embracing the subtle tones and melange of moods inspired by the subtle changes in the summer weather,.. In light of this embrace, we've invited some special artisans to share their craft at the work//shop.
A special release
We're sharing space with some beloved makers and creators we've connected with and invited them to join on us on the knoll to showcase their artisan work to set the mid summer mood with their beautiful creations. We are officially launching our first collection of Fischersund products as well. Get wrapped up in the sensual smells of Icelandic fragrances, perfectly complimenting the mood of our guests jewelry artisan Katie deGuzman and textile artist Bonnee Pecquex .
discover guest artisan
works
nestled atop the knoll .
FISCHERSUND
01
FISCHERSUND is one of our absolute favorite fragrance companies based in Iceland. Their signature and memorable fragrances evoke the power of elemental forces: pine covered forests, erupting volcanoes, snow, ice the thawing of the earth in Spring. We use their candles to help shift the balance of our interior environments into alignment with the ultimate experience of comfort and coziness.
K/LLER COLLECTION
02
K/LLER COLLECTION jewelry is the work of artist Katie deGuzman. Natural forms, architecture, alchemy, androgyny, and juxtaposition inspire her collections—an amalgam of oxidized, rough-hewn metals and Eolithic materials—like horn, distressed leather, crystals, porcupine quills, cactus, and feathers— forged together to create Gritty yet sleek timeless and mood provoking pieces.
FLORABUNDANCE
03
FLORABUNDANCE is the creative company of Bonnee Pecquex, a fiber artist who presses botanicals into fine linens and silks to create tannic acid prints. Her exquisite work embodies our philosophy of new naturalism, and all of her pieces are one of a kind ranging from home furnishings to clothing, and even notebooks and accessories.
Find hand picked treasures including concrete water vessels, vintage table lamps and various uncommon accoutrements to help set a magical mood for your friends, family & next gathering.
Sweet
smells of summer
Noble Lilly
Some electric lilies Todd gathered nestled into one of our signature concrete vases.
Moment from the garden
The peony bed we started two years ago has finally starting coming into it's own. We selected the area on site because initially there was one variety located adjacent to the stone wall. Otherwise a desolate looking area with crab grass and mediocre ground covers, we tried our hand at the cardboard method to suppress the growth then coated with a mulch dressing. The blooms this years were just stunning!
I’m saying fewer yeses and giving out nos like it’s peanut butter on a cheat day.
So please, get excited for summer, journey through the woods and come find something special at the Knoll. We invite you to soak in the summer mood and embrace the season with us.