Potted

June 1, 2017

Container gardening can be more colorful with interesting DIY containers. In their first book, Gutierrez and Gary replicate some of the gardening pieces found in their Los Angeles garden shop, Potted. Projects include boxes made of concrete board and cinder blocks, and the use of colored tiles and incorporation of hardware and building materials. The instruction is solid, with clear illustrations and practical tips. There are some unique ideas, such as roof-vent planters and use of concrete board. However, there is not a consistent style, and a few of the designs are just surface treatments. VERDICT A good addition for those looking for unusual container designs.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2017
Gutierrez and Gray have owned the Los Angelesbased shop Potted, designing unique items for outdoor spaces, for more than a decade, and this is their user-friendly guide to DIY original planters from everyday materials. Each of the 23 projects in the book has met the authors' three criteria: it's affordable; its materials are easily found; it can be done without the help of a professional. Necessary tools and items are listed and attractively photographed before numbered directions, with lots of bright, step-by-step photos along the way. (As many projects require a drill or power saw, and some confidence, the authors emphasize technique and safety.) Those hoping to enliven their patios will find lots of inspiration in cinder-block planter walls, bowls turned into hanging planters or flying saucers standing on PVC tubes, wall-mounted planters that repurpose paint cans or roof vents, and more. Most materials can be found at building-supply stores. Gutierrez and Gray combine design prowess and essential plant knowledge for a winning how-to.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)