Hort & Pott
Step into the world of Hort & Pott, where nature and craftsmanship come together in a harmonious fusion. In this edition of Cultivating Conversations, we sat down with the co–creators to explore the inspiration behind their immersive botanical and ceramic designs, their journey from urban life to upstate New York, and the evolving seasonal rhythms that shape their creations. Through their thoughtful blend of horticulture, handmade pottery, and foraged materials, Hort & Pott is not just a shop but an ever–evolving experience that invites visitors to connect more deeply with the beauty of nature and the art of living seasonally.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?
We are Todd Carr and Carter Harrington, co–creators at Hort & Pott.
“WE SEE HORT & POTT AS the merging of our distinct skill sets and perspectives that brings our vision to life.”
As both curators and makers, our individual approaches come together in a harmonious balance that pushes the concept forward, always evolving. Todd, as our creative director, channels his eye for styling, botanical design, and photography into every project. His connection with horticulture and botanical elements is what breathes life into our seasonal designs. I take on the structural side—handling business operations, built environments and digital work—ensuring that the foundation of our business runs smoothly, while also overseeing marketing and strategic growth. Together, we form a complementary partnership, where the organic and the crafted meet, guiding the future of Hort & Pott.
WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN HORTICULTURE AND POTTERY?
Todd's journey into the world of horticulture and pottery began at an early age. Working in three dimensions was always a natural mode of expression, but it was discovering clay as a teenager that truly unlocked a sense of creative freedom. Not long after, an affinity for plants and gardens grew from a formative job at a local nursery—an experience that evolved into a decade-long career in garden design.
My fascination was in architecture, sculpture, and the way form shapes space. A visit to a sculpture park, where art seamlessly melded with the natural world, became a pivotal moment. It revealed the potential of forms to create more immersive environments and gardens.
“Together, through horticulture and pottery we formed an intuitive partnership”
—a fusion of classical and modern aesthetics where our lush gardens, punctuated by clean lines and bold forms create an atmosphere that is both grounded and extraordinary.
WAS THERE A SPECIFIC MOMENT OR INFLUENCE THAT LED YOU TO COMBINE THESE TWO PASSIONS INTO HORT & POTT?
Both of our journeys into this chapter felt like natural evolutions in our creative practices. Todd initially conceptualized the idea of combining horticulture and pottery over a decade ago as a means to commercialize and visualize his deep passion for both ceramic craftsmanship and plants. My inspiration came from cherished architects who emphasized the importance of gardens in their designs, using the analogy of the outdoors to create spaces that harmonize organic forms with the structured designs of humanity.
“Each passion seeks the other, weaving together a rich and enriching narrative that defines Hort & Pott.”
HOW DID THE SHIFT FROM THE CITY TO UPSTATE NEW YORK INFLUENCE YOUR CREATIVE VISION?
The transition from city life to the tranquil landscapes of upstate New York has been profoundly transformative for both of us. In the bustling urban environment, creativity often felt dictated by the fast pace and concrete surroundings.
“moving to a serene, rural setting has allowed us to reconnect with nature on a deeper level.”
Surrounded by expansive vistas, vibrant gardens, and the ever–changing seasons, we found fresh inspiration in the natural rhythms of life.
Our desire to be influenced by our surroundings has blossomed into a rich, immersive experience that now shapes our daily lives. This shift has deeply impacted our creative vision, urging us to embrace the organic beauty that envelops us. The colors, textures, and forms we encounter inform our work in pottery and horticulture, creating a dialogue between our creations and the world around us.
In this new environment, we’ve gained both freedom and responsibility; nurturing a garden and caring for our property have naturally enriched our vision. The raw materials now at our disposal, combined with the space to explore our creativity, have transformed our process in innumerable ways. Each season brings its own distinct palette, which we lovingly incorporate into our designs, allowing our work to resonate with the essence of our surroundings.
HOW DO THE SEASONS INFLUENCE YOUR CREATIONS?
Living in this environment fosters a profound connection to the unique qualities and transformations that each season brings, serving as a wellspring of inspiration for our work. We often view our creations through the lens of gardening—a central aspect of our lifestyle.
“From the awakening of spring to the first frost, we draw upon themes of growth and renewal.”
We create pieces that reflect these ideas while also engaging in the planting of summer bulbs and our beloved and signature tropicals. As autumn arrives, we shift our focus inward, foraging from our property and crafting items that celebrate the exquisite forms developed throughout the season.
The rhythm of the seasons establishes a natural tempo for our creative process, guiding us in both concept and execution. This cyclical journey allows us to infuse our work with the essence of each season, creating a harmonious dialogue between our creations and the world around us.
FORAGED MATERIALS ARE A KEY ELEMENT OF YOUR DESIGNS. WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS FOR GATHERING AND INCORPORATING THESE ELEMENTS INTO YOUR WORK?
Indeed, each of our foraged materials operates on its own natural schedule. Much like gardening or farming, there's an ideal time for gathering each element. In spring, we collect items like eggs, grapevine to weave nests and forced branches for early florals; summer brings tropical foliage and vibrant blooms; fall is the time for broom corn and large grasses; and during winter, we focus on evergreens.
Through experience, we’ve learned which foraged elements work best in our designs, allowing us to cultivate certain favorites year after year.
“This process not only enriches our work but also deepens our connection to the natural world around us.”
HOW DOES THIS CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL WORLD INFORM THE LARGER CREATIVE PROCESS?
“Our connection to the natural world serves as the tempo and soundtrack of our creative process.”
The rhythms and changes we observe outdoors directly influence what we create in the studio and how we design our installations. In all honesty this really is Todd’s strength. I help where I can but it’s a core staple in his creative craft practice. The interplay between nature and our artistry fuels inspiration, guiding us to craft pieces that resonate with the seasons and the environment around us.
IS THERE A SPECIFIC PHILOSOPHY OR GUIDING PRINCIPLE THAT HELPS YOU MAINTAIN THE BALANCE BETWEEN THE NATURAL AND CRAFTED ELEMENTS OF YOUR WORK?
“Our crafted elements serve as the backbone of our brand.”
They provide structure and form to our creations. While we hold a deep respect for the natural materials we use, they act as supportive ingredients in our work rather than the sole focus. Each piece varies in its composition; for example, a wreath is a culmination of natural elements, whereas our vessel pieces and fabricated lines showcase the human touch while being designed to embrace and enhance the beauty of nature.
WHAT ROLE, IF ANY, DO HISTORY AND NOSTALGIA PLAY IN YOUR DESIGN PROCESS?
Memories play a crucial role in shaping the inspiration behind the feelings and experiences we aim to convey through our brand.
“Nostalgia significantly informs our design philosophy at Hort & Pott.”
There’s an elusive, mysterious quality to nostalgia that invites reflection and connection; we view it as a thread weaving together the many moments a person experiences. In our work, we strive to infuse our collections and interiors with this sense of nostalgia, enhancing the emotional resonance of the work.
COULD YOU TALK ABOUT HOW YOU SOURCE VINTAGE MATERIALS AND HOW THEY INFLUENCE YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS?
Sourcing vintage materials has long been an enjoyable passion for us. While it may not be the backbone of our business, it certainly enriches the narrative we’re crafting. We make it a point to explore markets, dealers, and sales whenever we travel, carefully cherry-picking unique items that resonate with us. These treasures from the past not only punctuate our current work but also add depth to the rich tapestry we continually weave.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE CHALLENGES IN BALANCING THE CREATIVE AND OPERATIONAL SIDES OF RUNNING HORT & POTT?
I won’t be the first creative to say that while producing work and collections can present challenges, it’s always an enjoyable and rewarding process. On the other hand, the operational side of running a business brings its own set of headaches, technical difficulties, and repetitive needs. This is the necessary grind that supports our creative endeavors.
“Without a solid foundation, the creativity can’t truly shine.”
I’ve dedicated many hours to absorbing insights from YouTube, podcasts, and interviews with other creative studios, learning how they tackle their backend operations. One process seems intuitive and the other is very much studied.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER CREATIVES TRYING TO BUILD AN ARTISAN BRAND LIKE YOURS?
Point of view is essential when navigating a landscape filled with exceptionally talented and hardworking competitors.
“Define where you stand in terms of aesthetics, ethics, and philosophy.”
Consider the precedents that inform your work and the artists or creators who have come before you. Dedicate time to research, investigate, and travel to places that inspire you. Stay curious and open to learning; invest time in understanding the nuances of running a business, whether that’s through workshops, online resources, or simply engaging with others in the field. Embrace learning about topics that may seem unrelated; it’s all part of connecting the dots in your creative journey. Remember, it’s a continuous process—never stop learning. Be prepared for sacrifices, as building a creative brand is a full-time commitment. If we sought an easy path, we would have chosen differently, and frankly, we couldn’t.
“Most importantly, remain true to your vision and values.”
Authenticity resonates deeply with customers and helps establish a loyal community around your brand.
THE TERM “HORTICULTURAL THEATER” HAS BEEN USED TO DESCRIBE YOUR SHOP. HOW DO YOU APPROACH CREATING AN IMMERSIVE, THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE FOR VISITORS?
We embrace the idea of “horticultural theater” by using a combination of seasonal décor, thoughtfully arranged products, and unexpected elements that spark curiosity.
“Creating an immersive, theatrical experience at Hort & Pott is all about storytelling and atmosphere.”
We design our space to evoke a sense of wonder and connection with nature, drawing visitors into a narrative that unfolds with each season. This immersive environment is the currency that gives life to our business model. It’s crucial for us that visitors don’t feel like they’re merely stepping into another store; rather, they’re entering a concept—a carefully curated experience that enriches the brand’s meaning and identity.
By approaching our shop as if it were a stage and by transforming the space regularly, we keep it fresh and dynamic, allowing returning guests to discover something new each time they visit. Our aim is to create an environment where visitors feel inspired and engaged, as if they’ve stepped into a living gallery that celebrates the beauty of nature and craftsmanship. The layout, displays, and even the curated scents all play a role in transporting guests into a world where horticulture and pottery coexist harmoniously.
However, it’s also about balancing the magical with the functional; we aim to captivate while ensuring that our displays serve practical purposes. The horticultural aspect is fundamental to our approach, as we consistently infuse our interiors—be it in our home or shop—with botanical elements, both living and preserved. This connection to nature is at the heart of what we do, allowing us to embrace and celebrate the beauty of the natural world in every facet of our work.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO TRANSFORM THE SPACE SEASONALLY AND KEEP THINGS FRESH FOR RETURNING GUESTS?
Transforming our space seasonally is an exciting endeavor that allows us to build around a concept inspired by a myriad of sources—whether it’s a resonant object, a beautiful swath of vintage fabric, a captivating image, or the prevailing elements of the landscape. Our themes, such as "Mid-Summer Mystique," "Fruits of Labor," and "Fallen Feast," guide this transformation, ensuring that each season is reflected in our displays.
This seasonal transformation not only highlights and expands upon the collections we’ve been creating but is also intricately aligned with the nuances of the season itself. The longer we immerse ourselves in a concept, the more a narrative unfolds, guiding our decisions and shaping the palette we create around it.
“This evolving story keeps our space fresh and engaging for returning guests.”
HOW DO YOU SEE THE ROLE OF SUSTAINABILITY EVOLVING IN YOUR BUSINESS AS YOU GROW?
As a small business with a hands–on approach
“we are uniquely positioned to prioritize sustainability in our practices.”
Unlike larger corporations, which often struggle to meet sustainable standards, we find that sustainable choices align seamlessly with sound business and financial decisions. For instance, why import items from abroad when we can train local artisans to create them? This not only fosters community but also allows us to maintain greater control over the production process. This mindset is central to our evolution and reflects our commitment to sustainability as an integral part of our brand's identity.
ARE THERE NEW SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES OR TECHNIQUES YOU'RE EXCITED TO INCORPORATE IN THE FUTURE?
We are definitely committed to repurposing and recycling, embracing the philosophy of upcycling in many aspects of our work. For example our floral designs and arrangements prioritize the use of plants we either grow or forage ourselves. Sustainability has also been a core focus in how we've built Hort & Pott’s physical spaces. To date, we’ve revitalized three historic, dilapidated structures, breathing new life into them and creating homes for our business. The process of reclaiming and restoring these buildings aligns perfectly with our values of honoring the past while creating something functional and beautiful for the future.
Sourcing products from suppliers whose origins we know and trust is also an important part of this philosophy. It’s an honor for us to showcase items crafted by hands that have invested care and attention into their creation.
“Understanding the life cycle of the products we choose to represent is fundamental to our approach to sustainability.”
HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR CREATIONS AND THE EXPERIENCE OF VISITING HORT & POTT INFLUENCE HOW PEOPLE INTERACT WITH NATURE IN THEIR OWN LIVES?
“Our creations are intrinsically tied to the garden, home, and a broader sense of place.”
We aim to spark a dialogue by showcasing how the changing seasons can be embraced, nurtured, and experienced in meaningful ways. Many people naturally feel a deep connection to nature, but we see ourselves as amplifying that connection—putting it on the big screen, so to speak. Through our installations, products, photography, and overall inspiration, we hope to bring the possibilities and influences of these connections to the forefront, encouraging people to interact more mindfully with the natural world in their own lives.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR CUSTOMERS TAKE AWAY FROM VISITING YOUR SPACE OR USING YOUR PRODUCTS IN THEIR HOMES?
“Our motto has always been: visit, experience, and take part of Hort & Pott.”
We view the brand as an encompassing lifestyle, where each product we offer becomes a piece of a larger story. These products are the building blocks that help our customers craft their own beauty and narratives, create enchantment, and establish personal traditions. Our hope is that when customers bring our pieces into their homes, they are not just adding décor, but weaving a deeper sense of beauty, tradition, and connection into their daily lives. We hope to help people feel more connected to nature and by infusing their spaces with a sense of wonder and meaningfulness.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE BRAND? ARE THERE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS OR COLLABORATIONS ON THE HORIZON THAT YOU CAN SHARE WITH US?
We're excited about the future as we continue to refine and evolve our collections. Currently, we're working on a new series featuring fresh finishing techniques for both our ceramic and cast concrete lines, with a debut planned for the Spring 2025 garden season. With our studio and back-end operations well-established, we're also planning an expansion, and while it's still “in the works,” we can assure you that there are some truly exciting developments on the horizon. We can’t wait to unveil what we’ve been working on and offer a special, immersive experience for our audience next year.
