Jack Carlisle stands on the landing of the stairs leading to his shop’s new second story.  According to the Old Towne merchant, The Potting Shed by Carlisle reflects his personality—“cheeky, classy, quality and unique.”

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The Potting Shed by Carlisle

Celebrating a decade in Old Towne Orange, the Potting Shed by Carlisle has expanded upward and now occupies the second story of its location at 10 Plaza Square.  After seven years at its original location by the railroad tracks, owner Jack Carlisle was intrigued by the opportunity to relocate to the heart of the Orange Plaza.  Three years ago, he made the jump.

“At first, I didn’t think we needed the extra room,” recalls Carlisle.  But he mulled it over with his husband one night and by morning they saw a vision for the space.

“We took our five top categories and moved them up: pottery, houseplants, hard good items (pruners, fertilizers), home décor (candles, gift items) and trends (incense, crystals and books),” says Carlisle.

The shop has an elevator and stairs, with a view of the Orange Plaza for shoppers to enjoy.  What was once a boardroom is now a workshop space.  “Workshops were on the sidewalk prior and limited to six to eight people,” he says.  “Now we can accommodate 20 people.  The space can be booked for an occasion, and participants bring in their own food and beverages and do a workshop.”

Workshops include miniature gardens, succulent planting, calligraphy, watercolor and flower pressing.

A timeline is planned for the dividing wall upstairs to showcase the history of the building all the way to the present.  And there is a studio on the second floor to launch a podcast hosted by Carlisle called, “Gracious Spaces.”

“We will interview people about what their gracious space is.  It can be anything in your heart or your mind,” she says.

Changes are also being made to the first floor.  “In the home décor room, we are focusing on gifts,” says Carlisle.  “And the room that used to be our houseplant room is now our kitchen and pantry room.  We’re doing dishware, entertaining items, pastas, sauces, gourmet food items.  This is something we felt was needed in Old Towne.

On the expansion, Carlisle reflects, “It feels settled here, like home.  We could not have done this without our customers and knowing they support us wholeheartedly.”

Self-described plant person Jacquie Rudge, who has more than 50 houseplants, with the majority from The Potting Shed by Carlisle, is impressed with the store’s whimsical vibe and Carlisle’s knowledge of plants.  “He’s attentive to his customers and makes you feel confident about growing your plants,” she says.

The Potting Shed by Carlisle
10 Plaza Square, Old Towne Orange, CA 92866  /  757-818-3560