Container Gardening 101
In the Designer's Words: "Container Gardening Theory 101 simplifies creating stunning container gardens by encouraging you to select plants according to their roles as Thrillers, Spillers or Fillers. With this theory, you can easily create lovely planters for your yard, porch or deck."
Primary TechniqueGardening
Project TypeMake a Project
Materials List
- The ‘Thriller’ of your container will be that plant that is as it’s name implies…the real standout of your container garden. This plant will typically be the taller plant, placed in the middle or back of your container and will feature dramatic foliage color, structure or flowers. I usually have one great Thriller in each pot. List of suggested Thrillers on the site
- The ‘Filler‘ is the plant that will provide a textural or color contrast/complement to your ‘Thriller’ and help fill in the pot. A list of suggested Fillers on the site.
- The ‘Spiller‘ is the plant that will tumble out of the pot, softening the edges. Look for a plant that will tie the 2-3 other plants together, complimenting or contrasting as need be. A list of suggested Spillers on the site
- Pot
- Potting Soil
Instructions
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Head to your favorite garden store, keeping your eye out for great Thrillers, Fillers and Spillers.
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Group them in your shopping cart to see how well the play together
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Plant in potting soil, enriched with a slow release fertilizer. Play with placement, do you want your Thriller to be dead center or little off center?
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Fill in with your Fillers and Spillers
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Water well and sit back and see how they grow together.
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Collect 'recipes' of container gardens that you really like for future reference.