Thriller Filler Spiller Part 1

The questions that we get at Bates more than just about anything pertain to container gardening. I can't count the times every day I hear sentences that begin, "So I have this pot..." Some people come in knowing exactly what they're looking for, probably because they plant it every year and know it works for them. Some people come in with their magazine clippings from Southern Living or Better Homes and Gardens and want to replicate the gorgeous pots featured that month; sometimes, those magazines feature the newest plants on the market, and we haven't even been able to get them yet. But there's several people everyday that walk into our greenhouse and see all of the choices before them, and their eyes glaze over with that deer-caught-in-headlights look. They haven't a clue where to begin. That's when the fun begins for me. I love to show people what's possible and play with plant combos. There is a common, no-fail container design that some people know, but for those of you that don't, I'll share it with you, as we do with all of our customers: Thriller, filler, spiller. Three simple words are all you need to remember when constructing your plantings. 

Thriller: This is a plant with a tall, upright growth habit. If you think of your planting in layers, this would be the top layer. This plant is sometimes dramatic or thrilling and always eye-catching.

Filler: This is a plant with a mounding growth habit. This will be your middle layer. Lower growing than your thriller, it fills in around the base of your tallest plant.

Spiller: This is a plant with a trailing growth habit. This is your bottom layer, and it will spill and drape over the edge of your pot. 

Location, location, location. Know what kind of sunlight you're dealing with before purchasing your plants. Impatiens are not going to fare well in a pot that's getting the scorching mid-day sun, no matter how much you water them. Also, pay attention to plant labels and how the garden center places them. At Bates, we get most of our products from vendors in Michigan, and that is where the plants are tagged. This has caused some confusion with guests when they see a label that says "full sun", but we've put it on the shade side of the greenhouse. What's full sun in Michigan, is not necessarily full sun down here in the south. I venture to say the box stores may have the same issues with plant vendors; hopefully, plants are being placed in the correct areas in their greenhouses.

Keep it simple. The bigger variety of plants you add to the equation, the more distracted the eye will be. Don't be afraid to mix colors, but don't get crazy. Personally, I like keeping my color combo to no more than 3-4. Don't forget that you can get plenty of color from foliage, not just blooms. Mixing textures is great as well, but again, not too many different ones. If you took a picture of your completed pot in black and white, it should look just as interesting as a color photo would. Depending on your pot size, you may need just one plant from each category. With a bigger pot, I'd still stick with no more than two thrillers, two to three fillers, and maybe two spillers. Make sure your pot has plenty of drainage and a good, quality potting soil. Using a moisture control formula would be best, or you can even buy containers of water absorbing polymers to add to the soil yourself. During the summer, you should expect to water your pots daily, especially those in full sun. And if you're using hanging baskets, they may need water in the mornings and evenings. 

In part two, I'll share a couple of pictures and give you a list of all of my personal favorites and plants that are sure to work for you!