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Easy Container Gardening with the Thriller, Filler, Spiller Method

Creating a stunning container garden is simple with the Thriller, Filler, Spiller method. Here’s how it works:

1. Thriller Plants These are the stars of your container. They are tall and dramatic, drawing attention and adding vertical interest. You can choose from flowering plants, foliage plants, ornamental grasses, or plants with architectural appeal.

• Placement:
  • Center: If your container will be viewed from all sides.
  • Back: If it will be viewed from only one side.
• Height: The Thriller should be 1 to 1.5 times taller than the container.

Examples for Fall:

• Crotons
• Ornamental grasses
• Mums
• Nandinas
• Corn stalks
• Obelisks
• Simple artificial branches for a fall touch

2. Filler Plants These plants add fullness and color, surrounding the Thriller. They are usually rounded or mounded and help complete the look of the container.

• Placement:
  • In Front of or Around: The Thriller.
  • Midway: Between the edge of the container and the Thriller.
  • If the Thriller is Centered: Fillers should surround it.

Examples:

• Pansies
• Violas
• Snapdragons
• Dusty Miller
• Flowering cabbage or kale
• Grasses
• Pumpkins

3. Spiller Plants Spillers trail over the edge of the container, softening its edges and adding a cascading effect.

• Placement:
  • Close to the Edge: They should spill over the container.
  • All Sides: If the container will be viewed from all sides.
  • Front: If the container will be viewed from one side only.

Examples:

• Golden moneywort
• Trailing pansies
• English ivy
• Asian jasmine
• Trailing junipers

Don’t Forget Shrubs! Shrubs can add texture and boldness to your container garden and can be a more permanent addition to larger planters.

Examples:

• Nandinas: Great for fall with russet foliage adding color contrast.
• Loropetalum (Purple Pixie): Burgundy foliage trails beautifully and pairs well with orange or yellow mums and pumpkins.
• Camellia: A winter-blooming evergreen that provides interest long after fall.
• Sunshine Ligustrum: Golden evergreen foliage makes a striking backdrop. Pair with purple cabbage, burgundy mums, and pumpkins.
• Junipers: Provide evergreen texture that complements ornamental cabbage, kale, pansies, or mums.

With these tips, you’ll create eye-catching containers that are perfect for any season!