The Anatomy of the Perfect Planter: Container Gardening Design & Ideas
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Whether you’re gearing up for spring, summer, or fall gardening, there’s something therapeutic and so natural about putting your hands in soil, getting dirt underneath your fingernails, and creating beautiful things around your home. You might be putting together front porch pots or planters for your deck, patio, or porch. Or maybe you’re planning your container gardening designs for the upcoming season. Whatever it may be, a bit of thoughtful planning goes a long way toward creating flourishing floral arrangements in your outdoor pots. Here’s the anatomy of crafting the perfect planter!
Thrillers, Fillers, & Spillers
For a well-balanced planter, it is important to have three key elements - thrillers, fillers, and spillers. Thrillers are typically taller plants that act as the primary focal point of the pot. These show-stoppers create height and are usually one of the first plants that you should choose when planning your pot. Fillers are mid-ground plants that sit below your thrillers but above your fillers. They create a balance between these two plants and typically tie the three plants together in a harmonious way. Spillers are trailing plants that sit at the very bottom of your planter. These typically offer some drama as they spill and flow out of your pot and down the sides. This tried and true formula for container gardening design will help you create beautifully crafted planters every time.
Helpful Tips for Choosing Your Plants & Constructing Your Planter
It is essential to choose plants that have similar sunlight and water requirements as they will be living in the same “neighborhood.”
Make sure to leave enough room between your plants so that they have enough area to grow. Each plant needs enough room to properly thrive.
When constructing your planters, an odd number of the same plant often looks the best (especially for round pots). We suggest groups of three or five.
Ideas & Inspiration
Looking for some inspiration for your planters? Check out our thriller, filler, and spiller suggestions below for planter design ideas. Keep in mind the color scheme and style or theme that you have in mind, and start planning your container gardening designs! The best part of creating the perfect planter is making it your own! Love hydrangeas? Incorporate those! Are you itching to craft a tropical-themed pot? Go for it! Get creative, add your own personal touch, and have fun with it!
Thrillers
Elephant Ears
Palms
Fountain Grass
Snapdragons
Lavender
Hibiscus
Hydrangeas
Raspberry or Blackberry Bush (container variety)
Fillers
Petunias
Geraniums
Begonias
Impatiens
Zinnias
Pansies
Spillers
Ivy
Sweet Potato Vine
Trailing Rosemary
Creeping Jenny
Silver Falls Dichondra
Vinca Vine
Grab Your Gardening Tools & Start Digging In
Once you’ve planned your container gardening design and gathered your flowers at the greenhouse, it’s time to grab your gardening tools and start digging in! Add a confetti of colors to your outdoor spaces with container gardening. With our tried and true formula for crafting a well-balanced planter and adding your own personal, creative touch, you’ll be on the path to creating beautiful planters every time, no matter the season.