Comments on: Container Gardening Basics: Thrillers, Fillers and Spillers

By: lynn

lynn — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 18:02:32 +0000

In reply to Melissa.

Hi Melissa, that’s a great question but also one that is not real easy to answer.

If you are looking for immediate impact but not necessarily a long-term container garden, then you can really pack the plants in without a whole lot of space. The downside to this is that they will be more susceptible to disease and they just won’t thrive as they have no room to grow.

If you are looking to have a container grow throughout the season, then the rule of thumb I use is a plant for every 3-4 inches of pot diameter. So if you have a 12-inch pot you can put 3-4 plants in it. But take into consideration the spreading nature of plants versus the upright nature. Also, take into consideration whether you are talking a fast growing or slow growing plant and if you are planting from those little 6-pack cells or a larger 3″ pot.

If you are uncertain, you might gather some plants you like at your nursery and ask someone knowledgeable there about the growing habits and how many you could get in your container.

I hope that kinda help!

Hugs, Lynn

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 16:16:03 +0000

I’m new to gardening and looking to do 2 containers on my porch. Do I need to leave space between plants when I first plant my recipe?

By: lynn

lynn — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 12:42:11 +0000

In reply to Handan.

Hi Handan..it is handy to have a list to go by. But at the end of the day, they just need to all play well together. Have fun putting your urn gardens together. It’s a fun thing to do.
Thanks for swinging by today and sending wishes for a wonderful week.
Hugs, Lynn

By: lynn

lynn — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 10:51:19 +0000

In reply to Mary-the boondocks blog.

Aw thanks Mary! But those aren’t all my planters..I WISH! I just take photos of planters I like and save the ‘recipes’.
Hope you have a beautiful week.
Hugs, Lynn

By: lynn

lynn — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 10:36:16 +0000

In reply to Pili.

Hi Pili, planting container gardens is a sure fire and easy way to sprucing up an outdoor space. I am so glad to have prompted some ideas for you, but knowing your creativity, there is no doubt you will put your own creative spin on your planters.
Have a great week.
Lynn

By: Mary-the boondocks blog

Mary-the boondocks blog — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 22:20:43 +0000

I’m just going to sit here and admire a master at work. Respect for you Lynn and your amazing artistry! Beautiful living works of art!

By: Handan

Handan — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 16:05:25 +0000

Lynn, these are excellent tips for a newbie gardener like me! Thanks to your post now I have my plants list in hand to get the right plants for the urns we have 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing!! xx

By: Nikki Frank-Hamilton

Nikki Frank-Hamilton — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 19:21:11 +0000

I have not done any planters yet this year. I am so far behind! I love the sweet potato vine as the spiller, you can get it so many colors and varieties. And then I usually go for marigolds, geraniums lemon balm and then a lemon grass. All of the above, except for the sweet potato vine are supposed to ward off mosquitoes, and we definitely need that so we can spend time outside!

All the planters you used as examples are so lovely. I will definitely keep my mind on the thriller, filler and spiller when I do choose my plants! Thanks for the great tips!

By: Pili

Pili — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 14:56:19 +0000

Thanks so much for the ideas, Lynn. I just moved and have to cheer up a boring terrace we have upstairs.

Thanks for sharing with us at Sweet Inspiration, hope you have a wonderful week!

By: lynn

lynn — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 11:45:35 +0000

In reply to Debbie Kitterman.

Hi Debbie…I do love collecting container garden ‘recipes’. When you see one that works, why not borrow that idea for your home? I am so glad that I might be able to suggest some ideas and hope your garden looks beautiful this year.
Hugs, Lynn