Comments on: Thrillers, Fillers & Spillers, 2.0

By: Commonweeder

Commonweeder — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:41:50 +0000

the idea of an arrangement all in one pot has always been intimidating – not to mention the cost of a BIT container – but the idea of using separate pots makes the whole concept more appealing and doable. And considering my design talents, their moveability is a real plus. Thanks.

By: Layanee

Layanee — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:15:31 +0000

Steve: I need to take a trip also! It has been a while but it really never disappoints! Perhaps I’ll head up there on the 26th!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:12:43 +0000

Love the idea of the movable pots…actually I loved all of your ideas today. Thanks!

And thank you Elizabeth! BTW, here’s a tip on moving those pots–wait until just before you water so pots are fairly dried out, and so, not quite as heavy. And, if you’ve got fairly smooth terrain to work with, use a hand truck to move the pots around-saves wear and tear on the back.–Steve

By: Mr. McGregor's Daughter

Mr. McGregor's Daughter — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:12:49 +0000

I’m not quite at the stage of having my TFS planting in separate containers yet. I have to get more containers for that. It’s a great idea & allows for more creativity and flexibility in creating combinations. Definitely something toward which to aspire.

Hi MMD–Now’s the time to be looking for containers, I’m always amazed how fast the season’s shipment gets picked over. But again, you might try hiding some less attractive but functional larger containers behind more attractive ones loaded with fliiers and spillers. Flexibilty is the name of the game. –Steve

By: Frances

Frances — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:19:59 +0000

Thanks for some great ideas. Our containers are a little smaller than would be good for the thriller, etc. all in one, but one in each pot would work and be moved around. Wonderful inspiration!

Frances at Faire Garden

Hi Frances–yes moving the stuff around is great, it allows all kinds of mid season corrections. If you carefull place your fillers and spillers, you can put a thriller in a big nursery pot or anything else –then just tuck it away behind its companion plants and their pots. I use lots of unattractive pots, but then just hide ‘em.–Steve

By: Layanee

Layanee — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:06:59 +0000

Used your term thriller, filler, spiller the other day! Gave you full credit! Love the big containers as they hold so much and keep so much better! Tower Hill is on my route and I always take the garden walk when I am there. It is a magical place!

Hi Layanee–Thanks for the credit! Yes, big containers are so much more forgiving, and so much easier, well, except for moving them. How’s the Tower Hill conservatory looking these days? I keep contemplating a trip there soon.–Steve

By: kate

kate — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 04:23:56 +0000

I liked your post’s title – what a good idea to mass plants in different size pots and then move them around. I have so many potted plants that this is a good way to showcase them along with the pots.

Hi Kate–Yeah, I have a lot of fun moving stuff around. Gives me a great way to reinvigorate my patio and stuff mid-season, or even a couple times a season. Come to think of it, I do have a spring style of pots too, so I guess it’s always in flux. That’s a good thing, it always seems fresh. –Steve

By: Carol Soules

Carol Soules — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 03:04:38 +0000

Great ideas and examples. I love Tower Hill; have been visiting there almost every year since it opened.
Carol

Thanks Carol-I went one of the first years Tower Hill was open, then back again about 2 years ago. I couldn’t believe how the place had grown and come together. I’ll be back this coming season for sure. –Steve

By: Lisa at Greenbow

Lisa at Greenbow — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:00:18 +0000

I like the idea of having the thrillers, fillers and spillers in seperate pots. I think Imight approach it that way this summer. I had some pots that were just a little too small for an arrangement last year. I should have grouped them in seperate pots because I still like the idea of the plants together. I just needed larger pots.

Hi Lisa–Well, bigger pots are always a good way to go, you can grow bigger, more dramatic plants in them, and you don’t have to water quite so much since all that soil retains moisture. The best thing about having different pots is the ease of redesigning your grouping. –Steve

By: Gail

Gail — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 17:32:24 +0000

Thanks I have some very usable ideas for containers…they are not my strength! I need the visual cues;) Gail

Hi Gail–I learn best by seeing things too, so I never get tired of looking at garden photos.–Steve