Thriller, Filler, Spiller

Designing Mixed Containers


I enjoyed attending the 2009 Gulf Coast Garden & Patio Show yesterday. Part of the show was a seminar conducted by Lori Hitchcock, co-owner of Natchez Trace Gardens in Kosciusko, MS. Lori and her husband, Mark, was recognized as the Mississippi Nurseryman of The Year 2007, featured on the covers of national magazines Ornamental Outlook and Greenhouse Grower. Lori is sought as a speaker on the topic of Designer Containers and I can understand why.


Lori’s presentation was very interesting and informative. I am eager to use some of her tips like her technique- “Thriller, Filler, Spiller”. In other words, start out with the tallest plant you are going to use (thriller), surround it with shorter, fuller plants (filler), add smaller plants that have a tendency to spill over the edge of the container (spiller). To me, the finished design is much like a living floral arrangement.

Here are some of the important details that Lori shared with us:

1. Choose a large enough container for plants and roots to grow through the season and not get root bound. Lori's rule-of-thumb is "the larger,the better". Plant roots need room to breathe. Don't be a "POTH" (Prisoner Of The Hose)

2. Choose and use the best quality (most expensive) potting soil you can afford. Lori said that the cheaper versions do not have all the necessary ingredients that nurtures the plant properly.

3. Don't forget adequate drainage! Soil must be able to dry out between watering for plants to thrive, and cannot do so without proper drainage. The container needs to have a hole(s) in the bottom to allow the water to drain out.

4. If you don't know your plant material, ASK! If they cannot answer you, go somewhere where they can. Read all plant labels...most important is sunny or shady exposure and growth habit of the plant so you can decide if it will be the thriller, the filler, or the spiller!

5. Have a pot that is on the smaller side? Plant for shade and you will be much more successful.

6. Don't forget to have fun! Container gardening can be very therapeutic and enjoyable when done properly...plant it right, don't be a "POTH" and you will be successful.

Lori made some container designs during her presentation that were absolutely beautiful. I had planed to include some pictures with this post, but the lighting in the area was poor and none of the photos came out usable.

Some plants Lori used for "thrillers" included Jancus, Scooter, and papyrus. Her fillers included the "Joey" (ptilotus exaltatus). It is the plant pictured above. It originated in Australia and is brand new on the market. Some "spillers" included cora bells,diamond frost, and the "Pinot Gris" (Heuchera villosa).

If you have any pictures or experiences with garden container design, please share them with us.