Creating an Autumn Patio Pot
By: Christina T.
With our Fall Planting Party coming up (September 18) we are getting excited about creating unique patio pots displaying Autumn color. Check out our tips and tricks for planting Fall color. Also, keep in mind we offer custom planting for those looking to have patio pots, hanging baskets, or window boxes created for them. Stop by the garden center to get started!
Step 1: Orientation
When creating any container garden, you want to keep the orientation of how it’s going to be seen in mind. For example, will it be seen from the front or from every direction? How your container will be looked at determines how you design your plants. For example, the tallest plant works best when planted in the back if the container will be seen from the front. If the container is seen from every direction the tallest plant should then be planted in the center.
Once you know the orientation of your container grab plants that catch your eye! With lots of options to choose from it’s best to just grab what you like and make edits as you start to place plants next to each other to determine what you like best. Lay out your plants in the shape of your container to see what fits well.
Step 2: Design: Thriller, Filler, Spiller plants
Now that you have the orientation of your container let’s start thinking about design. When planting any container, it’s best to think about each plant in terms of a Thriller, Filler, or Spiller. Getting the right balance of color, height, and texture is made easy knowing what types of plants fit into what category. Thriller, filler, and spiller plants are determined by their height.
TIP: ALWAYS USE A CONTAINER WITH DRAINAGE!
Thriller - Think Height and Flair
A thriller plant is one that provides height and flair to your container. It is typically the tallest plant in your combination like a Grass that offers a touch of whimsy or a Celosia that offers a bright pop of flair. When designing, the thriller plant should be planted in the back for a front facing container or the center for an all-around facing container placement.
Filler - Think Volume and Mounding
A filler plant is one that fills out the center of the container and provides volume. A small to medium sized container typically has 2-3 filler plants that complement each other. Plants like Ornamental Pepper, Marigolds, Daisies, and Garden Mums all fill out and offer continuous color. When designing, the filler plant should be planted around the thriller plant adding the second layer in the combination.
Spiller - Think length and splash
A spiller plant is one that spills over the edge of the container and draws in the eye. Depending on the size of the container, a design could have 1-2 spiller plants. Plants like Lemon Coral Sedum, Flowering Kale, Creeping Jenny, and Dichondra work great for Fall spillers, each spilling at different lengths. When designing, the spiller plant should be planted in the front or sides along the edge of the container adding the third and final layer to a combination.
It is important to remember that some plants play dual roles, meaning they can be a Filler and a Spiller depending on its growing habit. For example: Kale can be planted as a Filler or a low Spiller Plant. It all depends on your design and the plants that you choose.
STEP 3: FLAIR
Once you have your plants designed and planted up in your container here comes the fun part! Adding some flair like dried and other Fall-inspired accents can help complete your look and add those finishing touches that helps pull everything together. You can also go scavenging into nature for materials to dry or use.
Accents: Pinecones, pumpkins, wheat, cattails, pods, flowers, and branches.