Winter is here, but we don’t have to be blue! There are many wonderful things about this season. While this year may look different than years past, we can still find ways to bring happiness and joy into our spaces and reminders of all the things we are a grateful for. One way to bring some color into your home or business is through a colorful color bowl, aka container garden, this cold season.                                    

Introducing the Thriller, Filler and Spiller! These professional-looking container gardens are a great way to add a splash of color and happiness to your space. You will often find them at garden stores, homes and commercial properties. Gardeners use these three elements to help them create a successful container garden that is pleasing to everyone. Besides words that rhythmically roll off the tongue what exactly is a Thriller, Filler and Spiller and how do you find the right plants that will shine brightly during this cold season?

Thriller – A thriller is the focal point of your bowl design. This is usually a taller or larger section. A thriller – thrills. It is usually eye-catching either from its vertical height, or its ornate design. Ornamental grasses, spikes, bamboos or tall blooming plants are all great visual anchors for the container design. You will want to place your thriller in the most show-stopping and eye-catching spot in your bowl. It should stand out and be seen. A thriller likes being the center of attention!

Some great cold season Thriller ideas: Iceland poppies, Camellias, Snapdragons

Fillers – A filler is used to surround your Thriller element. Fillers are often mid-sized and can be in front of, or around the thriller. Fillers do as the word entails and fill the gaps and spaces in your container. Fillers are generally rounded or mounded plants. These plants are what add mass to your container garden, so take this into consideration when choosing your filler. They can add a textural contrast or a colorful counterpoint.

Some great cold season Filler ideas: Violas, Cyclamen, Pansies, Primrose, Ornamental Kale, Calendulas, Mums

Spillers – A spiller, as the name suggests, often cascades or spills over the sides of the container to create a balanced effect. Spillers overflow and soften the edges of the design. This element can either echo or contrast the thriller and filler and create a well-thought dialogue between the three components.

A great cold season Spiller idea – Dichondra ‘silver falls’

When choosing your plants for your design take into consideration the sun exposure of the area you will be placing your creation. Another important thing to consider are the water and fertilizing requirements. Careful planning will ensure ease of care and lasting plant health.

When combined creatively your Thriller, Filler and Spillers will create a showstopping and winter blues slaying colorful bowl for your home or business. If you would like to discuss some more tips for choosing the right plants for your display, please stop by our nursery in Visalia or give us a call at 559-747-5015.