Pots 101

Now, I know your yard might be looking sad like mine and you’re feeling overwhelmed but it’s time to do something quick, simple and cheap to spruce it up. It all starts on your back patio, balcony or front porch with some beautiful planted pots.

First things first, you need a pot one that has a diameter of 15” or larger. Make sure there is a whole in the bottom too, if not you can drill wholes in the bottom or fill the bottom with a couple of inches of rock. This will only take more time and effort so just find one with holes already in it. Oh yeah, one other thing find a cheap one, the plants will be the feature not the pot. I’m using a terra cotta one that cost $5.99.

Now for the fun part plant selection, three important words you need to remember THRILLER, FILLER AND SPILLER. I will refer to this as TFS…ok, I know you are thinking what does TFS mean? It is very simple your pot will be divided into three sections with three different plant types the Thriller, Filler and Spiller. First, the ‘Thriller’ this will be the centerpiece of your pot, the eye catcher, something flashy and that has some height. Next, is the ‘Filler’ this is your color, whatever is in season this is used to fill in around your ‘Thriller.’ Lastly, you will need the ‘Spiller’ my favorite part, a plant that will cascade over the sides of your pots. The ‘Spiller’ goes around the edge of your pot.

Here are a few examples of each type of plant:

Thriller Plants
Hibiscus
Mandevilla
Iris
Plumbago
Foxtail Fern
Ixora
Knock Out Rose

Filler Plants
Asparagus Ferns
Dwarf Mondo Grass
Lantana
Seasonal Color

Spiller Plants
Creeping Jenny
Sweet Potato Vine (purple & lime)
English Ivy
Weeping Rosemary
Trailing Seasonal Color

Now, these are only a few plants to choose from there are 100’s of others. So don’t be limited to these this is only a starting point and this is only Pots 101 as you become more comfortable with TFS you will become more creative. So your task for this weekend is to plant one or two pots. You will thank me later when you walk outside and see your beautiful creation plus all your neighbors will be impressed!

Supplies:

Terra Cotta Pot

$5.99 – Ikea

Potting Soil

$2.00 – HEB

Mandevilla ‘Triller’ Plant

$18.00 – Lowes

Sweet Potato Vine (Purple and Lime) 'Filler & Spiller' Plants

(3) x $3.00 – Lowes

Total Cost $ 35.00

So get OUT and enjoy your weekend and let me know how your pots turn out.