The No-Fail Formula for Stunning Porch Planters Experts Swear By
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When the last threat of frost is officially in the rearview and the spring cleaning itch starts to descend, there’s nothing more satisfying than freshly planted containers flanking your front door. If you’re anything like me, your junk drawer might not be cleaned out, but those planters are a warm welcome home from the end of the day and a small signal that you’ve got something under control.
But, let’s be real. It’s hard enough as it is to keep a single plant alive, but achieving that elusive mix of plants that work well together visually and take the same amount of light and water? That can feel like it’s only achieved by those with perfectly manicured lawns and a professional gardener on speed dial.
Thankfully, we’ve called in the experts. A landscape designer by trade, Georgia native Carmen Johnston is especially skilled at eye-catching container gardens. Here are some of her top tactics for perfect porch containers and three go-to combinations from gardening experts for you to try at home.
Think outside the pot
Carmen’s favorite unexpected vessels for planting include plastic-lined French boulangerie baskets, wide and shallow French copper jam pots, and antique chicken feeders with lots of compartments.
Follow the three Ts
For a visual mix, incorporate elements that are thick, tall, and trailing (also known in some circles as the “thriller, filler, and spiller” strategy). Stuff plants in a lush look. Plant tall bloomers in the back for height, and add ivy along the edges for a trailing effect.
Keep it damp
The soil should be moist but not soggy. Setting the vessel in a saucer or lipped tray also allows you to add water from the bottom.
Go-to container combos
Three expert gardeners share their favorite thriller-filler-spiller container garden trios.
“For shady spots, I love Green Spice heuchera (thriller), Impatiens (filler), and Moneywort (spiller).”
—Jennifer Gibson, The Good Earth Garden Center Little Rock, AR
“I pair specialty pink and orange daffodils (thriller) with apple mint (filler) and everbearing strawberries (spiller).”
—Farmer-florist Dee Hall, Norfolk, VA
“I love the surprise of edible options: rosemary (thriller), buttercrunch lettuce (filler), and a white sweet alyssum (spiller).”
—Emily Grohovsky, Cedar Hill Gardens, Madison, MS
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