Thrillers, Fillers and Spillers

Jul 13

Jul 13 Thrillers, Fillers and Spillers

Gardening is a creative, artistic process for me. The greens and lettuce in my garden are ordered by color and texture as well as by height. As Miss Rumphius says, it’s “to make the world more beautiful.”

I contemplate what crops will be compatible neighbors. This year, the branching sunflowers look smashing next to two large zucchini plants.

Resh Gala know how to design and grow gorgeous and productive vegetable gardens. She’s an urban organic gardener and an expert in growing lots of food in very little space. You can find her on Instagram @reshgala or her blog. Though she designs garden and consults in New Jersey, her techniques and advice are spot on and useful for gardeners in other regions. I count her an online garden mentor.

Here’s her take on designing show-stopping veggie gardens. She applies principles floral designers use in flower arranging. (Content is from her recent Instagram post).

Thrillers Fillers Spillers

THRILLERS Plant Thrillers in the center of your garden, raised beds or containers. These are tall statement vegetables that add height to your garden.
Examples: corn, sunflowers, wheat, tomatoes, okra, dino kale, dill, asparagus, artichokes. Also climbing plants like cucumbers, pole beans, peas if supported vertically on a trellis.

SPILLERS Plant Spillers in the edges or corners for an element of softness and whimsy. These are plants that trail and spill over.
Examples: sweet potatoes, trailing nasturiums, prostrate rosemary, petunias, melons, pumpkins, and strawberries.

FILLERS Plant Fillers in the middle between the Thrillers and Spillers. These should be medium-sized plants and act sort of like groundcover, hiding the soil.
Examples: peppers, eggplants, basil, marigolds, zinnias, carrots, beets, Swiss chard, kale, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, arugula, radishes; herbs like cilantro, parsley, oregano, thyme and sage.