Containers are a gardener’s best friend, whether they are used to create a stately rural garden or to add a touch of greenery to a compact city terrace. According to renowned gardener Alan Titchmarsh, the key to perfect pot planting is to craft a mini garden in each vessel. On his YouTube channel, Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh, he shares his golden rule for pot perfection.
Titchmarsh sorts plants into three groups: thrillers, fillers, and spillers. He aims to include a mix of all three in every large pot. Thrillers are the tall, eye-catching flowers that stand out as the centerpiece. Fillers are plants with lush leaves that provide a lasting presence, as foliage lasts much longer than flowers. Spillers, such as ground ivy, soften the pot’s silhouette by tumbling over the rim.
Alan’s Cottage Garden Planter
Titchmarsh’s cottage garden pot is created using a neutral, Versailles-style wooden planter. He emphasizes the importance of lining wooden planters with polythene to protect them from moist soil and prevent decay. His centerpiece is a ‘Dottie Mix’ foxglove, complemented by Hosta Albomarginata, Acabius Butterfly Blue, and two shades of Osteospermum: Rose Bicolour and Senorita Double Lovely Pink. The final touch is a dainty ivy named Hedera Little Diamond, which serves as the spiller.
Alan’s Contemporary Pot
For a modern garden look, Titchmarsh has designed a contemporary arrangement in a chic grey composite pot. Agapanthus ‘Armourette’ takes center stage, flanked by Geranium Pratense Storm Cloud, French Lavender, and the striking Heuchera Black Pearl. Titchmarsh praises the Black Pearl for its ability to mimic stained glass in the right light, with its deep crimson leaves echoing the geranium’s red accents for a captivating display.
The Annuals Trough
For a vibrant alternative, Titchmarsh recommends using annuals in a wooden trough. He showcases a bright pink Geranium – Pelargonium – as the centerpiece, complemented by a lively Calibrachoa Million Bell and a fragrant Nemesia Wisley Vanilla. This combination adds a delightful aroma and a pop of color to the arrangement.
Watering Tips
Titchmarsh stresses the importance of proper watering for planters. He cautions that the high density of plants in a small area of compost requires regular watering, as rainfall is often ineffective. “There’s a lot of plants in a relatively small area of compost here. Rainfall won’t do much good because the whole collection of foliage acts like an umbrella and the rain will run off,” he explains. As a result, he emphasizes that gardeners must ensure their plants receive adequate water, especially during the summer months. “So it’s you in charge of watering. And during the summer they’ll need watering at least once a day,” he adds.
