Potscaping using the ‘Thriller, Filler and Spiller’ method

Start by selecting a plant pot that suits your space and gives your plants room to grow. Northcote Pottery offers a wide range of sizes, shapes and finishes, making it easy to find a style that complements your garden, courtyard or balcony. Look for a container that’s at least 40 - 50cm wide and around 40cm deep. This gives your plants enough space to develop strong, healthy roots. Make sure your pot has good drainage holes to prevent water build-up.

Before adding any soil, place a layer of coarse gravel or scoria at the bottom of the pot. This improves drainage and helps prevent root rot. Then, fill the pot with a premium potting mix suited to your chosen plants. Avoid using garden soil, as it may not drain well in containers.

The right gardening tools can make potting faster, easier and more enjoyable - especially when working in tight spaces. A Trojan hand trowel is ideal for precision planting, helping you dig, lift and firm soil exactly where it’s needed. Then grab a pair of Trojan gardening gloves to keep your hands protected and comfortable while you work. They’re perfect for tackling tasks like lifting plants, handling potting mix and working with gravel.

Your ‘Thriller’ is the hero of the pot - a tall, eye-catching plant that brings drama and vertical interest to your arrangement. Great options to consider are Cordyline, Upright Kangaroo Paw or a Grass Tree, but you can choose any plant that suits your climate and the growing conditions. If your pot will be viewed from all angles, plant the thriller in the centre.

For pots placed against a wall, position it towards the back to create height and depth.

‘Fillers’ are the mid-height plants that add volume, texture and contrast to your potscape. Choose varieties that complement your thriller in both colour and growing conditions. Great options include Compact Westringia, Eremophila or smaller Grevilleas – all great Australian native plants.

Plant them around the base of your ‘Thriller’, making sure to leave enough space for them to grow and fill out.

To soften the edges of your pot and create a flowing, finished look, add ‘Spillers’ - trailing plants that cascade over the sides of the container. Popular trailing plant choices include Native Violet, Creeping Boobialla and Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’.

These varieties help tie the whole display together while adding a sense of movement and softness to your arrangement.

When choosing plants, it’s important to select species that share similar light, water and soil requirements. This ensures all the plants will thrive together in the same container. Stick to sun-lovers or shade-tolerant varieties depending on your spot.

Once everything is planted, give your plants a good drink to help the roots settle. Keep your display looking its best with regular watering, feeding with a slow-release fertiliser, and occasional pruning to encourage healthy growth. Potscaping is flexible - plants can be swapped seasonally or transferred to the garden once they outgrow the container.