Garden on Purpose: Grow Your Own Fillers

Narrow Leaf Basil

We are not talking injectables here, we’re talking plants!

Whether novice or master floral designer or gardener, you can grow your own flowers and fillers for lovely bouquets. I am not talking about becoming a flower farmer, but simply being satisfied to have enough “greenery” to bring to your table, and share with friends.

Variegated Pittosporum in Herbal Wreath

Fillers make up the plant material that take up space or hide the mechanics of a floral design such as chicken wire, tape or floral foam. I have several locations where I always turn to finish up a bouquet or table arrangement. They can really highlight or showcase the stars (flowers) in the arrangement by contrasting color or shape. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Basil (flowering or left to bolt)
• Mint
• Pittosporum (variegated and not)
• Empty lot in neighborhood has phenomenal Smilax
• Bunches of berries
• Hydrangeas–yes, a flowering shrub, but great fat filler just the same
• Magnolia- the sturdy dark leaves and the seed pods