Thriller, Filler, Spiller

I'm not much of a gardener, but I do love the look of a cottage garden — or a flower pot that replicates it.

To fill a bare space where the tall oak used to be, I wanted to create a container garden that sets the right tone, with a colorful abundance. I do what I always do when confronted with a task I know little about: I researched it. 

Container gardens should combine a thriller, a filler and a spiller, said one reputable source, Better Homes and Gardens. So I went to the nursery, bought begonias and heliotrope for the filler, caladium for the thriller and sweet potato vine for the spiller. 

Midway through a warm, dry summer, I'm thankful that these plants are all still alive. But half of the fillers are fading away and the spiller has become the thriller. Isn't that just the way it goes?