Workshop: Spiller, Thriller, Filler How to Create Stunning Container Gardens

Learn how to use the filler, spiller, thriller method of container planting. Create a gorgeous container garden that will carry you through summer, fall and early winter. This workshop, presented by Master Gardener Arete Nicholas, is geared towards all levels of gardener—from the very beginner to the experienced. Learn how to create planters overflowing with colorful flowers, herbs and trailing plants and how to refresh them after planting as the seasons change.

Arete (pronounced Ah ree tee) is a Registered Nurse and an experienced Master Gardener who brings her passion for health and healing from the clinical setting to garden settings under her watch. Arete has been certified as a Master Gardener for San Mateo and San Francisco counties since 2014 and served as Speakers Bureau Chair and Vice President from 2015–2017.  She has and continues to work with the San Francisco Public Library and Community Connections to deliver gardening workshops in both live and online formats.  She has an award-winning garden in San Francisco’s Noe Valley neighborhood, has served for the past eight years on the Noe Valley Annual Garden Tour Planning Committee and she created and designed the plantings for a community gathering space, the Noe Valley Town Square. Arete’s special interests are speaking and educating the public about gardens. Her speaking topics include: California Native plants, Container Gardening with Flowers and Herbs, Keep Your Garden Humming with Pollinator Plants and Gardening for Health and Well Being. She also works in private consultation with clients to create healing gardens and sacred spaces for meditation, reflection and prayer. Arete received an M.A. in Gerontology and an R.N., B.S.N. and Ph.N. from San Francisco State University.