Make a mini alpine garden
This pretty, quick and easy weekend project lasts for years and can be moved around whenever you want
You can invest much effort and money in a garden and then, sadly, sometimes you have to leave precious treasures behind when you move. But you won’t have to with these mini alpine gardens. Simple, lightweight troughs or planters made out of decking can provide the perfect growing
situation for alpines, and they’re portable!
What container to use
Any type of container can be used, from a simple plastic window box or a hanging basket, to a box made out of painted decking planks. Give the wood several coats of an exterior stain or paint in a subtle natural colour to offset the plants, or a strong, vibrant colour to make a statement. Small, vintage stone troughs and sinks make eye-catching containers, too – see the pictures above with plant variety mixtures that work well together.
How to plant
Put a 2.5cm (1in) layer of gravel in the bottom of the container, then fill up with a 2:1 mix of John Innes No 2 and grit or sharp sand, firming it down gently before planting. Use a mulch of gravel or slate chippings on the surface to help retain moisture in dry periods; it also helps to deter slugs and gives a natural finish. Be sure to get plenty of gravel under the foliage of each plant so the leaves aren’t resting directly on the soil as that can cause them to rot in winter.
What to plant
Aim to have either colour or foliage interest for as many months of the year as possible. Do this by choosing maybe five or six little alpines that flower at different times, along with a silver saxifrage or two for year-round evergreen appeal.
Where to put it
Placing the container near to your house, or on a balcony, gives some protection from
excess winter wet and also enables close-up views of your little alpine gems. A useful tip is to raise any container up off the surface it stands on using pot feet, or just small pieces of stone, tile or brick to enable efficient drainage.
Mini garden maintenance
Newly-planted alpines won’t need any feeding for several years, but thereafter use a half-strength tomato food every couple of weeks in late spring/summer to help keep them nourished. Make sure to keep your container well watered during dry spells of weather.
● Buy alpine plants from: Slack Top Alpine Nursery, 22A Slack Top, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire; tel: 01422 845348; www.slacktopnurseries.co.uk; mail order via website; cash and cheque sales only at the nursery (check website for opening times). ● Recommended book: Alpines: An Essential Guide by Michael Mitchell. A reader-friendly guide for all you need to know about growing alpines.