Growing alpines in a sink
Q
Having moved into an old but neglected garden, I’ve started poking around and unearthed an old alpine plant sink. The plants are long gone, and I’d like to replant it. What do they need, and what should I choose? Donna MacClarty, Wrexham
A
First, empty the sink carefully, picking through the compost in case there are any dormant plants still alive. From my demonstration sink, I rescued some self-sown wild orchids. Make sure the drainage hole is free and give the sink a good scrub.
Think about where you’d like to display your new alpines, as stone or concrete sinks are heavy and best moved while empty, using a sack truck and willing helpers. We raised ours off the ground slightly on shallow wooden blocks to keep the drainage hole clear of the paving. The majority of alpines are sun-lovers, but some will tolerate shade.
Next, order the plants. I use an alpine specialist such as Edrom Nurseries
(8 edrom-nurseries.co.uk) or Pottertons
Nursery (8 pottertons.co.uk). Choose small-growing types, so they won’t overwhelm or shadow each other quickly.
A collection of different species and cultivars of one genus is lovely, and for many years I grew a range of rhodohypoxis in our sink. These object to a combination of cold and wet, so I would pop a ventilated frame over them for winter – and the one year I forgot, they rotted away. You could choose plants that originate from a similar part of the world, or you could opt for an eclectic mix of evergreen and deciduous plants of different shapes and forms to flower over a long period.
Having emptied and cleaned the sink and rocks, the next job is to mix some well-drained compost in a wheelbarrow. I used two parts John Innes No2, one part peat-free multi-purpose, and two parts sharp potting grit. The landscape sections of garden centres will usually have a selection of grits, aggregates and rocks, or alternatively you can try a stone merchant, local quarry or reclamation yard.