Could you find a home for an Alpine plant?
I have a few regular gardens I have visited over the years and looking back on the photos I have taken there are quite a few which have recorded the alpine house or gardens. Sometimes called rock gardens these rather barren looking areas of rock and gravel showcase a stunning variety of dainty and elegant blooms.
The gardens I know best are RHS Harlow Carr near Harrogate - en route to my daughter, Ness Gardens in the Wirral and Birmingham Botanic gardens - a more recent visit. There are many more however, and you may find one in your area for inspiration.
My own little alpine plot is somewhat encroached on by kaffir lilies. It’s situated on a corner of the front border which needed some low growing plants as it is at a pinch point as the path goes round the corner of the garage. It benefits from being raised above the path for drainage which is augmented by the addition of grit. Frequently in full sunshine it is ideal for alpines. I planted a house leek and a sedum. It needs a bit of renovating so will probably gain another sedum grown from seed which is flourishing in it’s seed tray. to the area. Further along the same border some aubrieta and and erigeron generally do well.
So what is the definition of an Alpine plant?
I think that depends who you ask and how broad a scope is accepted. Initially named after those plants found above the tree line in the Alps these conditions of well drained rock and scree interwoven with meadows where plants needed to be hardy to survive the harsh conditions of a rock base and thin soil, snow covering them for part of the year, but other seasons bringing heat, wind and water meant they have adapted in various ways.
This climate zone is seen in any country with the similar conditions - parts of America, India, Australasia have high mountains rising above the tree line.
What kind of adaptations do these plants have?
Hairy leaves, grey leaves and leaves with thick skins
Long roots
Succulent leaves and roots for moisture storage.
Flowers that appear and set seed within a short window of time and can take advantage of the warmer conditions when they arrive.
Many of the Alpines are smaller, more compact varieties of many well-loved plants and bulbs such as dianthus, campanulas, iris and narcissus plus many others.
What kind of conditions do these plants need?
Firstly they need good drainage so areas with prolonged water logging are not for them. Many prefer an open position in the sun where they can make the most of a short growing season.
How could I make the most of these plants in my garden?
Alpines are suited to gravel and rock gardens. These ompact plants are ideal for display in pots and troughs.
There are varieties suitable for different soil types as with normal garden varieties. Different types of substrate - that is the underlying rock, clay or silt can change the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of the soil in a locality.
For ideas and inspiration the following are well worth a visit. There may be somewhere more local to you with an Alpine, gravel, scree or rock garden where you can get further ideas to start your own.
https://alpinegardensociety.net/the-ags-garden
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr/introducing-harlow-carr
https://birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/the-gardens/explore/alpine-gardens/
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/ness-gardens/about/