Alpines and rock garden plants provide a garden with a wealth of beautiful colour and textures throughout the year. Some of these plants are adapted to very specific environments and may, therefore, present a challenge to even experienced gardeners but many more are amenable and undemanding plants that will grow readily in a suitably prepared site in the open ground. With a little extra time and attention paid to the cultural requirements, you will be richly rewarded with months of vibrant colour.

ALPINES FOR THE GARDEN

Alpines may be deciduous or evergreen woody plants or some may be herbaceous or grow from bulbs, corms or tubers. They are extremely hardy and compact with most reaching no more than 15cms (6ins) in height, thus making them fit particularly well into the confines of the small modern garden. Few other plants are characteristically neat and compact and this allows a large collection of species to be grown in a relatively small space. They present a wealth of habit and form, from tiny, cushion-forming plants, to spreading mounds and mat-formers. Some will flower in early spring, while others will flower well into the summer. The low-growing cultivars of Aubrietia, Phlox and Veronica form mats of clear bright flowers when in bloom and are great for softening the edges of beds, walls and borders. Saxifrages, however, have special requirements, in particular a need for extremely free-draining soil and protection from excessive winter wet. Some alpines need a cool root run and shelter and rock gardens and pockets within stone or brick walls are an ideal way to grow such plants. In more formal gardens, or if space is limited, raised beds or troughs and sinks are attractive alternatives. Free-standing troughs and sinks allow colour to be introduced at a variety of heights and on hard surfaces such as patios and decks.

PLANTING OUT

Use some bold plants such as dwarf conifers and low-growing shrubs as single specimen plants here and there and grow the alpines in between these shrubs. Add horticulture grit when planting alpines and a slow release fertiliser is also important. Do not add peat or multi-purpose compost when planting, as this will retain moisture, particularly in the winter months and undoubtedly the alpines will rot and die.

PLANTING IN CONTAINERS

Using a container in which to plant alpines means alpines can be grown anywhere, including a patio or balcony. Many attractive reconstituted stone troughs are available these days and the key is making sure that there is adequate drainage at the bottom. Old glazed sinks are perfect for alpine growing but make sure the container is placed in situ before planting, as it is usually very heavy when planted and not easy to move around. Also, make sure it is placed in a sunny spot and that it is placed on firm supports. Cover the drainage holes with crocks or large stones and fill with a 50/50 mix of soil and grit. When choosing alpines for containers, don't use rampant spreaders and aim for a mix of shapes, textures and colours. When planting add slow release fertiliser and cover plants with a layer of chippings, remember to lift up the foliage of the alpines carefully and place some chippings right under the plants. Water regularly during the growing season particularly in dry conditions.

MAINTENANCE

When alpines have finished flowering, prune off the flower spikes and feed with a general fertiliser. In spring, if they have become invasive, clip back to retain their shape.

JOBS OF THE WEEK

* Remove weeds from beds and borders and apply a mulch.

* Tie up new shoots of climbers and check for signs of pests and diseases.

* Remove suckers from roses and apply a feed and check for signs of greenfly. Spray if required.

* Clear away blanket weed from ponds.