Alpine JEWELS

Enter a miniature world with tiny, bright alpines

- CHRIS MORLEY

Mini marvels

Hailing from mountainous regions around the world, alpine plants are tough and bright as buttons, with interesting shapes, leaves and dainty flowers.

Popular as rockery plants, these diminutive darlings work a treat in a raised bed, old ceramic sink or container.

You can even grow them in cracks in walls, between paving stones or in a shallow bowl on a windowsill – anywhere that you can get close to appreciate their special charm.

Site prep

The majority of alpines need good drainage and an open, sunny site, so their heads are in the light and their roots stay cool.

Once you have picked a suitable spot, prep the soil by digging in compost and fine grit or sharp sand. For containers, mix one part loam or garden soil, one part peat-free compost and two parts grit.

Adding a handful of slow-release fertiliser is enough to feed plants throughout the year. Finish with a decorative mulch of gravel, stones or slate chippings. This will shade the roots from sun and stop leaves and flowers being splashed with compost in heavy rain.