ALPINE SINK AND TROUGH GARDENS
Many types of containers are available in a
variety of materials, stone and terracotta being the most
suitable. Old glazed sinks may also be given a new lease
of life by coating them with ‘hypertufa’. This
gives the appearance of hewn stone, a perfect background
for alpines.
Hypertufa is made as follows: -
Mix together -
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2 parts sand
2 parts peat
1 part cement
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Add water until the mixture is the consistency
of thick porridge.
Score the glazed surface of the sink with a chisel, apply
a coat of epoxy glue to provide grip, then coat the sink
with the hypertufa mixture. The mixture can be modelled and
chipped to give a natural appearance.
POSITIONING
 All
containers must be raised above ground level to allow for
drainage, a few centimetres will suffice, but obviously if
they are able to be raised a little higher, one can more
easily appreciate the beauty of such dainty plants.
A sunny open site is needed; alpines are not
generally troubled by frost or wind, but dislike being under
the drip of trees or buildings. They are a good choice for
sunny balconies, where wind damage may be a problem with
other plants.
PREPARATION
Put the container in its permanent position
before filling. Cover the drainage holes with mesh or crocks,
and add a 4cm layer of moist peat over the drainage material.
Mix 2 parts of John Innes No. 2 compost with 1 part grit
to fill the container. Make sure the compost is well firmed
in. Leave about 4cm between the top of the compost and the
edge of the container to allow for watering.
Once planting is complete, the surface of the
compost should be covered with grit. This not only improves
the appearance of the finished container, but also provides
drainage around the ’neck’ of the plants, and
prevents them from being soiled by compost during watering.
Large stones may also be added to give height
and enhance the appearance of the planting.
PLANTING
Choose your plants with care, and plan
where you will put the individual plants. The effect should
be of a miniature rock garden. Dwarf conifers or deciduous
sub-shrubs may also be used to give height and interest.
Remember also to introduce some trailing
plants at the edge of the container, to soften the effect.
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