Choosing your plants When choosing plants, most will be expected to be low growing. The ultimate spread will also vary and many can grow to cover several square metres. Choose the plants carefully or these can swamp the less invasive types.

Soil preparation
On heavy or wet soils add liberal amounts of sharp sand or grit. This will improve drainage and prevent the plants rotting during periods of heavy rain.

Weeds
Weeds are the alpine’s number one enemy and once they become established they are very hard to get rid of. Clear the ground completely of weeds such as ground elder, couch grass, bindweed, docks, dandelions etc.

Watering and Feeding If it is very dry while the plants are establishing water around the edge of the plant. Alpines like a feed with a general fertilizer in mid spring and this should supply all they require for the year.

Moisture Retention Applying a layer of rock chips, grit sand or fine gravel over the soil looks more natural and aids the retention of moisture.