Alpine Tracks In Rock Garden

It is well known that all alpines are not short annual or perennial subjects, many of the well known and most common forms are. As such they may be grown in the openings in pathways. This is particularly suitable with crazy paving, where the pieces of rock are each creating their own miniature rock garden, providing that there is good drainage under the path.

Where an alpine path is being created, it is not necessary to replace the soil under the path. A better approach is to leave gaps in the grouting and force soil into these gaps. Where there is an established path, carefully remove the cement jointing with a hammer and chisel and replace with sterilized soil.

If you cannot obtain sterilized soil you must ensure that the mixture you put into the openings is free from perennial weeds, specially the stolons of couch grass, as once this becomes established it will intermingle with the roots of the alpine and it will be out of the question to take out the weed without pulling out the good plant as well.

Until the alpine has had an opportunity to cover all of the available space, a very careful watch must be kept for weeds which should be removed immediately. Gaps in pathways attract weed seeds, with any seed landing on the stones being washed into the cracks by the rain. Alpine paths are not for every garden layout.

They are clearly informal and only truly lend themselves to the cottage garden approach, where there is not adequate room for a rock garden or one is considered inappropriate. Alpine plants will break up the effect of stone and large areas may also be covered in such a way to produce a courtyard. This is another approach to the problem of producing a labor-saving garden that retains its individuality.

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