Alpines and Heathers

Aubrieta 'Purity' (Snowmaiden)

Alpines plants are cultivated varieties of wild plants and flowers, so-named bacause their natural habitat is in high mountainous areas of the world, above the tree line and approaching the snow line. Dwarf-growing, they are considered by many gardeners to be amongst the world's most beautiful plants.

Alpines are particularly versatile, and prove ever-popular due to their drought tolerant and hence low maintenance properties.

Alpine plants are ideal in planters, troughs and patio containers. Alpines are also well suited to gravel gardens or in an area of the garden especially dedicated to alpines. They prefer well-drained soil conditions and are suited to raised beds.

Alpine plants like acidic or peaty soil and dislike fertiliser.

Heathers are the most hardy of the evergreen shrubs, prized for their bell shaped flowers as well as their attractive foliage.

Available in a choice of summer and winter flowering, heathers provide good ground cover with other plants or arranged in groups on their own. By choosing varieties of contrasting colours and different flowering times they can provide year-round interest.

Heathers work particularly well in small gardens and rockeries.

Although heathers are tolerant of many soil types, as with alpines heathers prefer peaty acid soils and will thrive best in an open, sunny spot.

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