Thanks so much for all the advice. I will look at gravel for sure. Have just been out weeding again this afternoon and it looks great again so will look at gravel this week and see what there is and cost it all. Can't wait to start planting it all up.
Two last questions though if I may? Would you plant up first or gravel over first? Also, when would be best to get plants in? Now or in the spring?
You can do either -plant first then mulch with gravel, or put down the gravel and then when you come to put in a plant, scrape the gravel back, plant the plant and then push the gravel back around it.
Generally speaking, autumn is a good time for planting but don't have a lot of experience with alpines so there might be exceptions. And in practice it will depend on when you can get the plants you want.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
Having grown a large number of Alpines over the years I would tend to plant in Spring rather than now. That also gives you time to find the ones you like.
The cheapest place we found near us for Gravel is B&M. 10 mm to 12mm is the easiest to get hold of at a reasonable price. For an area like the one here you would probably need 3 to 4 bags to give it a good depth of coverage.
Shame is that half inch Limestone gravel is not easy to come by as that would be more in keeping with the Limestone rocks.
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Two last questions though if I may? Would you plant up first or gravel over first? Also, when would be best to get plants in? Now or in the spring?
Thanks again for all the help 🙂
Rachel
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/alpines/growing-guide
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=838