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alpines in block paving

jspjsp Posts: 59
in Plants

Hi,

I've had an idea for a garden design feature and I'd like ask other users whether they think the plants will like it. 

I've never grown alpines before, having grown up in a very wet location. Now I live with a hot dry garden in Cambridgeshire. One border is so hot that only South African and South American plants survive in it. I'm trying to make a grass-free garden because of allergy issues, and I am on a tightish budget. 

Anyway, I had this thought to lay a sweeping curve of block paving (very cheap) and leave some of the blocks out and fill the holes with alpines. It should be hot dry, and well drained and I thought it might be interesting as I've never done anything like this. 

I just wondered if anyone had any insight into whether this is a good idea from the plants' point of view? There is no risk at all of them sitting wet. 

Thanks!

JSP

 

 

 

Posts

  • GemmaJFGemmaJF Posts: 2,286

    Hi Jennifer, Geoff Hamilton did this between paving stones. Instead of using mortar as grout, he put in soil for alpines and grew them with success.

    It is an idea I intend to use when I put down a patio this year. One would want to make sure it can drain, but I think it could be very successful. Hopefully someone will be along who has tried it and can advise further.

     

  • jspjsp Posts: 59

    Thanks! That's good to know. image That must be where I'm getting it from. I used to watch Geoff Hamilton every week, but it's such a long time ago. 

    I have some alpine seeds in a pot waiting for them to germinate but they're just going fuzzy with fungus and not doing much. Do you think they'd be better in the cold for a slow germination?

    Thanks!

     

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