Use upturned turves on top of the mound, laid grassy side down. Then add a layer of sandy soil, to a depth of about 30cm (12in), over the top of the turves; these prevent the soil from slipping down amongst the rocks. Then, using string and pegs, mark out where you want each outcrop of rock.
Once the soil is well-firmed, use a spade or a trowel to dig out a hole for each rock; this keeps the rocks securely embedded so they won’t shift even in heavy rain.
The Rock Garden Is Alive…
If you have ever dreamed of Sound of Music landscapes, then create your own! A garden mountain range might not be possible, but you may have space for your very own rock garden. So what do you need to do?
You’ll need to choose a fairly sunny spot, ideally away from overhanging deciduous trees – most alpine plants like a fair bit of light and detest becoming clogged up with deteriorating leaves.
Even if space is limited, make the rock garden on as large a scale as possible, for more impact and planting opportunities, and a more realistic feel. If possible include gullies running down the rock garden, perhaps ending in a pond or pool, by arranging rocks so that water can over or between them. Where the water runs beneath rocks (rather
the over them) you should use guttering or drainage pipes that are hidden by soil or rock outcrops.
Old chunks of concrete will just look like a rubble pile with plants!
Get yourself a good selection of rock from local or mail-order suppliers and don’t be tempted to use old chunks of concrete – the end result will look like a rubble pile with plants!
Use a pile of rubble or broken bricks to create the classic mound shape – this will be hidden by the good-looking rocks. The rubble pile also ensures good drainage; alpines typically hate being too wet.
Use smaller bits of stone beneath the rocks to wedge them firmly. Add more soil over these bits of stone and then more soil between the rocks when they are in position. Water well to settle the soil, topping up if necessary.
Alpine plants are available in nurseries and garden centres now, but just choose a few – buying more throughout next spring and summer will give you an array of alpines to provide flowers and interest throughout most of the year.
Arrange your plants, still in their pots, on the surface of the soil. When you are happy with how they look, use a trowel to make a planting hole, then remove the pot, pop the plant in the hole, and fill in around it with some compost. When you have finished planting you can top-dress the soil surface with good-looking horticultural grit or gravel.
By Pippa Greenwood
Visit Pippa’s website
www.pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening items: Nemaslug and controls to sort out lawn infestations and other great natural pest controls, stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, planters, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club?
56
Speak a New Language in 10 weeks!
French, Spanish, German, Italian. Beginners to Advanced. Relaxed, no pressure, no exams. Focus on communication. In our centre on Great King Street. Places limited. Book today: Call 07825 597056 or visit website
www.speakoutwithconfidence.com safe
225674 GAS
TM REGISTER
CORSTORPHINE GAS & PLUMBING
rmi
SCOTT LENNEN Heating Engineer 3/3 Manse Street Corstorphine
Edinburgh EH12 7TR 07884 017577
Central Heating and Gas Appliances Repairs, Servicing and Installations Landlord’s Certificates
Power Flushing, All Plumbing Work 24 Hour Emergency Call Out
Repair . Maintain . Install All work carried out by Ex-Scottish Gas Service Technician 57
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35
