An area beside the existing alpine garden was raised to improve conditions for iconic species such as native buttercups (Ranunculus) and mountain daisies (Celmisia).
These plants need excellent drainage and a loose, cool root run.
At the time, the project felt epic. It dramatically disrupted the heart of the native plant collection as diggers carved up lawn and reshaped it into a mountain-like mound.
Tonnes of rock were incorporated into the build. Using shovels and buckets, we filled pockets and crevices with a specially blended, free-draining soil mix, before finishing the surface with hand-picked stone and screened gravel.
Even with amended soils, growing plants from extreme habitats is a test of what our mild, maritime climate will allow. Cultivating alpines is a specialist pursuit.
Shout out to the dedicated growers with their crevice gardens, plunge beds and tufa tubs; to those inventing gritty potting mixes and managing precise watering regimes; and especially to the careful few who turn their containers a few degrees each day to ensure an even display of flowers.
Plants on the mini mountain do not receive that level of attention. However, within the challenge of managing a large collection, it has become a place to focus extra care. Garden staff are passionate about maintaining high horticultural standards and growing the rare and unusual species that make a botanic garden special.
We continue to refine our approach to make the most of available resources. Concentrating high-needs plants in one area allows surrounding spaces to be managed more efficiently. Mass plantings, generous mulching, grouping plants with similar needs, and teamwork on major tasks all help — but it remains a challenge.
