Gardeners in alpine regions may think they are relegated to miniscule succulents tucked between imposing boulders. However, organic gardeners in high altitudes can grow a variety of plants successfully if they familiarize themselves with the environmental challenges that all mountainside gardens face.
Choosing Plants for Alpine Gardens
Organic gardeners should consider buying plants from local nurseries rather than using mail order sources. Although mail order plants may be suitable for the growing area, the hothouse growing conditions in such nurseries may not sufficiently harden off the plants to local growing conditions.
Yarrow, ornamental onion, Jupiter’s beard, and delphinium are some perennials well adapted to mountainous areas with full sun. Shade gardeners can consider leopard’s bane, ligularia, pasque flower, and columbine.
USDA Zone and Growing Season
Organic gardeners can’t choose plants based on USDA zone alone. The USDA growing zone refers to the minimum temperatures experienced in that region, but tells nothing about the length of the typical growing season in that area. Gardeners should consult their local horticultural extension agent to find out if their cool weather vegetables will have time to mature before frost strikes.
Install Planting Terraces
Many mountainous areas are subject to drought, a result of poor soils, scanty rainfall, and steep slopes. Gardeners can reduce the effects of drought by creating terraced areas in the landscape. The artificial shelves in a terrace slow rainwater long enough to give roots a chance to absorb some moisture.
Lawns in Alpine Gardens
The typical clipped grasses that make up a lawn don’t thrive in mountain regions. Instead, gardeners should plant ornamental grasses, whose deep root systems and indifference to drought allow them to survive for many years in high altitudes. Grounds covers like bugleweed, rock cress, and mountain sandwort are worthy lawn alternatives.
Mountain Microclimates
Gardeners who choose plants for their region but still experience failure may achieve a healthier garden by considering microclimates. Marginally hardy plants on north-facing slopes receive more frost and less sunshine than those on southern slopes, causing them to falter. Gardeners who face these conditions can provide extra protection by installing plants near a concrete wall, which absorbs heat and blocks winter winds.
Gardeners at elevations above 3500 feet should avoid plants that are sensitive to sunscald, like hostas and impatiens, as these gardens receive more sun than gardens at sea level. However, the extra sunshine is advantageous to sun lovers like speedwell and thyme.
Soil Amendments
Organic gardeners who wish to grow alpine plants with moderate or high water needs should amend the soil frequently with compost. The rocky soils in mountain regions won’t hold the moisture that plants like lady’s mantle, forget-me-not, and lungwort require. A 3-inch layer of organic mulch will increase water retention and provide a cool root run for sun-sensitive plants as well.
Source:
Colorado State University Extension
Jamie McIntosh - Jamie has written hundreds of garden articles for the web, and is your guide to Flowers on About.com.
