Growing Interest In Alpine Gardens

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30196, 30 July 1963, Page 11

Growing Interest In Alpine Gardens

One of the future highlights of the Canterbury Museum will be the garden court which is at present nearing completion. The display of plants at present being arranged by members of the Canterbury Alpine Garden Society will turn the thoughts of many visitors to the prospect of rock gardening.

The rock garden is continually increasing in popularity, and the Canterbury Horticultural Society has recognised this in adding a new section to its prize list—a category for rock gardens of 20 square yards and under. A gardener considering rock gardening should realise that a great deal of work is demanded for the great pleasure to be obtained. Rock gardening is gardening in miniature, and as many as 200 varied plants can be included in a garden only 12ft square.

Mr S. Challenger, lecturer in horticulture at Lincoln College, gave many valuable pointers on rock garden construction at a Canterbury conference of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. As well as the more landscaped garden, he drew attention to the trough cultivation of rock garden or alpine plants. These can be constructed in concrete, or with flat stones cemented together on a slab to make a hollow container. This trough can be used as a feature in a courtyard, beside a door or steps, or anywhere not too Sunny where it can be frequently seen and admired. Soil is no problem, except in areas where it is naturally heavy. The light, silty soil

which is found in most parts of Canterbury is ideal, mixed with a little grit and superprosphate.