Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Cultivation => Cultivation Problems => Topic started by: Lars S on September 13, 2008, 07:06:56 PM

Title: Trough problem
Post by: Lars S on September 13, 2008, 07:06:56 PM
I have made my first cement trough following the recipe in Ians bulb log (1/2008). It all went well but, I underestimated the amount of cement needed so I ended up with a much more shallow trough than I intended (about 5-6 cm). So, my question is: What can I plant in such a shallow trough ?

I suppose that I can build up some kind of "mountain" with pieces of slab or something and thus improve the depth of the soil a little but the trough will still be deep frozen in winter. I can add that I initially intended to plant androsaces and other alpines in the trough.

Lars
Stockholm/Sweden
Title: Re: Trough problem
Post by: David Shaw on September 13, 2008, 10:50:21 PM
Lars, not sure about in Stockholm but here I would use a shallow trough for saxifrages, sempervivums, sedums or other similar shallow rooted genus. These are generally hardy and will survive freezing solid for short periods in the Inverness area of Scotland.
Title: Re: Trough problem
Post by: Lars S on September 14, 2008, 09:18:08 AM
Thank´s David,
The weather is not easily predicted these days but we normallys get lenghty periods with several degrees below zero during winter. I´ll try with saxifrages etc. and make sure to buy more cement next time ...

Lars
Title: Re: Trough problem
Post by: Maggi Young on September 14, 2008, 10:02:39 PM
Lars, I suggest you keep an eye out for the next Bulb Log! 8)
Title: Re: Trough problem
Post by: Lars S on September 15, 2008, 09:14:05 AM
OK Maggi, I´ll do that


Lars
Title: Re: Trough problem
Post by: Katherine J on September 15, 2008, 12:08:10 PM
Lars, I have some 6 cm deep "troughs" (in fact ceramic Römertopfs  ;D) planted with Sempervivums, Sedums, Saxifrages, Raoulia australis, Androsace sarmentosa. Here also are severe and long lasting frosts in winter. I put them in a box filled with woodchips under a roof where they are free from rain, and they do very well.
Title: Re: Trough problem
Post by: Lars S on September 15, 2008, 04:34:31 PM
Katherine,

That sounds promising.

In fact the Stockholm area usually isn´t that cold in winter since it´s close to the Baltic sea. I think you´re right that it is important to put the trough in reasonably dry spot during winter.

Lars
Title: Re: Trough problem
Post by: mark smyth on September 15, 2008, 07:27:45 PM
I use a bucket for working out my quantities
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