Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
General Subjects => Alpines => Topic started by: Ragged Robin on August 02, 2009, 05:03:34 PM
-
It seems strange, I know, but I have found it really difficult to post photos of my own rock garden other than the odd thing...maybe because it's all so new and nothing grown specifically from seed and then the constant upheaval of all the building.
Looking at it today, as I do almost every day with a critical eye, I found that at last a pattern is forming that I am pleased with! Now, after the main summer flowering, the structure and bones of the rock garden are showing through in crevices and hummocks hugging the rocks or spilling over to find a spot below.
This is the beginning of a new tapestry of colour and form which was so unknown to me, a small world where you can examine every detail and marvel at the changing colours and spread during the season....
Yes, rock gardening is for me now I'm learning to let its spirit free :)
-
more free spirits...
-
Robin, it is going to be a pleasure for us all to share with you the progress of your new alpine garden. 8)
Perhaps it is your new camera which has inspired you? We're grateful, whatever the reason! ;D
-
I think you're right, Maggi, about my new camera - I love it and am in experimenting mode :) :) :)
-
lots of things starting to settle in and stretch out, coming along already :)
it is nice to have plants with texture and colour that change through the seasons, always something to look at --until its all buried in snow ;) -- but then you get to watch the degrees of burying and degrees of melting at the other end, so more things to look at!
-
Robin,
Missed this when posted initially. A rock garden in the Alps! Now, that's different!
Paddy
-
......until its all buried in snow -- but then you get to watch the degrees of burying and degrees of melting at the other end, so more things to look at!
Well said, Cohan!
It is something that one often hears said by non gardeners " in the winter when the snow falls, my garden looks as good as everyone else's...." NOT SO! If you have a really well planned and well planted garden be it an alpine rock garden or any other kind of decorative garden, then your garden will always look even better than all the others in the snow, because you will have more interesting lumps and bumps to watch , just as Cohan says! 8)
-
The sedums look happy and so does Aplenium trichomanes. With your new camera in experimenting mode would it be possible to get a view of the whole rock garden to give us some idea of the layout and height.
-
??? for some reason I missed this earlier on ...
Nice work Lori - it will be interesting to see how it develops... at least you must have very cheap rock ;D ;D
Oops I meant Robin of course... sorry about that. Thanks for pointing it out Lori :-[ :-[
-
Nice work, Robin, (not Lori). :)
I missed this one too... well done!
-
Thanks to everyone for your encouragement - I will take a few more photos when it stops raining!
-
I know the feeling 'Trench Foot' could be taking hold :( :( :(
-
Shelagh, good descritption :D it's been raining with thunderstorms almost day and night since we got back from high summer temps and dry as a bone weather in Italy(only 4.5 hours away from here!) I'm dying to get back out to but it is so slippery on the slope it makes it rather lethal. Will have to be patient and enjoy other Members' efforts instead (a real tonic when it's dark and grey) ;)
-
This morning at 8.15, european time, I realised that the light was just right....from the balcony terrace the plants in the rock garden below were enjoying the warm rays before the heat of midday.
This summer I have added the next faze on the southern slope digging the meadow grass and trying to break up the dry earth, that in places is rock solid, and create rocky outcrops to stabilise the slope for planting. Each rock was manipulated down the slope and fitted into a ledge cut sloping backwards so that in the snow melt it wouldn't roll down to the next level. Little by little the rock garden has grown and now is planted with plenty of crevice room for alpines and areas for tiny bulbs.
-
Now I have an area for herbs, too, on the sun-baked slope - at last something freshly picked to enjoy!
I'm still feeling my way with plants and trying to find out more about Alpines generally to see what would like to grow here. The hebes help to create structure and I love the bronze coloured one on the cusp of the slope...a few plants put there originally to act as an earth anchor may have to go in the future. Still some plants have shown me this year that they do like their new home and I am pleased with their display..
-
Wow Robin, :o :o :o now you have really put it in perspective with those shots. It is so steep, I think crampons must be the only way to keep your footing, unless you cheat ofcourse and plant if from the steps side. No problems with drainage anyway. Oh and I can't remember which Campanula picture 09 is but beware its a thug.
-
From the top of the new terrace the rock garden follows the steps to the slope and changes with the seasons now and in the Spring a couple of years ago.
From another angle I can see crevices waiting to be filled with plants in the wall, facing east, but already those from the raised bed are beginning to get a foothold and create a tapestry.
The slope is left wild so from late spring to summer there is a meadow full of flowers for butterflies and bees.
-
Shelagh, thanks to your interest I have taken the plunge to show the landscape of my Alpine patch - it was so hard to choose photos from different years but this morning I thought that's it, warts and all!
Thanks for your comment about the campanula will watch it but do love the colour and leaf
-
All around the chalet there are opportunities for planting but the aspects take some consideration. Here I would like to create a spring bulb bed and have already planted some given to me by Tonyg.....do hope they will appear and tell me they are happy.....now the building has been extended it casts more shadow here and the trees (not my choice) dry the soil but somehow wild violets manage to grow in between their roots!
-
Your garden is progressing very well, Robin. I do not envy you your precipitous work area but there is the great benefit of fierce drainage that's for sure!
I also think that the grassy slope is just gorgeous in its "meadow" phase...... a true delight for you and for the wildlife.
Up there I would not worry too much about plants becoming a nuisance.... I think the mountain situation will keep most things in check. Fingers crossed, eh?!!
-
What a wonderful prospect, watching this fledgling mountain slope take shape and colour and form under the intuitive and developing skills of an alpine addict ... we anticipate months and years of reports and images ... :D No ski lifts please, Robin!
-
At the back of the chalet a steep slope goes up to the neighbours wall....a wonderful stand of ferns grows here each year and I have planted small daffodils to see from the chalet windows in the Spring....this slope is damp even in mid summer with water running down from the mountain and I hope to plant Primula and more ferns.
Under the pine tree I would like to grow Cyclamen and have had some thoughts in the Cyclamen thread inspired by what I have seen.
Further down this slope it is rocky and shady but lots of wild campanula and scabious grow here naturally amongst grasses and silene - as it descends I plan to create a shady rockery.
Down the front steps my little patch of England with a lavender walk interplanted with Muscari and Chinodoxia for the first signs of Spring when the snow melts in March.
Just by the blue fir I recently planted a beautiful rose I have not grown before - it is Ghislaine De Feiigonde, a historic climbing rose (apricot colour) that I hope will enjoy sun and part shade in the afternoon...it's scented (the Swiss don't go for scented roses - I thought that was the main delight?) I shall have to protect it until it's established and maybe next year will plant a clematis beside it.
-
Cliff, thanks for your response - i definitely am an addict and the whole concept of developing this alpine garden is an enormous challenge but I do feel I am at last finding my way with all the help and advice from Forum Members - no ski lifts, I promise! 55 steps to carry anything up to the chalet including wood!
-
It does seem unlike me that I haven't made more headway in the garden here but I do have a reasonable excuse!
Since 2005 we have added a new extension and this is what the garden looked like then - working on a the mountain slope requires great skill and dexterity and where there is a will there is a way!
The rocks were enormous, rock hard soil impacted needed a pneumatic drill, everything is brought in by lorries with a difference or helicopter (you can see one above the cement pipe arm)
-
55 steps to carry anything up to the chalet including wood!
Hmmm.... not much wonder a helicopter was needed! Not the sort of thing one can achieve as a "Do-it -yourself" project is it?
I'll need to get into (much) better shape before I can get up those steps for tea on the terrace, Robin :-[ ......I see now the secret of your sevelte appearance! 8)
-
All went well until the Spring the following year we had a leak and in the new part...everything had to dug out by hand at the back.....all went well...the following year we had another leak at the side....everything had to be dug out by hand.....the mountain water is notorious for springing up unannounced but these were fundamental errors with pipe work...
However, now it seems all is solved and we look forward to a leak-proof Spring next year after the snow melt, so my new Alpine Garden can really begin ;D
-
;D ;D ;D
Maggi, would love to give you tea on the terrace...it's worth the climb for the view!
PS Just saw you earlier comment whilst I was posting, thanks for all your support, Maggi...... my Polo shirt is being sent here as I write and I will adorn it for the next phase!
-
Robin,
Can I join for tea on the terrace ???
What a wonderful start you've made to what will undoubtedly be a fantastic rock garden !! :o :o
Mind you, you do have advantages over us "flatlanders" ;D - we have to move half of the garden to have some differences in height... and buying rock costs an arm and a leg :-\ These are not problems you are faced with I guess :P
You've shown that it causes other problems though... ::)
Your slope opens lots of possibilities and I'm green with envy for it.... not for the 55 steps though... ::)
Anyway, as everybody else on this forum I applaud your efforts end growing skills ! I'm sure there will be many more splendid pix shown here... 8)
Thanks for showing !!
-
Anytime Luc, this tea party is growing! Thanks so much for your lovely comments and interest - one thing is certain, the support of the Forum Members has definitely spurred me on!
-
There are two main remits for the SRGC website .....one: to disseminate information about and encourage interest in rock garden and alpine plants and ,
two: to provide a place for members (...new. old and potential!) to exchange views and communicate generally about their plant interests (thus providing a "virtual" Local Group of members where anyone around the world can feel fully a part of the Club).
I rather think that Robin is proving the point of those remits very well, don't you? 8) ::) ;)
-
Maggi, it's so true what you say but I'm only a beginner willing to fly the flag in every sense - see PS in my post to you above!
-
Maggi, it's so true what you say but I'm only a beginner willing to fly the flag in every sense - see PS in my post to you above!
Robin, that's exactly what the "Forum Kit" range needs... a photo of happy Forumist wearing it in lovely Alpine setting!! Who needs Twiggy modelling for M&S, we can have Robin in the Alps! ;D
-
Wow! Green with envy for that slope and the opportunities it presents!
I am so glad you have decided to share all this with us ..... but there is no-where flat for me to pitch the tent when we come avisiting :D
-
Tony, I think you just nail your sleeping bag to the slope and squiddle into it! ;D ::)
-
Tony, welcome....am still laughing at the idea of competing with Twiggy!!!! If you insist on camping you can certainly enjoy starlit nights from the terrace otherwise I suggest B&B chez-nous with hot chocolate in return for expert advice ;D
-
Twiggy eh? ... One would think that Maggi had met Tanya ... who does have the height. And having met both Robin and Tanya I can testify to the family likeness 8)
Book me (& Jacinta?) in for the B&B - we'll let the girls camp on the terrace ;D Do we come for summer sun (and rock gardening) or winter snow? ???
-
Wow, wow, wow, Robin,
You have been busy. What a site! That front lawn is like a ski slope. You certainly had to work hard to make your rock garden. It's funny really - we who live on the flat spend our time trying to create slopes for our alpine plants and here you have an almost vertical one.
I must say the natural meadow planting is simply the most beautiful thing I can imagine.
Please take a booking for tea on the terrace. I would so love to visit this area; it is so beautiful - and there is a great garden there.
Great of you to post the photographs of the garden, loved seeing them, a real treat.
Keep us up to date.
Paddy
-
There are two main remits for the SRGC website .....one: to disseminate information about and encourage interest in rock garden and alpine plants and ,
two: to provide a place for members (...new. old and potential!) to exchange views and communicate generally about their plant interests (thus providing a "virtual" Local Group of members where anyone around the world can feel fully a part of the Club).
I rather think that Robin is proving the point of those remits very well, don't you? 8) ::) ;)
Perfectly so, Maggi
Paddy
-
Book me (& Jacinta?) in for the B&B - we'll let the girls camp on the terrace Do we come for summer sun (and rock gardening) or winter snow?
::) ::) :o You weren't expecting a holiday Tony, were you ??? ;D ;D
-
Paddy, tea and scones on the terrace (as i know you are good at that sort of thing as well as gardening!)with local jam from forest berries.... I think you would enjoy the area it's very interesting and peaceful ::) in fact you could get 'lost in the mountains' here without the Forum ;D
-
Book me (& Jacinta?) in for the B&B - we'll let the girls camp on the terrace Do we come for summer sun (and rock gardening) or winter snow?
::) ::) :o You weren't expecting a holiday Tony, were you ??? ;D ;D
The people I work with would not call my trips to the mountains a holiday .... far too much like hard work!
-
Amazing Robin, you really have made great strides already. I couldn't manage that slope but I do envy you the range of growing conditions, I look forward to seeing the garden mature as it is enlarged. It's far from flat East Anglia :o
-
So Tonyg is really a psudo name for Mountain Goat ;)
-
Brian, thanks for your kind comments.... the slope is quite a feature and takes some getting used to - I go down sideways - rolling rocks down is not exactly a doddle but I'm pleased with the result for the time being :)
Rock Gardening on the flat is another sort of creative challenge ;)
-
It looks absolutely wonderful, Robin!
What is the yellow-flower-spike plant in photo #17?
P.S. If that is Euphorbia cyparissias in photo #13 (or do my eyes deceive me?), a word of caution... it becomes horribly invasive after a few years even here in zone 3... shoots popping up 10' away in all directions, etc..
-
It looks absolutely wonderful, Robin!
What is the yellow-flower-spike plant in photo #17?
Thanks Lori, glad you found the garden interesting, it's verbascum of some sort growing wild here...there are several types one taller than me ;D
P.S. If that is Euphorbia cyparissias in photo #13 (or do my eyes deceive me?), a word of caution... it becomes horribly invasive after a few years even here in zone 3... shoots popping up 10' away in all directions, etc..
It is as you say...will keep an eye on it but nothing seems to go mad here except cotoneaster horizontalis which is everywhere and now banned. The birds like it though :-X
-
So Tonyg is really a psudo name for Mountain Goat ;)
Lets just say I'd be more use as a guide to the high mountain flora than in the garden :)
That Booker chap would be more use when gardening on a cliff ;D
-
Lets just say I'd be more use as a guide to the high mountain flora than in the garden :)
That Booker chap would be more use when gardening on a cliff ;D
Only in the Fall, Tony ... only in the Fall! :D
-
:) :D ;D :) :D ;D
-
Robin,
thanks for the look at your garden and it's construction!
Amazing! It makes our efforts on our slightly sloping block mere child's play!
If we ever get to Switzerland (it's on the list of "100 things to do before you die") we'll be sure to drop around - and try not to drop off the edge!
cheers
fermi
-
Tony, the Colchicum montana you gave me are planted in the area createdd just below the prostrate rosemary on the slope in full sun and good drainage, I tried to plant them deep as you recommended (Alpine-Garden-03 CU) ;)
The Crocus Vernus are planted in the slope beside the new rock garden area in prepared holes two thirds of the way down slope (where it was possible to dig and is less steep!) in full sun and hopefully will spread? (Alpine-Garden-01) ::)
The Tulipa Sprengeri are planted in top of little prepared bed on wall which is more shady (Alpine-Garden-18+19) then the Galanthus in more sun and finally Narcissus bulbocodium v.conspicuus in sunny patch....I can keep and eye on them here and there is no competition so hope to enjoy the Spring display and give them a chance to multiply :)
I'm planning to record those things that I have planted and hopefully will receive some advice from Members and eventually grow more 'special' Alpines in between those that I know grow with no problem as I see them all around in the wild :D
All in all I feel as if I have put one step on the ladder... (not like Martin!)
Thanks for support ..... 8)
-
Fermi, whatever number out of 100 it is our slope/terrace awaits you, thanks for your comments.
-
Robin, what is the dark red Dianthus in the background of "Alpine Garden 07" ?
Do you have seeds of this plant?
-
Thomas - it looks like Dianthus deltoides. I grow this and can testify that a few seeds go a long way!
-
robin, wow! what a delightful spot you have :)
i thought i had a lot of work digging out tree roots and digging up rocks in my old rock garden--at least i dont need helicopters nor risk life and limb to garden ;)
very wonderful to have that slope to work with, and all the lovely stone :)
its looking great already, and it wont be long before the garden is as magical as the place, but you should still have spots to tuck treasures in for some time :)
is the stone all found in situ, or do you have to bring some in from somewhere nearby?
-
Robin, your garden is fantastic. You obviously don't suffer from vertigo.
I can only wonder at how many hours it has taken you to get this far.
Had to laugh at the idea of you rolling rocks down the hill with you rolling sideways, do any ever get away from you?
I really look forward to seeing more pics as the garden develops.
-
I imagine that if a rock ran away out of control some house down the hill would be in for major damage.
Avalanche!
Paddy
-
Cohan, Helen and Paddy, I'm really pleased you all enjoyed seeing my new beginnings with my rock garden in the Alps and thank you for your enthusiastic and amusing comments ;D
Cohan, some of the larger rocks came from the excavation but some brought in from local mountain supply - there is rock everywhere here if you can lift it :o
Helen, some of the rocks did get away but I was careful to be on the top side and only ended up slipping - I tried the pull on crampons which helped a bit but am thinking of investing in running spikes!
Paddy, we do have rock avalanches here which can pose a serious problems, especially on the mountain roads - so one is on the KV when walking ???
I love the variation in the colour and form of the rocks here and have tried to use them to enhance and compliment plantings :) Another plus is that butterflies and lizards think they are the best spots to have a rest and sunbathe!
-
Robin, what is the dark red Dianthus in the background of "Alpine Garden 07" ?
Do you have seeds of this plant?
Thomas, I got the dark red Dianthus from an Alpine section in a nursery and from the mat it is about 6 or so inches high and a gorgeous velvet dark red - will look for label.... :-\ Tony is probably right ::) I'll look and see if some seed is left - I actually broke off most of the stems after flowering :(
Here is a CU of the Dianthus
-
Cracker ofa a Dianthus Robin, and glorious garden. The slope is just amazing.... how you keep anything on there is an accomplishment all by itself. ;D
Thanks for showing us your garden and it's various renovations. 8)
-
Coming on a treat RR, enjoy the process! ;)
-
Paul and Hristo, your own efforts in gardening always interest and inspire me - Evolution of a Crocus Garden and Plants Flowering in an Open Rockery are especially helpful and even though our climates and conditions, and therefore plants, are often so diverse there is always something we have in common - photography and recording included! Thanks for coming by to see the new beginnings 8) :)
-
Thanks Tony and Robin. It was the colour of the Dianthus that caught my eye
and made me think it would look good in my rockgarden :D
-
It would, Thomas, I'll find another photo to give you a better idea of size of the plant - the 'floating' heads are tiny and blood red :)
-
Robin your photos already show the beauty of your plant.
A google search also brought lilac-pink coloured Dianthus deltoides,
is the species really that variable in flowercolour?
-
Dianthus deltoides is indeed very variable in colour, Thomas. My favourite is the rich dark but bright red that is in Robin's garden. This colour also has nice bronzy foliage here.
It is a super plant which I think would look terrific in your garden... it is useful for flowering through the summer. We have it in one or two places, but it is prettiest in our drivway, where it survives difficult conditions, compacted soil, some salt residue from the road, being walked on... etc! A really good plant!
Now for the disappointment.... :P I don't know if I have any seed.... but I will check!
-
Glad you like and grow it too Maggi, felt awful that I had thrown all those seeds away and only have one stalk left :-[ Hope you have some seed for Thomas
Attached a couple of photos to show it growing in situ earlier in the year ('scuse the mess)...would love to see a photo of it in your drive if you have one - I think the idea is terrific 8)
-
Robin, Ian often pictures the driveway in his Bulb Log, though perhaps before the Dianthus is in flower, since it is later and he mostly pictures the bulbs and geraniums...... ::) I'll have a search if poss.
Pics here of west drive with geraniums http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2009Jul081247060860BULB_LOG__2709.pdf
Dianthus are mostly in east drive, now I think about it!..... :-\ .... you can see a few of the Dianthus just beginning in the pic of that further on in that log. :)
-
Thanks for the info, Maggi and Robin.
Don't worry if you don't have seeds.
I can wait another year.....hardly :'(
-
Maggi, I have told so many gardening friends about your rock garden driveways since I saw them in Ian's Bulb log - they are really magnificent and he saw the potential, which most would not have done (hate paved front gardens - totally souless :( ). I suppose the slope here gives me the same random wild feeling, which for me is essential, as it gives such pleasure with the surprise element each year - and who could knock such a lovely tapestry for free with not a lot of heartache to control...I bet it bring loads of butterflies and insects to your garden too ;D
-
Thanks for the info, Maggi and Robin.
Don't worry if you don't have seeds.
I can wait another year.....hardly :'(
So sorry Thomas, next year I'll keep the best for you ;)
-
Thanks Tony and Robin. It was the colour of the Dianthus that caught my eye
and made me think it would look good in my rockgarden :D
I seem to remember you have a hat nearly that colour :P :D
-
Just for the record, in Alpine-Garden-26 photo I showed my recent planting of Ghislaine De Feligonde rose - I can't wait to see it its first flowering as I think it will eventually look spectacular behind the lavender and beside the blue pine (not sure of name) So in anticipation here is a link with all the details:
http://www.ph-rose-gardens.com/01023.htm
On this subject I would like also to dedicate my rose to Forum Member Ghislain, who was so kind when I started out on my Alpine Garden venture early this year and sent me all sorts of photos of his wonderful rockery together with plans of planting 8) Alpines Re:Fleurs de montagnes thread
The winding pathways are still to come and the more natural look in the future, I hope ;D Here is his inspirational website:
http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net/
-
I seem to remember you have a hat nearly that colour :P :D
Oops, and I nearly said 'A robin's breast, too'!!??!! ;D :o ::) :P
-
Keeping abreast of your observations, Cliff, I'd say "close" :-[
-
Robin, Ian often pictures the driveway in his Bulb Log, though perhaps before the Dianthus is in flower, since it is later and he mostly pictures the bulbs and geraniums...... ::) I'll have a search if poss.
Pics here of west drive with geraniums http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2009Jul081247060860BULB_LOG__2709.pdf
Dianthus are mostly in east drive, now I think about it!..... :-\ .... you can see a few of the Dianthus just beginning in the pic of that further on in that log. :)
rboin, i agree, the dianthus is a wonderful colour...
maggi--a treat to see your drive and some of the bulb log---i just dont have time to see everything on the forum, and the bulb log is one spot i just havent visited..will have to rectify that--probably over the winter when i need a break from seeing snow ;)
-
Just as well you have a lot of snow then, Cohan.... the bulb log started in 2003 and has appeared every week since then! 8)
-
Just as well you have a lot of snow then, Cohan.... the bulb log started in 2003 and has appeared every week since then! 8)
lol--no promises i will catch up completely ;) heck--i' still have thousands of my own pics of this summer in various stages of editing/sorting :-[
-
author=cohan link=topic=3952.msg112210#msg112210 date=1254418754]
lol--no promises i will catch up completely ;) heck--i' still have thousands of my own pics of this summer in various stages of editing/sorting :-[
Wow, it's gonna to be a busy winter!! ;D ;D
-
lol--no promises i will catch up completely ;) heck--i' still have thousands of my own pics of this summer in various stages of editing/sorting :-[
[/ quote]
Wow, it's gonna to be a busy winter!! ;D ;D
that it is! and it may be starting soon: supposed to be rain maybe changing to snow tonight, and possibly a couple of cm tomorrow; flurries possible on wed again...
after 32C not long ago (a week?) tomorrow's high is 1, though normal is 15..
this is when you remember that besides being northish, we are at nearly 1000m...
-
Just this week these Colchicum montanum flowered in a new raised bed here. Sisters to the plants you have Robin, planted out only recently ..... have you checked yours today? ;)
-
OOooo they are gorgeous, Tony, not yesterday but will go and have a closer look to see any noses poking up! Trouble is we have had sun, sun, sun....an no rain but I have watered like rain, although not the same I know.
Yesterday bought load more bulbs to plant so busy all day I think ;)
Thanks for your proof things to come 8)
-
Maggi, your driveway is utterly delightful. What a fantastic use of geraniums.
-
Thomas,
The Dianthus deltoides comes in shades from white through to pinks and reds, some with darker eyes etc. I have whites and pinks here, having lost my darker ones. I know that Lesley had a variety called "Steriker" which was a dark red. I think I have the name right? I've posted pics of mine before and had people confirm at the time that it was deltoides and that I haven't got something here under the wrong name (which happens so often here in Aus unless you're buying from specialists)! ::)
-
Robin, You are living in a wonderful place! Alpine gardening there could be full of satisfaction. Thank You for this marvellous thread! I must see a map ::)... Are You far from the Lower Engadine?
-
Hi Kata, so glad you are enjoying this thread. Starting an Alpine rock garden from scratch is quite a challenge and I take a lot of inspiration from the Forum :D
Valais is a really lovely part of French speaking Switzerland which is not so well known as the German part but has so much to offer in walking and Alpine flora and fauna amongst other things.
Looking up Lower Engadine on the map I see it is quite a distance from me - we are near Martigny up at 1200 metres and it is the the most South Westerly point of Switzerland bordering with France (Chamonix) and Italy (Grand St Bernard tunnel) The map attached shows you the distance, I would imagine it's 5+ hours but good route and train links from St Moritz or Chur. If you are ever this way drop me a PM :)
-
Thanks Robin. Yes it's quite a distance. We "used" to go to the Ortles (Italy) which has became one of our favourite alpine-hunting places, and I thought I could see You and Your garden one day. Maybe, on a looong summer day. :)
-
we are near Martigny up at 1200 metres
Oh, Ragged, you have aroused jealousy at me. Now I have before one's eyes this way from Col de la Froclaz to Martigny and these slops overgrowed by grapevine, Rhone Valley and the Barrage de Mauvoisin - the most beautiful place in the Alps.
I envy you, that you have all these places so close.
I thought very long, where in Valais you make your photos but you have given this secret at last away.
-
I thought I could see You and Your garden one day. Maybe, on a looong summer day.
Kata, anytime you have a chance we would be delighted to see you here!
-
Now I have before one's eyes this way from Col de la Froclaz to Martigny and these slops overgrowed by grapevine, Rhone Valley and the Barrage de Mauvoisin - the most beautiful place in the Alps.
Ewelina, yes it is as you describe - so many lovely and endless places to explore. I'm glad you like this area, maybe one day you will come back here? There are plenty of mountains still to climb and hospitality chez nous
-
There are plenty of mountains still to climb and hospitality chez nous
I believe, I come back there.
I still have to visit Berner Oberland. It always chased me with raining weather away.
One time was beautifully I flied then by plane, I have dreamed to come down, in a minute we have landed in rainy Munich.
Perhaps you recognize on my photo your region. It is possible that on the photo links is Martigny? I have sat by one pleasant German. He has explained me all the peaks.
-
Will ask a friend who knows the mountains in the area to look at your photo, thanks for posting a wonderful image.
-
The same region from valley.
Now you recognize certainly.
-
Certainly do! Quite a drop to Martigny from there on the road to Chamonix :o Amazing how they cultivate the vines on such steep slopes.
-
Ragged, if we are by subject Switzerland, tell me, what you make understood in the state of four languages? Do you learn at school all the languages? I have heard from J. Eschmann that German speaking speak good French but don't exist reverse relationship. What is with Italian speaking?
In any case this distinctenss has attracted me very much. I fell in love with this state so much, that I have learned at school all the languages that are in Switzerland.
-
Ewelina, English is my first language and I do speak French, since living here, and I learned a degree of Italian as a student in Italy but German is a language I only touched on at school...I think to speak and appreciate other languages is a great although I am no linguist. Here there is a strong feeling for each of the 4 languages in the different Cantonal regions that make up the Swiss Federation and as such each Canton celebrates with ceremonies and holidays at different times - so here in French speaking Valais when everything is open German speaking Vaud, 15 minutes towards Geneva it could be closed ;D
-
Ach, you aren't native Swiss. In any case you have choosed beautiful place to living.
-
Robin, that is great to see that you made such a nice rock garden.
I am mostly impressed by the wild meadow slope, we can only dream of having a rock garden and an alpine meadow in the same garden. Just fabulous!
It's just because today I saw the new posts in this thread that I found it.
The first posts made when we were on holiday and the next series started just when we were traveling to the Discussion Weekend in Scotland.
I am glad that I found it now accidentally. It's so easy to miss new topic in this wonderful Forum.
Great to see the progress and it makes me curious how plants will have performed next spring.
-
Thanks for your encouraging comments Luit :D
I have to admit it took a lot to actually lay my garden bare as I am a novice Rock Gardener amongst the Experts. However, I am incredibly lucky that Nature, given a chance (and no strimmer), produces wonderful results on the wild slope in front of our chalet and I absolutely love it. Every day the light and weather shows a different aspect to it and it is constantly filled with surprises throughout the seasons.
My rockery is developing and, although there is nothing rare growing in it as yet, I am first of all letting the garden grow and find itself so I can encourage those plants that like it and hope it will soften into the wild slope next year. I have sown quite a lot of seed and planted lots of bulbs and so I too am very much looking forward to the Spring. :D
-
Robin, never stress about rare plants... while there are some of us who are "happy" to spend our time trying to source and grow rare and difficult plants, the biggest single joy in the rock garden and alpine plant world is that there are so many gorgeous little gems that are only too happy to make your garden a beautiful home for themselves.... 8) You already see that in the woods and meadows around your home.... you will be able to develop a garden which will be a real delight to you, over the years and I wish you good health and happiness in it!
-
Maggi, your comments and support in the creation of my fledging rock garden are really appreciated....funny how vulnerable one feels as a gardener when uncertain about what new plants require as they have, so to speak, put their faith in you! It is therefore a great joy to see those responding under ones care and taking over the responsibility of growing in the place chosen for them. As you say, I'm surrounded by wonderful nature in which plants and creatures thrive and my ultimate aim is to create another environment which they can enjoy and can be enjoyed by anyone who pops by :D
-
and can be enjoyed by anyone who pops by
.... hmm, well, given the 55 steps to be climbed by anyone "popping" by, it is perhaps quite urgent to get this restful haven organised sooner rather than later, so the visitors have somewhere to admire as they catch their breath! ;) ;D
-
Will this do, Maggi? Do pop in anytime - the kettle is at the ready...this was in early July ;D
-
Ragged, you live in heaven!
-
Ragged, you live in heaven!
Ewelina,,, there are fewer steps to heaven!! ;D
Robin.... with a verandah and view like that, a garden hardly seems necessary! :)
-
Even in Paradise it's important to have a Garden of Eden to keep one grounded ;D
-
there was (maybe still is, no cable tv out here) a canadian tv show called 'recreating eden' which featured stories about special gardens and their creation and history--usually, though not always, featuring people still living and gardening..
beautiful show, both for the gardens (canadian and international) and the insight into the people-how they started, what the gardens mean to them, etc..
-
you live in heaven!
If heaven looks like this, I want there as soon as possible! ;) ;D
-
After all it is essentially an Alpine Garden so everything has to survive of its own accord but I do worry leaving the garden that is so much a part of life here in the Alps.
So many bulbs have come up this Spring that were planted last year and so they have been a success story so far but I thought this previously when I expected a group to multiply it has remained static or even reduced; it’s all a matter of finding the position and condition that is just right….
-
Narcissus spread better in the rockery than on the bank, competing with fast growing grass, although I do like the natural effect there in the wild with sunlight and views. Snowdrops struggle somewhat but early Crocus are fine in this situation, appearing before the main growth....
-
...and a new Scilla slope is developing into a semi-shaded rockery, though some prefer to be amongst warm stones
-
It seems the early Crocus vernus (given by a Forumist) are happy on the sunny south facing slope and I hope they will multiply here together with Tommies on the next level.
-
Close by, Iris Reticulata Harmony grows on the rock garden dry slope and the situation seems just right as they receive a good underground flow of melt water in the Spring and then baking hot sun in the summer – Later I’m surprised to see the height of leaf spear growth but it bodes well for renewal of the bulb.
-
The butterflies and bees rush to the Eranthis hyemalis and Iris reticulata, some of the first flowers to appear, and then the Muscari latifolium took over in between.
-
This is a first time for Muscari Valerie Finnis, which actually grew snake like leaves last Autumn and then held off flowering until real Spring sunshine forced it to do so – what a thrill it has been to see the flower heads change from tight green tinged blue to blue tinged green and finally dusky powder blue as they matured.
-
Now thickly growing Gladiolus byzantinus is marching down the top of the slope – I thought it had all but disappeared - and above it Muscari neglectum and cowslips that I hope will scatter seed at will but they seem firmly entrenched in the spot where they were planted. Typical that next door violets and cowslips have self seeded and abound before they strim them away!
-
With luck the slope that has Alpine meadow flowers threaded through it, until cut in August, will be even more floriferous this year and full of surprises.
-
Meanwhile it is really pleasing to see that all the bulbs (given by Forumists) in the nursery bed are doing well in leaf and even in tiny first flowering of Narcissus Bulbocodium conspicuous.
-
The new bed of Narcissus Jack Snipe together with Fritillaria uva-vulpis is forging ahead and I do like the combination of these two flowering together. Further beds to be created higher up will act as a backdrop, if they like it there, with cyclamen and snowdrops and the whole area carpeted with Eranthis hyemalis once I have added more humus to the soil close to the fir trees – with which a love hate relationship exists….
-
The love part is that they attract birds of all sorts, particularly important in the bare winter months, the hate part is that they suck moisture out of the soil and are ungainly planted originally as a hedging screen from next door. Still, they and the other evergreens provide some shade from the intense heat of the sun and add texture and new growth to the beginning of the season. These elements exist in the rockery too and I particularly love the different colours and textures of the low growing Hebes.
-
Tulipa tarda in the rockery has been wonderful this year opening and closing to reveal their sunlight yellow centre; a lovely star shape ‘though they seem to have gone over quicker this year. Now it's the turn of the Saxifraga and Phlox, Euphorbia and Sedum to rise from the rockery in cushions and mounds and for Fritillaria meleagris to hold it's snakesheads aloft.
-
First late, real Spring rain has brought out the green in the grasses and a mini meadow of Narcissus poeticus has come up on the terrace below – the perfume is fantastic and hopefully they will spread to give the impression of the wild alpine slopes they cover above Montreux in years to come
-
So much has happened in this short space of early Spring and there is so much more to come that I will have to imagine…. and now I look at the seeds that have germinated (collected Forumists) and I wonder whether to try and tide them over in a damp spot with morning sun behind the chalet but cannot bear the thought that they may not survive – so there’s the dilemma…what to do for the best?
-
So much has happened in this short space of early Spring and there is so much more to come that I will have to imagine…. and now I look at the seeds that have germinated (collected Forumists) and I wonder whether to try and tide them over in a damp spot with morning sun behind the chalet but cannot bear the thought that they may not survive – so there’s the dilemma…what to do for the best?
great to see the lovely spring flowers starting to spread :)
do you have any way to cover those seed pots while you are away? a sheet of glass or plastic over top, something to enclose sides like a plastic bin or even cardboard box .. or individual plastic baggies with one or two pots in each..almost all of my outdoor pots are enclosed, no way i could be sure of keeping them moist otherwise; some i have opened, but they still dry much more slowly than if fully exposed...
-
Cohan, thanks for your extensive advice that I will try next time - some of the seeds are in a sheltered spot that's shady and moist and I hope will catch any rain - someone is going to check and water occasionally if it is very dry - but in the end I took the most forward seedlings with me so they are well travelled but happy being looked after and watched daily. I also sowed some of the seed in the rockery and about the place so I have spread the chances of survival of the fittest :)
-
Great to see so many flowers! The Tulipa tarda are superb, the exposure keeps them nice and compact. Always a treat to see Narcissus poeticus, my favourite bulbous plant. ( :o) Our dry soil does not suit it :(
It sounds like you have things under control with the seedlings, shady and getting the rain will give them the best chance. Sowing some seed direct is a good insurance policy. I have been known to take plants with me to Wales (before we had the girls), crocus mostly, not wanting to miss the fleeting flowers. Taking seedlings ... and so far ... is a new level of dedication :) Mind you folk used to think I was slightly mad ;)
Hope you have a good time on your travels. We're off to test the tent tomorrow night ..... still a bit chillly so we'll be packing hot water bottle and extra layers and leaving the plants behind this time :D
-
Thanks for your encouragement Tony....Spring was so slow to arrive this year and the rockery was only really just beginning to revive which is why i'm so pleased with the early flowering bulbs bringing a smile to the garden. It still looks so bare to me but there are quite a few plants establishing themselves inbetween the rocks and I hope to add more to those that survived so they eventually form a tapestry :D Have a good holiday camping - you are keen!
-
Robin, your garden is coming along so well and with all those seedlings it will be getting filled up really quickly. It looks like most of your plants are settling in very well.... well, in a setting like that, they should do , shouldn't they? ;D
-
So pleased you had time to have a look Maggi and 'yes' I'm really pleased to have germinated some wild Alpine seedlings - I just hope they grow on to hold their own in the Rockery - at that point i will be looking for advice from the experts :)