In the mountain zone, plants are subjected to very specific climatic conditions due to the altitude. Temperatures are very low in winter with many months of snow, violent winds and frosts over a very long period from early fall to late spring. The growth period of the plants is therefore shortened and the plants installed must be resistant. You want to reproduce this type of garden at home? Then follow our advice...
Structure of the mountain garden
A mountain garden is a well-drained garden, with stony soil that slopes slightly to prevent water from stagnating at the feet of the plants and to encourage the formation of puddles that are dangerous to the plants' root systems in case of frost.
The rock is very present in this type of garden: the stocky and colorful plants grow between large stones that store the heat of the day and release it at night.
Create gentle undulations to keep a very natural look to your composition, no need to make big differences in levels between the different floors: harmony must prevail. You can add a touch of softness by having a stream meander through the center of your composition and even include a small waterfall that will delight you with its gentle rustle and create movement in the scene.
Working the soil
Beware, a mountain garden is composed of very particular plants able to resist the cold, they are mostly stocky and compact. No fertilizer is needed in this type of garden, on the contrary, a contribution too rich in nitrogen or chemical fertilizer would not be adapted to this type of vegetation. Only a contribution of compost could be considered at the foot of the most greedy plants.
In order to create a very natural decor, do not use pesticides. These products are dangerous for health and the environment, and are also enemies of biodiversity. A good balance is always preferable, your garden will be more alive and will become a sanctuary for butterflies, bees and birds.
The choice of plants
Creating a mountain garden does not mean plundering nature: do not take your plants from your walks in the mountains, on the one hand some species are protected and on the other hand, they would have a hard time adapting to the very different conditions that exist in your garden, especially if it is in the plains, or even worse, in the Mediterranean zone.
Choose plants according to your climate. The only criteria to respect is that the plants must be stocky, colorful and resistant because this type of garden requires little maintenance.
Alysses and Arabis will be perfect to cover the riprap with their multitude of small flowers. Also Aubrietes, Campanulas, Carnations and Phlox will fit in perfectly in such a garden. Think also of violets, ferns and crocuses which will take advantage of the crevices between the rocks to settle there durably. A few clumps of hemerocallis can also be of great effect to frame your composition.
In warmer areas, you can integrate sedums, sea cineraria or even santolina and lavender for their powerful perfumes.
In mountainous areas, you can dare Edelweiss, gentian and foxglove.
