Describe choice of container, the characteristics and preparation of the growing medium, and the routine maintenance required for an alpine or rock garden display in containers.

To include growing media requirements (free draining, good aeration, ability to hold moisture, appropriate pH, low nutrient content, free of weeds, pests and diseases); factors affecting choice of container/sink, trough; planting methods and routine maintenance to include trimming, mulching with grit, weeding, winter protection; control of ONE relevant pest and ONE disease for these situations.

PLANTING A CONTAINER ROCK GARDEN Choice of container – characteristics and preparation of growing medium, routine maintenance in containers:

Choice of containers and planting a trough or container for alpine or rock plants: Alpines and rock garden plants look particularly attractive when grown in troughs and sinks, and this containerised method is a great idea for gardeners with limited space or time; Whilst stone sinks and animal troughs may be the most traditional materials, these now tend to be expensive and hard to find; These days, large terracotta pots and tubs, troughs made from reconstituted stone or glazed sinks coated in hypertufa are more commonly used; Whatever material you choose – make sure that it is frost-proof and has enough drainage holes to ensure a free flow of water through the compost.

Positioning the container: Take some time to consider where you want to position your container – once filled, they are difficult to move. Most plants prefer an open site that receives sun for at least part of the day, but protected from winds; You may also find it useful to place them as near to a tap or hosepipe as possible; Containers should be raised off the ground by about 45 cm (18 in) to allow water to drain away easily and the plants to be seen comfortably; This may be achieved by placing brick or stone pillars at the corners; If your sink or trough contains just one drainage hole, make sure that you angle it slightly with small slivers of stone so that the hole is at the lowest point.

Filling the container: Place a layer of fine-mesh netting over the base of the container, and then add in some crocks to cover the drainage holes; Add a 7-10 cm (3-4 in) layer of coarse grit or stone chippings; Add a layer of fibrous peat substitute (or peat) or inverted, thinly cut turf; Mix in some slow-release fertilizer to the correct soil medium for your plants; most prefer a mixture of 2 parts standard potting compost to 1 part stone chippings; Take a look at the above soil recipes for moisture-sensitive, acid-loving or specialist alpines; Partially fill the trough with compost and firm gently.

Adding the rocks: Rocks may be placed in the container to give height and allow a greater depth of compost. Crevices and niches in the rocks may also be used to support plants, especially if hard tufa is used. Roots will spread into the porous rock, which retains water and is well aerated; If you intend to grow your plants in tufa, make holes (using a hammer and chisel or a drill) 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter, 5-7 cm (2-3 in) deep and no less than 10-12 cm (4-5 in) apart. They should be drilled vertically downwards on horizontal surfaces and angled at 30-45° on vertical or sloping faces. Soak the tufa in water overnight before positioning in trough; Position your rocks in the container, burying about a third to a half their height in the compost to ensure they remain stable; Place the rocks so that they form niches and crevices and provide both sunny and shaded faces to suit different plants; Continue to fill the trough with the compost mix, levelling it around the rocks. Finish about 5 cm below the top of the trough to allow you enough room to add a top layer of gravel; Insert a little sharp sand into each tufa hole and add some compost; Water the container thoroughly and leave to drain completely before planting.

Planting up: Rocks may be placed in the container to give height and allow a greater depth of compost. Crevices and niches in the rocks may also be used to support plants, especially if hard tufa is used. Roots will spread into the porous rock, which retains water and is well aerated; If you intend to grow your plants in tufa, make holes (using a hammer and chisel or a drill) 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter, 5-7 cm (2-3 in) deep and no less than 10-12 cm (4-5 in) apart. They should be drilled vertically downwards on horizontal surfaces and angled at 30-45° on vertical or sloping faces. Soak the tufa in water overnight before positioning in trough; Position your rocks in the container, burying about a third to a half their height in the compost to ensure they remain stable; Place the rocks so that they form niches and crevices and provide both sunny and shaded faces to suit different plants; Continue to fill the trough with the compost mix, levelling it around the rocks. Finish about 5 cm below the top of the trough to allow you enough room to add a top layer of gravel; Insert a little sharp sand into each tufa hole and add some compost; Water the container thoroughly and leave to drain completely before planting.

MAINTAINING A CONTAINER ROCK GARDEN See MAINTAINING A ROCK GARDEN

MISSING EXAMPLES GIVE_EXAMPLES [1] (PEST): pest

MISSING EXAMPLES GIVE_EXAMPLES [1] (DISEASE): disease