gardeners' world

It's not too late to plant up an instant patio display, and nothing could be simpler, quicker or cheaper than this dish of hardy, succulent alpines

It's not too late to plant up an instant patio display, and nothing could be simpler, quicker or cheaper than this dish of hardy, succulent alpines

1. Choose a shallow dish for your alpine display

If it doesn't already have drainage holes in the base, make some with a tile drill bit.

Reproduced from the August 09 issue of Gardeners' World magazine. This month's issue on sale now. Visit the Gardeners' World magazine site for more top tips
2. Create a bed

Standard potting compost retains too much moisture, so mix a loam-based one, such as John Inness No.3, 50:50 with grit for good drainage.
3. Position

Position your houseleeks or other alpine plants evenly over the surface of the compost, leaving space for plants to grow and spread.
4. Break away excess rootballs

The plants' rootballs may be too deep for the dish, in which case, break some away. This won't harm the plant as new roots will develop.
5. Plant

Plant the individual rosettes so that the crowns sit just proud of the compost, then tuck a collar of grit under and around each for drainage.
6. Fill gaps

Use tiny offsets that develop around older plants to fill gaps. Tease them away with some roots attached and settle into the compost.
7. Finish

Finish by spreading a thin layer of gravel or grit over the surface of the compost. This not only looks great but helps conserve moisture.
8. Care

Water well after planting to settle the compost around the rootball of each plant. The dish will then need very little attention other than an occasional watering if there's no rain. Houseleeks are very drought-tolerant, surviving long periods without water, making them perfect for displays on hot and sunny patios.